The Taiwan International Balloon Festival is set to kick off on July 5! While the festival mainly offers tethered balloon rides—where the balloon is secured with ropes for controlled ascents and descents—I was craving something more thrilling and free. So this time, I challenged myself to paragliding, and let me tell you—it was totally worth it!
As I stepped out of Yilan Station, a sense of freshness greeted me. The whimsical illustrations and giraffe motifs inspired by Jimmy Liao’s picture books on the station’s façade seemed to warmly welcome travelers. These charming details immediately lifted my spirits, filling me with excitement to embark on a journey to explore the Lanyang Plain. Yilan, the administrative hub of Yilan County, also radiates a strong cultural and educational vibe.
Happy Lantern Festival! On this special day, when the Shang Yuan Heavenly Official bestows blessings, various festive events are held throughout Taiwan. Among the most famous are "Sky Lanterns in the North, Beehive Fireworks in the South, Handan in the East, and Turtle Granting Contest in the West." In particular, the "Handan in the East," which involves throwing firecrackers at Lord Handan, is celebrated in full excitement in downtown Taitung!
When I arrived in Jiaoxi, I initially intended to focus on the annual Hot Spring and Lantern Festival, but what left the deepest impression on me was the unique local landscape. Foot baths were scattered around every few streets, and nearly a hundred hot spring hotels shaped the area within a 2-kilometer radius of Jiaoxi Station.
As the train slowly leaves Pingtung and arrives at Dawu in Taitung, the scenery outside the window becomes more magnificent. The seamless blend of Taitung's blue sky and the sparkling white waves sweeps away my gloom, leaving a bright and tranquil feeling. There's no denying that Taitung Blue has a magical, healing power!
Located in Yuli, within the East Rift Valley, the area is surrounded by the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Range, with the Xiuguluan River flowing through it. Its beautiful landscapes attract countless tourists.