Kenting International Airship Hot Air Balloon Festival to showcase the nation’s first manned airship

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive report

The “2014 Kenting International Airship Hot Air Balloon Festival” will take place from July 5 to August 31 at Kenting Xiaokenting Resort in Manzhou Township, featuring the nation’s first manned hot air airship and the world’s first replica of a classic hot air balloon. It pioneers Taiwan’s first carnival combining hot air balloons with aviation sports, heralding the launch of Kenting’s 3D land-sea-air tourism experience.


▲ This is the first time the airship hot air balloon event is held in Pingtung. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

This is the first time the airship hot air balloon event is held in Pingtung. To ensure visitors can safely enjoy the thrill of high-altitude experiences, the organizers applied to the Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for approval of a legal airspace and received support from the Nanren Lake Group to transform Xiaokenting Resort into a hot air balloon carnival zone. As soon as the event was announced online, it attracted considerable public attention and inquiries.

Organizers noted that there are not many hot air airships in the world. For this event, Taiwan’s very first hot air airship has been specially brought in to perform free-flight demonstrations, along with seven hot air balloons on display—including the world’s first replica of a classic hot air balloon. Its elegant and beautiful design is sure to add splendor to Kenting’s skies.

During the two-month event, the public can experience tethered hot air balloon rides and fire-spouting performances, or step inside a walk-in hot air balloon for an up-close exploration. There will also be three sessions of a children’s hot air balloon summer camp to satisfy kids’ curiosity and dreams about hot air balloons. The organizers have also planned hot air balloon launch shows, photography contests, hot air balloon marriage proposals, model aircraft flight performances, powered paragliding shows, kite flying displays, and nighttime samba parades. Surrounding attractions include a hot air balloon-themed pavilion, specialty goods market, inflatable fun castle, interactive arcade games, and water balloon battles—offering a rich and exciting experience.

To give back to the residents of Pingtung, the organizers will offer free entry to residents of Hengchun Township, Manzhou Township, Checheng Township, and Mudan Township from July 1 to July 5 upon presenting their ID cards, allowing them to be among the first to experience the event. The first four days also offer the chance to ride a hot air balloon. Everyone is welcome to join. For event details, please visit the Kenting International Airship Hot Air Balloon Festival website:www.kentingballoon.comor its Facebook fan page:https://www.facebook.com/kentingballoon.