The hot air balloon carnival has been expanded, offering tethered rides for up to 65 days

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Taiwan’s largest hot air balloon carnival is set to kick off on June 29 at Luye Plateau in Taitung and will run until September 2. The event has invited 21 hot air balloons from 13 countries including the US, Canada, Switzerland, France, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as 47 domestic and international pilots to join in the celebration. As long as weather permits, there will be spectacular hot air balloon free-flight performances every day during the event, along with tethered ride experiences lasting 65 days, open to the public. This year also features debut appearances in Taiwan of balloons shaped like ice cream and pirates.

In addition to free-flight performances and tethered rides, the site will feature daily hot air balloon exhibitions, displays of Taitung specialties, souvenir sales, and outdoor experience zones. There will also be kite performances from Monday to Wednesday, paragliding shows and grassland concerts from Thursday to Sunday, and other activities including hot air balloon lectures, a hot air balloon summer camp, and light-and-sound music concerts. The number of light-and-sound concerts has increased from one last year to four this year. These concerts combine the art of hot air balloon light displays with musical rhythms, creating a spectacular audiovisual feast. The first light-and-sound concert will be held on the evening of June 29 at Taitung County Stadium and is open to the public for free.

This year, the Taitung County Government has also custom-ordered two hot air balloons representing Taiwan from Spain, which will become the first two legally registered and only domestically permitted for free flight, with the codes b00001 and b00002. These will make Taitung’s hot air balloon activities a new highlight for Taiwan’s tourism. During the event period, in addition to increased train and bus services, Taitung County is also launching a taxi-sharing service for the first time, available at Taitung, Luye, Guanshan, and Chihshang railway stations.

Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Carnival

Dates: June 29, 2012 – September 2

Venue: Luye Plateau

Website: tsn.taitung.gov.tw/balloontaiwan

● Read more: A cross-time artistic exchange – World-class museums you must visit in your lifetime

http://goo.gl/3jAe6