Mountain ridgelines and lakes reflect each other beautifully as hot air balloons soar perfectly in Hualien’s Da-Nong-Da-Fu area

▲ The hot air balloons, set against the Coastal Mountain Range and lake waters, further highlight the area’s stunning scenery.

Reported and photographed by Chen Tzu-yin, Hualien

The first hot air balloon event introduced in Hualien this year took to the skies again today at the Da-Nong-Da-Fu Forest Recreation Area. Against the backdrop of the Central Mountain Range, Coastal Mountain Range, and lush green grasslands, the sight of the hot air balloons ascending left all onlookers in awe.

In the early hours of the morning, staff members with over 20 years of hot air ballooning experience had already laid out and prepared the balloons, all to make the most of the optimal flying window between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Preparing a hot air balloon requires extreme care and precision—first, large fans continuously blow air into the balloon’s opening until it’s fully inflated. Once the interior is sufficiently filled, heated propane gas and warm air are added. As the internal temperature rises and the air density decreases, the balloon becomes buoyant and lifts off. However, the “heating” process must be carefully controlled to prevent the balloon from taking off prematurely.


▲ The first step in laying out the balloon involves continuously filling it with air to make it expand and take shape.


▲ The balloon being filled with warm propane air requires precise timing during the golden window for flying.


▲ Two perfectly launched test balloons soaring in the Da-Nong-Da-Fu area of Hualien.


▲ Passengers aboard the hot air balloons can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The photo shows an aerial view of the balloons.

Event chief pilot Frank Wechter previously stated that the key to a successful balloon launch lies in the weather. Aside from wind speeds not exceeding 10 mph, flights are not permitted in winds above force four, in rainy conditions, or when temperatures rise above 28°C. Therefore, timing the flight becomes extremely crucial to catch the optimal window.

This 2013 Hualien Soaring Season International Hot Air Balloon event, organized by the Hualien County Government, features balloons manufactured by the UK-based Cameron Balloons. They will be launched from the Da-Nong-Da-Fu Plain Forest Recreation Area, with over ten balloons available for visitors to ride.

【Event Information】
Test flight events: April 27 (Saturday) and April 28 (Sunday), 2013, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Due to factors such as available balloon capacity, weather, and wind speeds, riding slots will be flexibly opened as conditions allow.
Main event: June 22 (Saturday) to September 1 (Sunday), 2013, from dawn to dusk, with actual takeoff times subject to local weather conditions.
Venue: Da-Nong-Da-Fu Plain Forest Recreation Area (Ri-Di-Yue Pool area), Guangfu Township (Hualien Forest District Office)