Tainan's Sky Soars: Hot Air Balloons, Drones, and Carnival Fun

Tainan City Transforms into a Festive Wonderland with Tethered Balloon Rides, Night Glow Shows, and Drone Spectaculars

Tainan, Taiwan, is gearing up for a weekend of spectacular entertainment, hosting a vibrant hot air balloon festival in the city center. The two-day event promises a blend of family-friendly attractions, tethered balloon rides, and dazzling night displays.

The festival, taking place at the plaza west of the Yonghua Civic Center and Siraya Square, will feature a carnival atmosphere with games, a themed market, and street performances. According to the Tainan City Government, the festival aims to create an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) highlighted the festival's transformation of the civic plaza into a lively carnival. The city government has collaborated with over 70 local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tourism agencies, offering exclusive discounts throughout the event.

The highlight of the festival is the Saturday evening show, which combines a night glow hot air balloon performance with a drone light show. The display will incorporate 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, with two daily sessions scheduled: 5:30–7:30 a.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m.

To encourage tourism, individuals presenting receipts or invoices demonstrating a stay of two or more nights in Tainan between April and June are eligible for priority ticket purchase on-site. Each person can purchase up to two tickets, with 20 tickets available per session.

The Tourism Administration reminds attendees to follow staff instructions during the tethered balloon rides, and the number of participants will be adjusted based on weather conditions.

Rides will be canceled if strong winds, heavy rain, or high temperatures pose a risk. Ticket holders can request refunds at the event’s service counter.

To ensure smooth access to the event, free shuttle buses will operate 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 during the nighttime performances.