TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan will host a hot air balloon festival this weekend, featuring tethered balloon rides, a night glow show, and a drone performance in the city center.
The two-day event will take place at the plaza west of the Yonghua Civic Center and the adjacent Siraya Square. The venue will feature family-friendly attractions including carnival games, a themed market, and street performances, according to CNA and Tainan City Government.
Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said this year’s festival will transform the civic plaza into a vibrant carnival. The city government has partnered with more than 70 local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and tourism agencies that offer exclusive discounts during the festival.
The highlight will be held Saturday evening, combining a night glow hot air balloon performance with a drone light show. The display will include visuals inspired by local landmarks and the city’s tourism mascot, Yutou-kun.
Tethered hot air balloon rides will be available for NT$500 (US$17) per person. Rides will be offered in two daily sessions: 5:30–7:30 a.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Those who present receipts or invoices showing a stay of two or more nights in Tainan between April and June are eligible for priority ticket purchase on-site. Each person may buy up to two tickets, with 20 tickets available per session.
The Tourism Administration reminded attendees to follow staff instructions during the tethered balloon rides. The number of participants will be adjusted depending on weather and on-site conditions.
Rides will be canceled in the event of strong winds, heavy rain, or high temperatures. Ticket holders may request refunds at the event’s service counter.
To facilitate access, free shuttle buses will run between Tainan Train Station and Nandao Road on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., departing every 20 to 30 minutes.
Traffic control measures will be implemented in two phases. From 5 p.m. Friday to midnight Sunday, Nandao Road and Nanrong Boulevard will be closed to vehicles and used for shuttle and scooter parking.
Additional closures will occur Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Jianping Road, Fuqian Road Section 2, and Yiping Road for the nighttime performances.
