The 2026 Taiwan International Balloon Festival, one of Taitung’s major summer tourism events, will take place from July 4 to August 20 at Luye Highland. In addition to hot air balloon displays and Night Glow Concerts, this year’s festival will feature a new highlight in collaboration with a popular Japanese IP. The highly anticipated Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experience will open for online booking at 12:00 noon on May 27 and June 3, with high demand expected once again.
Photo: Taitung County Government
The Taitung County Government stated that online booking for the 2026 Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experience will be divided into two stages according to ride month. The first stage opens at 12:00 noon on May 27 for July sessions, while the second stage opens at 12:00 noon on June 3 for August sessions. A total of 77 sessions are planned, with 80 slots available per session, offering 6,160 ride slots in total. Each order is limited to two tickets, and each ticket is valid for one person and one session only. Ticket prices are NT$550 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and NT$650 on weekends (Friday to Sunday). Due to limited availability and strong demand, those interested are advised to plan ahead and book on time.
Photo: Taitung County Government
The Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experience is held daily in two sessions: the morning session from 05:30 to 07:00 and the afternoon session from 17:00 to 18:30. Visitors can enjoy the experience in the soft morning light or at sunset, rising gently into the air and overlooking the magnificent scenery of the Luye Rift Valley. Please note that tethered rides will not be available on the event’s weekly closing day, Tuesday, or during the morning session on the opening day, July 4. For the afternoon sessions on the Luye Highland Night Glow Concert dates — July 5, July 16, July 30, and August 20 — tickets will be available on-site only, with no online booking offered. Visitors are reminded to plan their itineraries in advance to avoid missing out.
Photo: Taitung County Government
Another major highlight this year is the popular Japanese IP hot air balloon and drone show, combining fireworks and light shows to create a more immersive summer night celebration. Special-shape balloons from around the world will also gather at Luye Highland, adding to the festival’s international appeal.
In addition, independent travel packages combining transportation, accommodation, and tethered ride experiences will go on sale on May 27, with prices starting from NT$1,990 per person. Packages include options such as the Island Star Formosa Express, Mandarin Airlines or UNI Air, Taitung accommodation, and experience tickets. The festival will also offer themed itineraries such as paragliding and zipline experiences, inviting visitors to explore Taitung more deeply.
Photo: Taitung County Government
For more information on Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experience reservations and travel packages, please visit the online reservation platform.
Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Online Booking Inquiry Hotline: +886-2-55736886
Service hours: 07:30 to 22:00. From June 27 to August 20, 24-hour service will be available.
Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Online Reservation Platform
For more event details, please follow the official Facebook page of the 2026 Taiwan International Balloon Festival
For full event details and the latest updates, please visit:
Taiwan International Balloon Festival
