Ride a hot air balloon and admire the flower sea! A one-day tour of four must-visit attractions in Taoyuan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Taoyuan during the summer. In addition to the popular Shihmen Reservoir Hot Air Balloon Festival, there are other summer-exclusive events. Why not plan a one-day trip during this time, where you can go from taking photos at scenic spots to enjoying flowers and playing in the water.

1. Xiaowulai YuNei Creek Water Play Area
Located in the Xiaowulai Scenic Area, the YuNei Creek Water Play Area is open from June to September. It opens only on weekends in June, daily from July to August, and again on weekends in September. This is a popular water play spot for families and a great place to cool off in the summer. Additionally, you can also visit nearby attractions such as the Xiaowulai Skywalk, Sky Rope Bridge, and waterfalls.

2. Shihmen Reservoir Hot Air Balloon Festival
The “2018 Taoyuan Shihmen Reservoir Hot Air Balloon Festival” features a variety of themed activities. In addition to hot air balloon rides and nighttime light and fire shows, visitors can also experience walking inside a balloon with the Hot Air Balloon WALK IN, visit the Hot Air Balloon Museum, and take part in the Hot Air Balloon Landing Experience. This year, the festival has added a giant airship and special-shaped balloons, such as a flying heart bird soaring in the sky.

2018 Taoyuan Shihmen Reservoir Hot Air Balloon Festival
Date: June 23 (Sat) to July 1 (Sun)
Location: Shihmen Reservoir South Park Ecological Park
 
Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience
Time: Starting at 10:30 AM on June 19 (Tue), reservations open for sessions from June 23 (Sat) to June 26 (Tue)
Starting at 10:30 AM on June 25 (Mon), reservations open for sessions from June 28 (Thu) to July 1 (Sun)
Each session (morning and afternoon) accommodates 100 participants each. Limited spots available — first come, first served.
 
Nighttime Light and Fire Show
Dates: June 23 (Sat), June 24 (Sun), June 30 (Sat), July 1 (Sun)
Time: 7:00 PM to 7:20 PM
 
Hot Air Balloon Proposal
Time: June 23 (Sat) from 4:30 PM to 7:20 PM
Registration via hotline is open now until June 15 (Fri). Only 5 slots available.
 
Iron Arena Iron King Ranking Tournament
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on June 23 (Sat), June 24 (Sun), June 30 (Sat), and July 1 (Sun)
Online registration is now open. Daily limit of 40 participants.
 
Photography Competition
Theme: Photography works themed around the “2018 Taoyuan Shihmen Reservoir Hot Air Balloon Festival”
Photo Submission Period: Limited to photos taken between June 23, 2018, and July 1, 2018
Deadline for submissions: 6:00 PM, July 9, 2018

3. Guanyin King Lotus
The 2018 Taoyuan Lotus Festival kicked off on June 30. In addition to enjoying the beautiful sight of numerous blooming lotuses, visitors can also experience the rare opportunity of “walking on water” by riding on a giant water lily. Several lotus gardens in Guanyin Township open their grounds to the public every year from July to September, offering rides on their king lotuses.
 
Recommended lotus gardens: Lianhe Garden, Kangzhuang Lotus Garden, Lin Family Ancestral House