Breaking News: Taitung Hot Air Balloons Deflated by Strong Winds, But Spectacular Light Show Still Dazzles at Opening Ceremony

The Taitung Hot Air Balloon Light and Music Opening Ceremony initially heated up the atmosphere when the first balloon, numbered B00001 and nicknamed the “Taitung Ball,” was raised. Soon after, the second balloon, numbered B00003 or the “Love Ball,” was also lifted. The ceremony featured performances by the Baobao Drum Group and Lanxin Band from the Bai Shou Lian Tribe in Xibilian, accompanied by the presence of Minister of Transportation Yeh Kuang-shih and Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting, who officially inaugurated the event. However, due to sudden strong winds, both balloons quickly collapsed to the ground.

Although the light and music show proceeded without the balloons, the crowd still cheered when Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting personally sang a newly arranged version of the song “Let’s Go to Taitung.” Minister Yeh Kuang-shih also noted that Taitung was the first place in Taiwan to legally introduce a hot air balloon back in 2011 (the 100th year of the Republic of China), prompting the Civil Aeronautics Administration to amend regulations to accommodate such tourism growth. He praised Taitung’s strategic and well-rooted approach to tourism development. Huang added that over the past three years, the hot air balloon events have drawn 2 million visitors and generated NT$4 billion in business opportunities. Last year, Taitung not only launched the first free-flight hot air balloon experience in Taiwan but also performed its first international flight in Canberra, Australia, truly taking to the global stage.

Huang further explained,this year, the number of locally operated hot air balloons in Taitung has increased to nine, with ten local pilots trained. Free-flight activities will kick off on June 14 and will become a regular event. As long as weather permits, visitors can fly over the Taitung Valley in a hot air balloon every day.


▲ Even before sunset, nearly a thousand visitors had gathered at Taitung Riverside Park to await the opening ceremony. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

※ The 73-day "Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta" in Taitung runs from May 30 to August 10, making it the longest-running and largest hot air balloon event in Taiwan and the world. Starting May 31, hot air balloon activities will move to Luye Gaotai, with free-flight experiences beginning on June 14 over the Taitung Valley.