最後更新／Last Updated：2025-06-27
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!
Contents
◦ Taitung Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Taitung
🚂 Pingtung-Lampi Jieyou Sightseeing Train
🛵 Taitung Scooter Rental - Taitung Railway Station Pickup
🚢 Green Island Ferry Tickets
🚢 Taitung to Lanyu Ferry Ticket
02｜Popular Attractions in Taitung
🎫 Bunun Leisure Farm Ticket in Taitung
🎫 National Forest Recreation Area Package: Taipingshan, Chinan, Fuyuan, Zhiben
🎫 Chu Lu Ranch Admission Ticket in Taitung
🎫 Yuan Sen Garden Ticket in Taitung
03｜Things To Do in Taitung
🚢 Green Island Multi-day Tour Package
🚗 Taitung East Coast Guided Nature Tour
🎈 Hot Air Balloon Ride
♨️ Taitung Hongye Valley Green Energy Hot Spring Park Hot Spring Package
◦ The Past of Luye
Luye, located at the southern end of the East Rift Valley, features stepped terraces shaped by tectonic movements and river erosion. This unique landscape not only creates stunning scenery but also makes the area rich in agriculture and local produce.
As for the origin of the name "Luye", there are two main theories—and interestingly, they’re quite connected. In the past, this area was a vast wilderness where herds of deer often roamed, which led to the name. During the Japanese colonial era, Japan established a settlement village here, recruiting farmers from Luye in Niigata Prefecture. As a result, the original name "Luliao" (Deer Hut) was changed to "Luye".
◦ Taiwan International Balloon Festival
Compared to western Taiwan, Taitung was like an isolated island over a decade ago due to its limited transportation options. High operational costs discouraged many tourism businesses, causing events to come and go without long-term development. However, the county government saw the potential of Luye, a place once known for paragliding. In 2011, they made a bold decision—to put Taitung on the world map by launching Taiwan’s first-ever Hot Air Balloon Festival! This wasn’t just another short-lived event—it became a turning point for Taitung’s tourism industry. Step by step, the county government aligned with international standards, refining regulations, personnel training, and hot air balloon equipment. Eventually, they extended the festival to two months, making it the longest-running hot air balloon festival in the world!
Now, you don’t have to fly to Turkey or Australia—you can experience a high-quality aerial adventure right here in Taiwan, soaring above the island’s majestic mountains and coastline.
◦ Attractions in Luye
01｜Paragliding Adventure
Since I had already experienced free-flying hot air balloons in Germany and Egypt, I wasn’t too excited about the tethered flights at the festival, where balloons are secured with ropes for limited ascents and descents. Still determined to admire Taitung’s breathtaking landscapes from above, I opted for paragliding—and it was absolutely exhilarating! As it was my first time, the instructor was incredibly patient and thorough, ensuring that I felt completely at ease during the running takeoff from the slope. The moment my feet left the ground, an indescribable rush of excitement took over—so much so that I ended up paragliding again in Nepal later on!
Pro tip: If you want to witness hot air balloons ascending, schedule your paragliding flight between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM during the festival for a one-of-a-kind aerial view!
02｜Luye Highland
Starting from Longtian Village, simply follow the signs—the elevation gradually increases, revealing a spectacular expansive view. Once you pass the Tea Exhibition Center, you’ll see a vast, lush green meadow—this is Luye Highland! As one of eastern Taiwan’s best flight zones, Luye Highland is the main landing site for paragliders and the Taiwan International Balloon Festival. Even if you’re not into flying, Luye Highland is a perfect spot for picnics, relaxing, and outdoor fun!
Luye Highland No. 46, Gaotai Rd., Luye Township, Taitung
03｜Luye Shinto Shrine
Nestled in Longtian Village, Luye Shinto Shrine was originally built by Taitung Sugar Company and later relocated to its current site in 1931. After World War II, the shrine was dismantled, leaving only its foundation, which was almost removed entirely. However, local residents, determined to preserve this piece of history, actively lobbied for its restoration. After years of effort, they successfully invited skilled Japanese shrine restoration artisans to collaborate with Taiwanese carpenters, and in 2015, Luye Shinto Shrine was faithfully rebuilt on its original site.
Luye Shinto Shrine No. 308, Guangrong Rd., Luye Township, Taitung
04｜Luye Sika Deer Park
I absolutely love the natural setting of Luye Sika Deer Park. Instead of being filled with man-made attractions, the park prioritizes creating a pure, spacious environment for the sika deer and other animals. This minimalist approach allows visitors to fully appreciate and focus on the beauty of these gentle creatures.
Luye Sika Deer Park Opening Hours: 0900-1630, closed on Wednesday and Thursday. No. 15, Sec. 1, Ruijing Rd., Luye Township, Taitung
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
＊All aerial photography operations are conducted within legal airspace. During flight, regulations stipulated by the Civil Aviation Law are strictly followed, maintaining the required distance from buildings and crowds. Zooming and post-production techniques are used to ensure compliance, making the flights fully legal.
＊Anyone citing these images and text must provide proper attribution. Unauthorized or illegal use of the images and text is prohibited and may result in legal liability.
◦ Other Areas in Taitung
➤ Downtown | Bombing of Lord Handan
➤ Dawu | Taitung's Gateway, the Beginning of Taitung Blue.