2026 Taichung Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival | Take Off in Shigang · A Happy Mountain Town

Every year in late summer, the sky over Taichung’s mountain towns comes alive with a colorful spectacle that many travelers eagerly look forward to. Held at the spacious Shigang Tuniu Leisure Sports Park, the Taichung Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival combines vibrant hot air balloons with the natural scenery of the mountain town, live music, local food, and other regional attractions. It has gradually become one of the most representative annual events in Taichung’s mountain-line region.

In 2026, the Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival took place from August 22 to August 24 under the theme “Shigang Takes Flight · A Happy Mountain Town.” The event brought together four main themes — happiness, good food, music, and family fun — throughout the carnival. In addition to hot air balloon displays and tethered balloon rides, visitors could enjoy live concerts, food markets, fireworks, light shows, and family activities, creating a lively atmosphere that lasted from day into night. For travelers who enjoy taking photos, exploring nature, traveling with children, or simply experiencing the romantic atmosphere of a Taiwanese Hakka mountain town at the end of summer, the hot air balloon carnival has become a destination well worth planning a special trip around.

The World’s Only Mazu-Shaped Hot Air Balloon Makes Its Taichung Debut

One of the biggest highlights of the 2026 carnival was the first-ever Taichung appearance of the world’s only “Mazu-shaped hot air balloon,” inspired by the Mazu of Taitung Tianhou Temple. The uniquely designed balloon quickly became one of the most eye-catching sights in Shigang’s skies this year. It also added a distinctive element of Taiwanese temple culture to an event that was already highly photogenic. Other large hot air balloons were also featured during the carnival, turning the mountain-town sky into a popular backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

More Than Just a Spectacle — You Can Ride a Hot Air Balloon

For visitors who want to experience a hot air balloon ride for themselves, the 2026 carnival also offered a tethered hot air balloon experience. Unlike free-flight ballooning, tethered flights keep the balloon secured to the ground with ropes. This allows passengers to rise into the air and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Shigang while maintaining a controlled and relatively stable operating environment.

Two experience sessions were scheduled each day: 5:00–7:30 a.m. and 4:00–6:30 p.m. On-site ticket queues opened 30 minutes before each session. Tickets were priced at NT$500 per person, with 150 tickets available for each session. Each flight lasted approximately 4 to 6 minutes, and each balloon could carry around 3 to 4 passengers. Children needed to be at least 110 cm tall to participate when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

However, hot air balloon activities are highly dependent on weather conditions. Actual balloon displays and flight schedules were therefore subject to on-site conditions and announcements by the event organizer.

From Sunset to Nightfall, the Mountain Town Sky Comes Alive

Another special feature of the Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival is that the excitement does not end when the sun goes down. The 2026 event featured evening concerts, spectacular fireworks, and illuminated performances, transforming the hot air balloons from colorful daytime attractions into part of a nighttime display of light and flame. As night fell, the balloons were illuminated across the grass field, accompanied by music and fire effects, creating an atmosphere completely different from the daytime experience. Singers and performance groups also took the stage, keeping the venue lively well into the evening. Rather than simply stopping by to see the balloons during the day and leaving, travelers with enough time may want to plan a two-day, one-night stay. With a longer holiday, the trip can also be extended into a three-day, two-night journey through northern Taichung’s mountain towns. This allows visitors to experience the carnival’s different moods from morning through night.

Beyond the Balloons, Shigang Is Worth Exploring

Shigang is much more than the setting for the hot air balloon carnival. The area is also known for its rural landscapes, agricultural scenery, and Hakka cultural heritage. A visit to Shigang can easily be combined with a trip along the Dongfeng Bicycle Green Way and Houfeng Bike Path. Travelers can even extend their itinerary to Houli, where attractions such as Lihpao Land, the race circuit, and Outlet Mall offer even more things to see and do. In this way, the hot air balloon carnival becomes a highlight of a two-day, one-night or three-day, two-night journey, rather than the sole purpose of the trip.

Start from Fengyuan and Explore Taichung’s Mountain Line

Shigang and Fengyuan are both part of Taichung’s mountain-line region. For visitors arriving from outside the area, Fengyuan is a convenient base and transportation gateway for exploring Shigang, Dongshi, Xinshe, and other mountain towns. Because crowds are particularly concentrated around Shigang during the carnival period, the 2026 organizer also reminded visitors that parking space around Tuniu Sports Park was limited. Travelers were encouraged to make use of parking areas outside the immediate venue, shuttle services, and public transportation. Free shuttle services were also provided during the carnival, with transportation arrangements connecting areas including Fengyuan to help visitors reach the event venue.

For this reason, travelers from outside Taichung may wish to consider combining their trip as a “Fengyuan stay + Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival” itinerary. Spend the day in Shigang enjoying the hot air balloons, local markets, and mountain scenery. Stay into the evening to experience the concerts and nighttime performances, then return to Fengyuan to relax after the event. The following day, continue exploring Xinshe, Dongshi, Houli, or other nearby attractions.

The Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival Will Take Flight Again Next Year

From the joy of watching hot air balloons slowly rise into the sky, to the mountain town scenery glowing beneath the sunset, and finally to the evening concerts filled with lights and fireworks, the Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival adds a memorable splash of color to Taichung’s mountain region every year. In 2026, “Shigang Takes Flight · A Happy Mountain Town” brought together hot air balloons, music, food, family activities, and fireworks, while the world’s only Mazu-shaped hot air balloon made its first appearance in Taichung.

When you return to Shigang next year, what new hot air balloon designs will appear in the sky? What new surprises will the carnival bring? It is certainly something to look forward to. Add the Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival to your annual travel list, arrange your stay in Fengyuan, and come to Taichung’s mountain towns to witness the unforgettable moment when the hot air balloons take flight.

• This article’s event information will be updated annually based on announcements from the Taichung City Government, Shigang District Office, and the official event organizer.