The Dark Side of the Force Hot Air Balloon Appears in Taitung – Its Massive Presence Amazes the Crowd

▲ The super cool Darth Vader-shaped hot air balloon has arrived in Taitung!(Photo / From the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival Facebook fan page)

Travel Center / Taipei Reporting

On a clear day at Taitung’s Luye Gaotai, a heavyweight mystery guest made an appearance today (the 15th) – none other than Darth Vader from the Star Wars movies. The Darth Vader hot air balloon, accompanied by the movie’s iconic soundtrack, made its grand entrance with its huge and cool presence, truly stunning everyone on-site.

According to the organizers, this “Darth Vader Hot Air Balloon,” the first of its kind in Taiwan, has a volume of 300 cubic meters. Its arrival instantly transformed Luye Gaotai into a scene from the Galactic Empire. Due to the impact of a typhoon, the weather in Taitung had been unfavorable for the past two days, but finally, today brought clear skies, allowing the Darth Vader hot air balloon to take flight and “release the Force.” Thousands of tourists flocked to take photos. The balloon will be on display for seven days from today until Monday, July 22nd. Fans of the Darth Vader design should seize the opportunity to see it.


▲ The Darth Vader balloon looks fierce when backlit by the sun. (Photo / From the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival Facebook fan page)


▲ On July 20th and 21st, the global Star Wars Imperial character cosplay organization “501st Legion,” including members from its Taiwan and Hong Kong detachments, will also be invited to attend in full armor, joining in the fun with the public. (Photo / From the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival Facebook fan page)

In addition, the organizers also announced that the “Cute Turtle” shaped balloon will join the Darth Vader on the 21st of July (Sunday). On the same day, a hidden gem — the “Up-side Down Balloon” (twin inverted design) — will also make its debut. On July 21st and 22nd, these cool international balloon designs will gather together. Those interested in unique-shaped hot air balloons can plan a visit during this period to join in the fun.


▲ The ever-impressive Darth Vader-shaped balloon!(Photo / From the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival Facebook fan page)