Yilan's Dongshan Hot Air Balloon Festival Takes Flight with Debut of 30-Meter 'FIN Shui Bao'

The Dongshan Township hot air balloon festival in Yilan County, Taiwan, has taken flight, drawing crowds with its colorful spectacle. A highlight of the event is the debut of a 30-meter-tall "FIN Shui Bao" (FIN Water Treasure) hot air balloon, alongside a mini "Oh Bear Captain" balloon in a pilot's outfit. The vibrant display, set against the backdrop of the old river channel, offers a unique visual experience for visitors.

The festival, which runs for several days including July 7 and the weekend of July 13-14, allows attendees to purchase tickets for tethered balloon rides, providing panoramic views of the Lanyang Plain. Each session is limited to 120 participants, with tickets available for purchase on-site at 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. For those who miss out on tickets, a free ground experience is offered in the afternoon by liking the "Happy Dongshan" Facebook page. The event also features a mobile hot air balloon display, an educational zone about hot air balloons, ground interactive activities, and a nightly light show.

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The hot air balloon is the first act of summer tourism. The "Sanqi Meijing Kite Festival" will follow in July, and the "Dongshan Black Tea Season" will also be held in July and August.

Dongshan Township Mayor Lin Junfu highlighted the hot air balloon event as the first in a series of summer tourism initiatives. He announced that the "Sanqi Meijing Kite Festival" will follow in July, and the "Dongshan Black Tea Season" will take place in July and August. The black tea event will involve 29 local businesses, offering free tea tastings and commemorative cups, with a chance to win prizes for purchases over 600 New Taiwan dollars.

Lin Guozhang, a candidate for Yilan County Magistrate, described the hot air balloon carnival as a signature event for Dongshan, boosting local tourism and the economy. He noted that the balloons ascending near the most beautiful train station symbolize Dongshan's growing tourism sector. He encouraged visitors to explore Dongshan's old streets or take a boat tour to fully experience the summer vibrancy.

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The hot air balloon carnival has become a signature event for Dongshan, driving the local tourism economy. Ascending next to the most beautiful train station also symbolizes the upward development of Dongshan's tourism.