Fly for free this summer vacation with these “3 Must-Visit Hot Air Balloon Festivals”!

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Summer is the perfect time to take to the skies in a colorful and adorable hot air balloon for an aerial adventure. The hot air balloon craze is sweeping across Taiwan. ETNEWS Travel has compiled the top 3 hot air balloon festivals you must visit this summer. Take to the skies during the holidays and enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful land from above.

▲ Shimen Reservoir Hot Air Balloon Festival. (Photo / Provided by Taoyuan City Government Tourism Bureau)

1. Taoyuan — Shimen Reservoir Hot Air Balloon Festival
The earliest hot air balloon festival of the year takes place at Shimen Reservoir in Taoyuan. From the 17th to the 25th, visitors can get up close to the balloons or even experience tethered flights. Organizers say this year will feature Star Wars-themed balloons, including a 26-meter-tall Darth Vader and a 19-meter-tall Yoda — both must-see highlights. Additionally, nighttime light shows with concerts are planned on weekends, offering visitors different charms throughout the day and night.

▲ Enjoying a hot air balloon ride at Qingqing Grassland. (Photo / Screenshot from the “Slide, Hot Air Balloon, Qingqing Grassland, Summer Vacation” fan page)

2. Hsinchu — Qingqing Grassland Hot Air Balloon Festival
Following last year’s success, Hsinchu City Government is once again hosting a hot air balloon festival at Qingqing Grassland. On July 29th and 30th, balloons will take off at 5:30 AM, with opportunities for visitors to queue up and enjoy free rides. Soar above and admire the stunning blue coastline of Northern Taiwan.

In addition to hot air balloon rides, Qingqing Grassland also features the longest terrazzo slide in Northern Taiwan, providing fun for families.

▲ Taitung’s hot air balloon light show is a favorite among travelers. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

3. Taitung — Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival
After seven years, Taitung has become a world-renowned “Hot Air Balloon Capital.” This year’s Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival kicks off on June 30th and runs until August 6th. This year, it's expected that the Oh Bear Leader hot air balloon will make an appearance at Luye Plateau. The highlight event, the “Nighttime Hot Air Balloon Light Show Concert,” will travel across Taitung, allowing visitors to enjoy romantic light displays while welcoming the sunrise.

Following the huge success of Taitung’s hot air balloon festival pop-up in Kaohsiung last year, the first light show concert of this year’s festival will be held in Taipei. On June 10th at 7 PM, it will take place at the National Theater and Concert Hall in Liberty Square, and is open to the public for free.