Luye Balloon Festival in Taitung and Green Island
Part of the Taitung and Green Island travel guide — see every topic in All Taitung and Green Island Guides.
Luye is a quiet farming area in the East Rift Valley, north of Taitung. Its high plateau, Luye Gaotai, has wide views over the valley and the river. Since 2011, this plateau has hosted the Taiwan International Balloon Festival each summer. Dozens of colourful balloons, some in fun shapes, fill the sky above the green fields. It has become one of the best known summer events on the east coast.
The festival
The Taiwan International Balloon Festival takes place each summer at Luye Gaotai. It usually runs for several weeks, often from about late June or July into August. Exact dates change every year, so check the official festival page before you plan. Balloons from Taiwan and other countries come to fly, including special shaped balloons like animals and cartoon figures. On some days there are also concerts and evening light shows, when the balloons glow on the ground to music. Weekends are the busiest, with big crowds and traffic on the roads up to the plateau.
Early morning flights
Balloons need calm air, so most flying happens very early in the morning, soon after sunrise, and sometimes in the late afternoon. If you want to see the balloons rise, plan to arrive at the plateau before dawn. Visitors can often book a tethered ride, where the balloon goes up on ropes and comes back down to the same spot. Free flights across the valley are also offered on some days, but places are few and costly. All flights depend on the weather. Wind or rain can cancel them, even on the day.
Luye Gaotai outside the festival
The plateau is worth a visit even when there are no balloons. It is a wide, grassy hill with views across the East Rift Valley, the river and the mountains. Paragliders sometimes fly here when the wind is right. There are small cafes and stands selling local drinks. In the morning, mist often lies in the valley below, which makes for good photos. The area around Luye is also known for tea, and some tea farms welcome visitors for tasting. Ask locally which ones are open.
Where to stay and getting there
Luye is about 30 to 40 minutes north of Taitung by car or local train. The nearest train station is Luye station, but the plateau is a few kilometres away up a hill, so you need a taxi, a shuttle or your own transport. During the festival, extra shuttle buses often run from the station and from Taitung, especially for the early morning flights. Rooms in Luye and nearby guesthouses sell out fast in festival season, so book well ahead. Staying in Taitung city is another option if you have a car.
Tips for the day
Summer in the valley is hot and the sun is strong, even early in the day. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear comfortable shoes, because you may walk on grass and gravel. Mornings can feel cool before sunrise, so a light jacket helps. If you plan a tethered ride, arrive early, as lines form quickly and rides stop when the wind rises. Weekdays are much calmer than weekends. Combine the festival with cycling in Chishang or a soak in a hot spring for a full day.
Luye Balloon Festival at a glance
| Getting there | About 30 to 40 minutes north of Taitung by car or train, then shuttle or taxi up the hill |
|---|---|
| Season | Each summer, often late June or July into August; check official dates |
| Hours | Flights mostly just after sunrise; some evening shows |
| Cost | Watching is usually free or low cost; tethered rides and free flights cost extra |
| Best time | Weekday mornings at dawn |
| First held | 2011 |