Taitung hot air balloons take to the skies in record 14-balloon simultaneous flight; free flights extended to end of September

▲ Taitung hot air balloons took to the skies in a record 14-balloon simultaneous flight on the 29th. (Photo / Facebook page of Taitung County Government Tourism Department)

Intern Reporter Huang Wanting / Comprehensive Report

The Hot Air Balloon Festival is a summer highlight in Luye, Taitung. On the 29th, 14 hot air balloons took part in a free flight event for the first time, setting a new record for the largest number of simultaneously flying balloons in Taiwan’s skies. Due to the overwhelming positive response to the free flight activities, and although the Hot Air Balloon Festival is nearing its close, Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting announced that the “Hot Air Balloon Free Flight Aerial Tour” will be extended until September 30th to allow more people to experience the beauty of hot air balloon flights.

Following the excitement generated by the light show event, the organizers hoped to maintain the momentum with creatively shaped balloons such as cake balls, Angry Birds, Darth Vader, and upside-down balloons. Then, at 5 a.m. on the 29th, the Taitung County Government launched the first two balloons, followed quickly by the cow-shaped and heart-shaped balloons. In total, 14 colorful hot air balloons soared into the sky, creating a spectacular scene that amazed the crowd and brought the entire hot air balloon event to a thrilling climax.

The Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival was originally scheduled to conclude on August 11th. However, due to the great success of the free flight activities, Magistrate Huang Jian-ting stated that after discussions by the county government, the “Hot Air Balloon Free Flight Aerial Tour” will continue until September 30th, with additional afternoon flight sessions added. Moreover, on August 11th, there will also be a final light and music show along with a large-scale hot air balloon fireworks display, offering domestic hot air balloon enthusiasts even more memorable experiences.

%The “Hot Air Balloon Free Flight Aerial Tour” activity has been extended to September 30th. (Photo / Facebook page of Taitung County Government Tourism Department)