A concert paired with a paragliding competition kicks off in Hualien on August 18

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The “First Cross-Strait Cup Paragliding Invitation Tournament & Hometown Return Concert” will feature competitions by 18 domestic and international teams, giving visitors to Hualien the chance to enjoy world-class professional-level paragliding. The event runs from August 18 to August 22, spanning five days, and takeoffs will be from the Mingli Paragliding Base in Wanrong Township, Hualien County.

The event will grandly open at 6:00 PM on August 19 at the square near Lintianshan, featuring performances by famous singers from Wanrong Township who have made their mark elsewhere. These include Bai Mingguang, the lead singer of the Hunting Band — an Atayal hunter from Hongye Village — who sings heartfelt songs expressing his longing for his hometown; Ma Huimei, from Mayuan Village, who composes deeply moving songs based on her own life experiences; and finally, Gao Yuan from Xilin Village, who has released multiple platinum albums since his debut and whose voice is known across mainland China.

The organizers combine the “Hometown Return” concert, showcasing indigenous cultural art, with tourism industries and scenic spots along Wanrong and the East Rift Valley to attract both tourists and participants. In addition to Taiwanese contestants, the competition also invites participants from Mainland China, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, promising an exciting showcase.