
Luye Highland Taitung
Luye Highland is famous for its annual hot air balloon festival, offering stunning views, grass skiing, and paragliding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunrise balloon flights

Luye Highland Taitung
Best Time
Sunrise balloon flights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Luye Highland is famous for its annual hot air balloon festival, offering stunning views, grass skiing, and paragliding.
"The vibrant colors of the balloons against the lush green hills were absolutely breathtaking."

Check Weather Forecast 🌦️
Balloon flights are weather-dependent. Have backup plans if conditions aren't ideal.
Arrive Early for Best Spots ⏰
Beat the crowds and secure a good viewing spot for the balloon launches and landings.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Taiwan International Balloon Festival
Luye Highland
Witness dozens of colorful hot air balloons take flight against a stunning backdrop. A truly magical experience!

Panoramic Views from Luye Highland
Observation Deck
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of lush green grasslands and rolling mountains. Perfect for photography.

Grass Skiing Adventure
Luye Highland
Experience the thrill of grass skiing down the gentle slopes. Fun for all ages and a unique activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Balloon Fest
Getting Around Luye Highland
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Weather Forecast 🌦️
Balloon flights are weather-dependent. Have backup plans if conditions aren't ideal.
Arrive Early for Best Spots ⏰
Beat the crowds and secure a good viewing spot for the balloon launches and landings.
Consider Car Rental 🚗
Easier to navigate Taitung and Luye, especially during the festival. Parking can be challenging.
Book Accommodation Early 🏨
Taitung gets busy during the balloon festival; secure your stay well in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Weather Forecast 🌦️
Balloon flights are weather-dependent. Have backup plans if conditions aren't ideal.
Arrive Early for Best Spots ⏰
Beat the crowds and secure a good viewing spot for the balloon launches and landings.
Consider Car Rental 🚗
Easier to navigate Taitung and Luye, especially during the festival. Parking can be challenging.
Book Accommodation Early 🏨
Taitung gets busy during the balloon festival; secure your stay well in advance.
Bring Snacks & Water 🍎
Food options can be limited or crowded. Pack your own refreshments for convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking spectacle of the hot air balloon festival, with vibrant colors against lush green hills creating an unforgettable experience. The panoramic views and grass skiing are also highly praised. However, some reviews mention poor organization, expensive parking, and significant traffic congestion during peak festival times, suggesting a need for better management.
"Got to see a hot air balloon festival in Taiwan for the first time and it was such an amazing experience! 🎈✨ Super lucky the weather was nice that day 🌤️. If you're planning to go, definitely check the weather beforehand. Having your own car is way more convenient 🚗, but just a heads-up — traffic can get pretty bad because there are so many people 🚙🚙🚙."
Nalatporn R.
"This year, the Hot Air Balloon Festival was held at Luye Highlands! 🎈 The vibrant colors of the balloons against the lush green hills were absolutely breathtaking. It rained for a while, but I'm still admiring the incredible views from the top of the hill ⛰️."
Sang S.
"Poorly arranged and clearly there was no attempt to make this a real tourist attraction. Parkings are expensive and absolute nightmares and I am not sure why it was even advertised on the official website when parking grounds are operated by local businesses?
Such a shame that the hot air balloons were quite nice, but like many events in Taiwan, you can expect organizers to mess things up for everyone because they put so little thoughts into management and operation."
Alex Huang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Taipei, take a High-Speed Rail (HSR) or regular train to Taitung Station. From Taitung Station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Luye Highland. Renting a car in Taitung offers more flexibility for exploring the area.
While possible, it can be challenging, especially during peak festival times. Public buses connect major towns, but schedules might be infrequent. Taxis are available but can be costly. Renting a scooter or car is highly recommended for exploring Luye Highland and its surroundings.
During the Taiwan International Balloon Festival, traffic and parking can be extremely congested. Many visitors opt for shuttle buses provided by the event or local transport services. Arriving very early is key if driving yourself.
Direct transport options are limited. Most visitors travel to Taitung City first and then arrange transport to Luye Highland. Check the official festival website for any updated shuttle bus information.
It typically takes about 30-40 minutes by car or taxi from Taitung City to Luye Highland, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Luye Highland itself is generally free. However, specific activities like grass skiing or tethered balloon rides may have separate fees.
The festival typically runs from early July to mid-August. Daily flight sessions are usually from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Always check the official schedule for exact times.
Luye Highland is a public area, so there is no general admission fee. However, parking fees may apply during the festival, and some activities have individual charges.
Yes, tickets for tethered balloon rides are usually available for purchase on-site at the festival grounds. It's advisable to buy them early in the day as they can sell out.
Grass skiing at Luye Highland typically costs around 150 NTD per person.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The entire highland offers stunning panoramic views. For balloon festival shots, the open fields are ideal. The observation deck provides a great vantage point for landscape photography.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The early morning light is perfect for capturing the balloons taking off, while the evening light is beautiful for the balloon glow.
Yes, you can get close to the balloons during their preparation and inflation. Tethered rides also offer unique photo opportunities from the air. Popular themed balloons, like Doraemon, are also a hit.
Expect vast, rolling green hills, picturesque grasslands, and distant mountains. It's a serene and beautiful natural landscape.
Drone usage may be restricted, especially during the balloon festival, due to safety regulations and interference with balloon operations. It's best to check local regulations or inquire on-site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food stalls and vendors are usually present during the Taiwan International Balloon Festival, offering local snacks and drinks. However, they can get very crowded.
You'll likely find a variety of Taiwanese street food, local specialties, and refreshments. It's a good opportunity to try some regional flavors.
While there might be a few local eateries in Luye Township, dining options are more plentiful in Taitung City. It's advisable to plan your meals accordingly.
Many visitors find it convenient to bring their own snacks and water, especially if they plan to spend a full day at the festival, to avoid long queues and ensure they have their preferred items.
Yes, Luye Highland is a great place for a picnic. The expansive grassy areas are perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal with a view.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚗 Road Trippers & Self-Drivers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Taiwan International Balloon Festival
Beyond the breathtaking aerial displays, the festival often includes night glow concerts and drone shows, providing entertainment long after the sun sets. The sheer scale and beauty of the event make it a bucket-list item for many travelers. However, due to its popularity, expect large crowds and plan your visit accordingly, especially if you're aiming for specific flight times or photo opportunities.
It's crucial to monitor weather conditions as balloon flights are highly dependent on wind and rain. Previous attendees often advise checking the forecast diligently and having flexible plans. The festival organizers strive to create a memorable experience, but managing such a large event can present challenges, so a bit of patience and preparedness goes a long way.
Beyond the Balloons: Activities at Luye Highland
The observation deck at Luye Highland provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Taitung East Rift Valley. This is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates natural beauty. The vast, undulating green fields and distant mountains create a serene and picturesque landscape that is a feast for the eyes.
For those seeking a more active adventure, the area is also known for paragliding. While not directly part of the festival, the conditions at Luye Highland are often favorable for this sport, offering a bird's-eye perspective of the stunning scenery. The tranquil environment and natural beauty make it a great place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit