Successful test flight in Luye Plateau; Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival takes off beautifully on June 1

▲ The 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival conducted its new balloon maiden flight at Luye Plateau on the 26th (Photo / From the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival fan page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Following the new balloon unveiling press conference held at Taitung’s Chulu Ranch on May 25, the Taitung County Government’s hot air balloon team started early on the 26th to conduct the maiden flight of the new balloons at Luye Plateau. Five hot air balloons took to the sky one after another, weaving a beautiful scene together with the blue sky, white clouds, green land, and gentle breeze, officially announcing that the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival is ready and will kick off on June 1.

%The heart-shaped balloon is currently the only one of its kind in Taiwan (Photo / From the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival fan page)

The Taitung County Government purchased the only two legally operated hot air balloons in Taiwan last year. After a full year of training and formation flying, it purchased three more balloons this year. Among them, the love-shaped balloon from the Tourism Bureau is the only heart-shaped hot air balloon in Taiwan, which is quite eye-catching.

If you missed the beautiful sight of the 26th maiden flight, there's another chance starting at 6 p.m. on the 31st—the opening light show gala at Taitung Air Force Chihhang Base. In addition to the spectacular performances by the military marching bands, a record-breaking 18 hot air balloons will be displayed simultaneously.

In addition to activities such as hot air balloon tethered rides, light and music concerts, and lawn concerts, the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival has added the “free flight” experience, which is being opened to the public in Taiwan for the first time this year. After active efforts by the Taitung County Government and in accordance with regulations from the Civil Aeronautics Administration, applications for aerial sightseeing passenger flights have been submitted according to the law. Flights are expected to begin on June 15.

Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting stated, “Luye in Taitung has a vast area, higher terrain, and excellent views, making it particularly suitable for hot air balloon flying. This year’s free flight experience, being opened to the public in Taiwan for the first time, offers even more breathtaking views of the grand landscapes of the Huatung Valley. It promises to be spectacular.” He invites everyone across Taiwan to come and be among the first to experience it. Details on how to make reservations for the aerial sightseeing activities will be announced on the hot air balloon official website starting June 1, and reservations will open at the same time.

%Video of the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival’s new balloon maiden flight at Luye Plateau on the 26th