Pioneer of Hot Air Balloons in Taiwan — Taitung has earned its reputation through the Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, making Luye Gaotai the hottest summer travel destination. This year’s event has invited a variety of uniquely designed hot air balloons to Taiwan, including adorable animals that children love such as penguins and turtles, a wish cake for birthday celebrations, and Darth Vader from the popular movie “Star Wars.” The globally beloved Angry Birds Hot Air Balloon is also making its world debut in Taitung, participating in two light music concerts and flight performances. Additionally, this year marks the first-ever introduction of a passenger-carrying free flight service, making this the only hot air balloon event in Taiwan that offers such an experience.

 

For the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, tethered ride tickets go on sale daily at 5:00 AM and 3:00 PM. In addition to on-site ticket purchases, a special pre-registration system is available for the first 80 participants of the morning session’s exclusive hot air balloon one-day tour. This year’s newly added free flight passenger rides are by appointment only — reservations must be made with the event organizers prior to the event.

 

【info】

Date: Now until August 11

Location: Luye Gaotai, Taitung

Official Website: balloontaiwan.taitung.gov.tw

 

 

In summer, cycling through Taitung’s countryside, surrounded by vast fields of golden rice, fills the air with the faint scent of rice — a scene of abundance. After the harvest, the earthy aroma of straw wafts between the ridges. To experience this fragrant charm of Taitung, head to Guanshan and Chihshang, home to the Guanshan Ring Road and Farmer Borlang Boulevard respectively.

 

Stretching 12 kilometers, this route takes you past endless rice paddies, passing through Red Stone Creek and the Guanshan Irrigation Canal, before arriving at Guanshan Qingshui Park. Throughout the path, signage displays calorie burn information and gradient details — very user-friendly. On sunny days, the endless blue sky dotted with white clouds reflects off the waters of Red Stone Creek, casting splashes of blue and white across the landscape.

 

【info】

Address: No. 1, Longsheng Rd., Guanshan Township, Taitung County

 

 

Farmer Borlang Boulevard in Chihshang Township is a serene country lane in Wan’an Community, made famous after being used as a filming location for Borland Coffee. Moreover, this idyllic scenery was also featured in a recent commercial for China Airlines starring Takeshi Kaneshiro — gentle golden rice swaying in the breeze, cycling along peaceful rural paths — an experience you won’t want to miss.

 

【info】

Address: No. 3, Jinxin Rd., Chihshang Township, Taitung County

Not to be outdone by Taitung, Hualien is also hosting the “2013 International Hot Air Balloon Hualien Soaring Season.” Alongside tethered balloon rides and free flight performances, visitors can enjoy helicopter sightseeing tours, watch light aircraft shows, and even take to the skies in paragliders and other lightweight flying gear, lighting up Hualien’s skyline.

 

The hot air balloon ascent experience lasts about 5 minutes and costs NT$500. Balloons are launched twice daily: from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM and from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The park also features a balloon flight pavilion integrating digital imaging technology, a family water play area, a mini train, and traditional farm activities such as ox cart rides and horseback riding — aiming to offer visitors a fresh perspective on this beautiful pearl of the Huatung Valley. From a breathtaking 360-degree aerial view, rediscover this gem nestled in the valley, immerse yourself in its serene natural surroundings, and uncover new inspirations.

 

【info】

Date: Now until September 1

Location: Dafeng Dafu Plain Forest Park, Guangfu Township

Official website: http://hibf.com.tw/