Hot air balloon festival kicks off in Taitung, stopped until Monday

Taitung, July 5 (CNA) The 2025 Taiwan International Balloon Festival opened in Taitung County on Saturday with 18 hot air balloons taking flight, including the world's only hot air balloon shaped like the Japanese comic character Doraemon.

Though the Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a sea warning for Tropical Storm Danas early Saturday, Taitung officials and hot air balloon experts felt the storm would not pose a threat to the event, and it opened on schedule at 5:30 a.m. in the Luye Highland.

Taitung County Magistrate Yao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴) said the event "would go smoothly" despite storm concerns, and highlighted seven "check-in spots" around the county to encourage visitors to go "treasure hunting" beyond the Luye venue.

After rain began falling Saturday afternoon, however, experts deemed the conditions unsafe, and the Taitung County government announced the cancellation of all remaining events until Monday, with Sunday's projection mapping concert rescheduled to Aug. 4.

Many of the balloons are appearing in Taiwan for the first time, including the "most anticipated" Doraemon balloon as well as balloons from Canada and Brazil, according to the county's Transportation and Tourism Development Department.

This year's festival, which runs until Aug. 21 with breaks every Tuesday, will feature hot air balloon shows, tethered balloon rides, and eight projection mapping shows with musical accompaniment.

Five of the eight will be held at the main Luye venue using Doraemon-themed drone displays.

On the impact of the storm and subsequent event cancellations, the county said those who bought tickets online for tethered balloon rides on Saturday and Sunday will receive full refunds after 10 to 14 working days.

Consumers can consult ezTravel -- the company in charge of the ticket sales -- if there are any questions during the process, the county said.