By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

The countdown has begun for Taiwan’s International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which draws travel enthusiasts every summer. On the 26th, Taitung County Government, the organizer, held a press conference personally chaired by Magistrate Huang Jian-ting to announce that the 2014 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival — the longest-running event globally at 73 days and the largest of its kind in the nation — will take place from May 30 to August 1. The festival will kick off at 6 PM on May 30 with the first-ever Hot Air Balloon Light and Sound Concert at the international landmark in Taitung City Seaside Park. Visitors are invited to Taitung to experience the beauty, romance, and electrifying energy of hot air balloons. The opening light and sound concert on May 30 is not only the curtain-raiser for the entire event but also the first-ever international hot air balloon light and sound concert to be held entirely in Taiwan.

All eight balloons are from Taitung itself, and all eight pilots are Taiwanese-trained. As for the music, Zhu Zongqing Percussion Ensemble’s deputy conductor He Hongqi, themed the performance around Taitung, rearranged three iconic and meaningful Taitung songs: “Song of the Nanwang Tribe,” “Naluwan Suite,” and “Let’s Go to Taitung.”The most anticipated lighting effects were handled by lighting design master Che Keqian, who previously worked on the “2009 Kaohsiung World Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies” and the 2013 stage play “Taiwan Dancer.” He brought world-class lighting effects to the hot air balloon light and sound concert’s opening show, blending the flames of the balloons and the dazzling glow of the international landmark into an ultimate South Pacific romantic night.

The newest member of Taitung County’s hot air balloon fleet — B00011, the ninth balloon sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Bureau of Foreign Trade — will also make its debut at this opening light and sound concert. The event also features exciting performances by the Baobao Drum Team, representing Taitung’s local culture, and the Lanxin Band, winners of the 2012 Yuanband Grand Prize. It’s definitely something to look forward to.

Chen Shu-hui, Director of the Tourism Division of Taitung County Government, stated that to effectively manage traffic flow during the opening night event, road closures will be in place: starting at 4:30 PM on May 30 until the end of the event, vehicles (except for disabled vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles) will be prohibited from entering the area east of Linhai Road near Seaside Park. Drivers are advised to park along nearby Linhai Road or Siwei Road and walk to the venue. Additionally, to facilitate transportation, free shuttle buses will run from 5:00–8:00 PM (departures) and 6:30–9:30 PM (returns) between Nanjing Road Public Meeting Hall and the event site. Buses will depart every 15 minutes or when full, stopping at two temporary pick-up points: the intersection of Siwei Road and Guangdong Road, and the intersection of Siwei Road and Linhai Road. Please make use of these services.

The official website also features a “Balloon Chase Calendar,” detailing the appearance dates of shaped balloons, free-flight performance balloons, and tethered balloons, making it easier for visitors to book their favorite Taitung hot air balloon holiday. Moreover, to help everyone stay updated on weather conditions at Luye Gaotai and event updates, Taitung County Tourism Website continues its live streaming service this year. Even more thoughtfully, the county government’s Planning Department has set up 250 Wi-Fi hotspots across Taitung’s scenic areas, high-traffic zones, and densely populated residential areas to create a wireless internet environment. Each hotspot covers a range of 200 meters. At the hot air balloon event site, simply search for “Taitung Free” to easily connect to the internet.

In addition to the spectacular opening light and sound concert on the evening of May 30, the early morning of May 31 at 6:30 AM will be another highlight of the event. Alongside the much-anticipated Black Knight-shaped balloon taking off at Luye Gaotai, nearly twenty hot balloons are scheduled to perform free flights, aiming to set a new record for the most hot air balloons flying simultaneously in Taiwan. Welcome everyone to visit Taitung during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday and join the hot air balloon craze together!

Beyond the hot air balloon festivities at Luye Gaotai, Taitung County Government has, for the first time this year, collaborated with Taiwan Good Foundation, leveraging its strengths in event strategy and international marketing. Following the joint hot air balloon opening light and sound concert, a series of exciting activities have also been launched in downtown Taitung, including the Painted Hot Air Balloon Festival, Taitung Picnic Life Festival, and the FENFAN Band Music Festival. Interested members of the public are warmly invited to participate.

In addition, this year’s Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festivaloffers value-added 360-degree thoughtful services: “Book Your Exclusive Hot Air Balloon Experience” caters to couples in love and travelers seeking memorable moments, featuring special balloon booking services such as proposals (limited to Mondays), wedding photoshoots (limited to Wednesdays), or creating a one-of-a-kind exclusive moment (limited to Tuesdays), and “Birthday Celebrations” from June 1 to August 10 during the event period, where on the day of your birthday, Y"Grassland Starry Sky Rock 'n' Roll   Battle Your Passion" — Grassland concerts held every Thursday to Sunday will feature rotating battles among bands, musicians, and local Taitung singers, aiming to ignite your passion with rock music that shakes the high platform. For event details, please visit the hot air balloon official website or call 089-241269.

Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival: 9 Hot Air Balloons Soaring Over Luye Highland