One hour’s drive from Kaohsiung City, Tianliao Moon World geological scenic area sports impressive “mud hills” that look like a lunar landscape.
And for two weekends, this otherworldly place welcomes a hot air balloon festival.
“We initiated the yearly event in 2021,” says Lee Ya-Chu (李亞築), the city councilor representing the area, “to boost tourism after the pandemic.”
Photo: Julien Oeuillet
Half a dozen balloons gracefully hover up and down, with visitors waiting for their turn to board.
The largest balloon is shaped like the Kaohsiung Bear, an important symbol of the city.
“We had it built last year,” says Kao Min-lin (高閔琳), the director of tourism of Kaohsiung. “By Spanish company Ultramagic... We sent them a plushie of the bear to use as a model, and they liked it so much they asked to keep it.”
Photo: Julien Oeuillet
Now the bear brings people to the sky.
Evelyn Chen (陳怡伶), the team leader of the balloon operators, says finding the perfect launching place for the balloons involves reviewing all past climate data in a certain locale.
“Sometimes even in a good place with a good forecast, we may need to wait before we launch, and when we finally do, the audience cheers and that’s the best feeling,” Chen said.
Photo: Julien Oeuillet
LOVE RIVER
The mouth of the Love River is one of the very few coastal areas where the climate is appropriate for balloons, so the event will relocate there for its third and final weekend.
The flight itself grants a beautiful view of the area, suspended in mid-air in complete silence, save for the roaring of the stove when fire is pumped into the balloon. “It feels very hot,” says Kao, “you don’t need a hair dryer, just take your shower and jump in!”
Photo: Julien Oeuillet
The bear balloon also includes the word “Taiwan” written at the base.
“Normally there are no writings on balloons there,” says Kao, “but I insisted because we will send it around the world to other events. This year, for example, it will go to Thailand.”
The balloon pilot, Alec Su (蘇祐霆), says, “I wanted to be a plane pilot but they hired me for balloons instead. And I love sharing people’s stories while on board, I feel like I’m part of their journey.”
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