A yellow thumbtack on the nose? The bizarre "Green Monster" makes its debut at the Hot Air Balloon Festival

▲Hot air balloons take flight daily at Luye Gaotai in Taitung, and the uniquely designed "Green Monster" is the newest guest. (Photo / Taken fromTaiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival - Taiwan Balloon Festivalofficial Facebook)

By Chen Ziying / Staff reporter

The ongoing "Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival" in Taitung has sparked a hot air balloon chasing craze among both domestic and international travelers, with organizers continually introducing uniquely shaped and eye-catching balloons. One of the latest arrivals at Luye Gaotai—the "Green Monster"—has drawn attention for its yellow nose, which netizens have likened to a thumbtack, making it look both quirky and adorable.


▲The amusing-looking "Green Monster" is said to have a nose like a thumbtack. (Photo / Taken fromTaiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival - Taiwan Balloon Festivalofficial Facebook)

Organizers said the "Green Monster" is making its first appearance in Asia and will be displayed at Luye Gaotai from July 9 to 23. This year, in addition to opening acts like the Black Knight, cute little daisy balloon, hilarious Lucky Pants, and Girl Balloon, the international-shaped balloons have consistently amazed visitors. Organizers have also thoughtfully released a "Balloon Chase Calendar" to help travelers plan their visits based on their favorite balloon designs.

The "2014 Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival," organized annually by Taitung County Government, not only features standard hot air balloon "tethered rides" (where balloons are fixed to ropes for stationary ascending and descending), but also offers Taiwan’s only "free flight" experience (where balloons float slowly in the air, providing a 360-degree view of the ground), allowing these balloons to be not just photogenic but also giving travelers the chance to soar above the East Rift Valley with them.

※ The "2014 Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival" will continue displaying hot air balloons at Luye Gaotai in Taitung from May 30 to August 10. For the schedule of each balloon design, please check the official website’s "Hot Air Balloon Chase Calendar" or visit the Facebook page "Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival - Taiwan Balloon Festival."