The Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival offers Taiwan’s only free-flight experience.

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

The unique experience of ascending in a hot air balloon and enjoying breathtaking aerial views of eastern Taiwan has made the Taitung County Government-hosted Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival attract 880,000 visitors last year, sparking a nationwide hot air balloon craze. This year’s “2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival” will be held from June 1 to August 11, with the first light and sound music show premiering at Taitung Chi-Hang Base on May 31. Starting on the afternoon of June 1, the tethered hot air balloon experience will cost NT$500 per person. In addition to having more balloons than last year, the event will also feature an accessible hot air balloon for the first time, along with several adorable themed balloons joining the festivities. The “Angry Birds”-themed balloon, which is set to appear in May this year, will make its global debut in Taitung, with an expected stay of about 30 days. This year also marks the first-ever introduction of a passenger-carrying free-flight service, making it the only hot air balloon event in Taiwan to offer such an experience.

This year’s event will again take place at Luye Gaotai, with the number of tethered balloons increased to nine each day, including a seven-seater and an accessible hot air balloon, enabling more people—including those with mobility challenges—to enjoy the hot air balloon experience. In addition to the regular tethered balloons, this year the festival has invited many uniquely shaped balloons to Taiwan, including beloved animal designs like penguins and turtles that kids love, a wish cake perfect for birthday celebrations, and even Darth Vader from the popular movie “Star Wars,” all set to make dazzling appearances at the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival. Additionally, the much-loved Angry Birds Hot Air Balloon will make its global debut in Taitung in balloon form, participating in two light and sound music shows and flight performances.

The tethered hot air balloon experience at the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival will begin on the afternoon of June 1, with ticket sales starting daily at 5:00 AM and 3:00 PM. In addition to on-site ticket purchases, advance reservations are especially available for the first 80 participants in the morning session for a hot air balloon-exclusive one-day tour. This year’s new free-flight passenger service operates by reservation only, requiring visitors to apply in advance with the event organizers. Aside from the hot air balloon free-flight rides and tethered experiences, the site will also feature a hot air balloon souvenir sales area, outdoor activity zones, nighttime events, and grassland concerts, among other activities, plus performances by well-known performance troupes and celebrities. A total of six light and sound music shows will be held this year, each with a unique theme. The first light and sound concert will take place on the evening of May 31 at Taitung Chi-Hang Base, where hot air balloons will illuminate the night sky with radiant light, accompanied by majestic performances from the military marching band and spectacular fireworks—an unparalleled light and sound musical spectacle in the world. Official event website: balloontaiwan.taitung.gov.tw.

 

 

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