10 "colorful hot air balloons" take off flawlessly as Hualien Soaring Season kicks off

▲ The “Hualien Soaring Season” hot air balloon event officially begins, with 10 colorful balloons adding vibrancy to the scene. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

Not to be outshone by other hot air balloons, Hualien’s hot air balloons took flight today (22nd) at the Danongdafu Forest Park. Thanks to favorable weather, many visitors flocked to the venue in the afternoon. With the efforts of 27 multinational hot air balloon pilots, the balloons soared smoothly. At the opening ceremony, 10 hot air balloons from the United States, Thailand, France, and other places were launched in batches. The blue, white, and colorful balloons, vibrant against the blue sky and adorned with patterns such as butterflies, tulips, and peace symbols, created a rich and eye-catching spectacle.


▲ Hot air balloons featuring various designs such as butterflies, tulips, and peace symbols had visitors constantly reaching for their cameras. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)


▲ There were also ultralight aircraft performances at the opening. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)

Hualien County Magistrate Fu Kun-chi stated that the Danongdafu Plain Forest Park is the crown jewel of the longitudinal valley plains, boasting vast space, convenient transportation, and stable airflow—making it highly suitable for hot air balloon activities. He hopes to integrate activities like ultralight aircraft and paragliding to establish Hualien as a premier destination for light aviation tourism, enriching the recreational offerings of the Huatung Valley region and making the “Hualien Soaring Season” a new landmark for promoting tourism in Hualien and the Huatung Valley.

  
▲ Left: Five hot air balloons ignite their burners simultaneously. Right: Hualien County Magistrate Fu Kun-chi also personally experiences a tethered hot air balloon ride. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)

The “Hualien Soaring Season” will run for 72 days. From June 22 to September 1, traffic control will be in place around the venue daily from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To facilitate visitors’ access to the hot air balloon launch site near the Sun-Moon-Earth Pond, vehicles (cars and motorcycles) may drive directly into the flower emblem area on Danong Road during the event period.As for large vehicles classified as Class A and above, please enter via Taiwan Highway 9 on Danong Road, follow the signs, and get off and walk into the venue before crossing the bridge at the first intersection. Alternatively, visitors can take the forest train shuttle service to enter the event area. Vehicles should park in sequence on the right side. Please follow the instructions of traffic control personnel.


▲ A hot air balloon ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the “Sun-Moon-Earth Pond,” which resembles a crescent moon. (Photo / By Reporter Chen Ziying)

In addition to the Soaring Season event, other events in the Hualien area such as the Summer Love Carnival concert, Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival, Drum King Competition and Percussion Feast, Huiwan Cup Sailing Regatta, and Daylily Season will also take place in the coming weeks.

[Event Information]
Event Period: June 22, 102 to September 1, 102
Hot Air Balloon Ride Sessions: Morning session 6:00–8:00 AM; Afternoon session 5:00–7:00 PM
Event Venue: Danongdafu Plain Forest Park, Guangfu Township
Ride Fee: NT$500 per person per ride; NT$200 per person per ride for residents of Hualien