Taiwan’s largest “2014 Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival” takes to the skies in Taitung on May 30

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The annual Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival has become one of the “Top Ten Hot Air Balloon Events in the World” and will take flight on May 30. Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting held a press conference today (22nd), announcingThe “2014 Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival,” the longest-running event of its kind globally and the largest in Taiwan, will dazzle from May 30 to August 10 in Taitung. The hot air balloon passenger flights and aerial guided tours will also officially begin on June 14.


▲ This year marks the fourth edition of the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival, which will kick off at the end of May. (Photo / File photo, provided by Taitung County Government)

The Taitung County Government stated that Taiwan’s only hot air balloon passenger flights operate in good weather conditions during both early mornings and evenings daily, offering visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the East Rift Valley.The “2014 Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival” features nine licensed hot air balloons and ten pilots. At today’s press conference, the Taitung County Government specially displayed “Taiwan’s First Ever Hot Air Balloon,” adorned with patterns reflecting the indigenous culture of Taitung.

 
▲ Last year’s hot air balloons came in various designs, including one styled like jeans; Taiwan’s first-ever hot air balloon holds special significance. (Left photo / File photo, provided by Taitung County Government; right photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

This year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival will include not only balloon tethering experiences, light and music shows, grassland singing performances, aerial flight displays, and food and cultural creative streets, but also more diverse outdoor activities. For the first time, a Hot Air Balloon Walk-in experience is offered for just NT$100 per person to explore the secrets of hot air balloons, along with grass sledding and a local Taitung-themed children's game area where visitors can try out indigenous bamboo cannons, archery, and weaving. Additionally, during the festival period, a variety of related events will be held at Taitung City’s international charm spots: the Hot Air Balloon Painting Festival (June to August), the Foehn Band Music Festival (late July to late August), and the Taitung Picnic Lifestyle Festival (late June to mid-September), adding even more diversity to the celebration.

Regarding transportation,During the Hot Air Balloon Festival period, all Taiwan Railways trains will make additional stops at Luye Station, and taxi-sharing and friendly driver tour transport services will be offered.This year also marks the first implementation of shuttle buses within the festival grounds, helping alleviate crowds and traffic. The festival has also specially partnered with hotels to launch the “June Lovebirds Double Stay, Double Fly” campaign — guests who stay for two consecutive nights in June at any of the partner hotels (Naluwan Grand Hotel, Luming Hot Spring Hotel, Chihpen Laurels Hotel, Fuyeh Hot Spring Resort, and Rihpy International Resort) will receive a free hot air balloon tethering experience. Paid reservation-based shuttle buses for the “Zhiben Line” and “Chihyi Line” are also available, providing greater convenience and affordability for visitors staying at participating “Friendly Alliance” accommodations in Taitung.