Night BBQ and stargazing camping at Luye Gaotai — sleep under the stars and moon

▲The nighttime activities of the Hot Air Balloon Festival have kicked off. Enjoy night BBQs, camping under the stars at Luye Gaotai, and the company of stars and the moon for a unique experience. (Photo / Courtesy of Taitung County Tourism Website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Want to enjoy the moon and barbecue outdoors with family and friends, but limited by urban restrictions? In addition to offering hot air balloon “free flights” for the first time this year, the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival, hosted by Taitung County Government, also features night BBQs, a glow-in-the-dark night run, and stargazing camping. Guests can savor the aroma of grilled food carried by the cool breeze while admiring the moon and stars, and end the night camping on Luye Gaotai, sleeping under a blanket of stars and the bright moon.

During the day, the Hot Air Balloon Festival offers a variety of activities, and in the evening, this year’s festival specially includes a glow-in-the-dark night run and stargazing camping. However, these events are not held daily. The outdoor BBQ sessions are scheduled for 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM on June 22, June 29, July 6, July 20, and August 3 — a total of five sessions. The venue is Luye Gaotai in Luye Township, Taitung County.

July 7 marks “Xiaoshu” (Minor Heat), one of China’s 24 solar terms. After this day, the weather gets hotter day by day. To encourage people to step out of their air-conditioned spaces and sweat under the starry sky, the Taitung County Government has chosen this day to hold a glow-in-the-dark night run. Organized as a recreational event open to all ages, participants who complete the run will receive a 2013 Hot Air Balloon Festival finisher gift.

The stargazing camping activity provides camping equipment and cooking facilities, allowing families and friends to camp overnight on Luye Gaotai. Enjoy the starry night and bright moon, and wake up to beautiful sunrise views — an outdoor experience full of unique fun. The event will take place on June 17, June 24, July 8, and August 5 — a total of four sessions. For more details, visit the official event website: http://balloontaiwan.taitung.gov.tw/newsList.asp.