The world’s only Mazu-shaped hot air balloon will fly to Taichung for the first time. The 2026 Taichung Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival will take place from August 22 to 24 at Tuniu Sports Park. Shih-Wei Wu, Director-General of the Civil Affairs Bureau, said this year’s event will feature six tethered hot air balloon ride sessions, along with a special appearance by the Mazu-shaped hot air balloon from Taitung Tianhou Temple. The event will also combine music performances, a food market, dazzling fireworks, and parent-child activities. Popular acts including Nine One One and Ricky Hsiao will perform in rotation. Visitors from across Taiwan are welcome to come to Shigang to chase hot air balloons, watch fireworks, enjoy music, and experience the most charming summer celebration in the mountain town area.

Director-General Wu pointed out that the Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival has become one of Taichung’s most representative summer brand events in the mountain town area, with visitor numbers continuing to rise over the years. Each edition’s special-shaped hot air balloons have also become highlights that visitors eagerly photograph. This year’s biggest highlight is the first Taichung appearance of the world’s only Mazu-shaped hot air balloon from Taitung Tianhou Temple. The colorful giant balloon transforms traditional faith into a soaring presence in the skies above the mountain town area, blending religious culture with hot air balloon art and showcasing Taiwan’s unique cultural charm. Through international exchanges and special-shaped balloon displays, the city hopes to continue generating buzz, attract visitors and photography enthusiasts from across Taiwan to Shigang, raise the event’s visibility, and strengthen Taichung’s mountain town tourism brand.

Tien-Lung Hsu, District Chief of Shigang District, said this year’s event is themed “Taking Off from Shigang, A Happy Mountain Town”. Centered on four main themes, happiness, good food, music, and parent-child fun, the event has been fully upgraded. In addition to continuing the popular hot air balloon ride experience, it will connect Shigang’s local specialty agricultural products, food trucks, cultural and creative markets, and arts performances, while inviting several well-known artists and performance groups to take the stage in succession. Running from daytime into the night, the event will allow visitors not only to look up at hot air balloons soaring over the mountain town skyline, but also to enjoy music performances and dazzling fireworks, experiencing Shigang’s diverse appeal that blends tourism, culture, and leisure under the night sky.

Shigang District Office said this year’s evening performance lineup is strong, featuring popular group Nine One One, Golden Melody Award winner Ricky Hsiao, and singers and performance groups including Ring, Ching-Yu Yang, Yu-Hsuan Wu, SONNiE, NUTS, and the CTBC Brothers cheerleading squad. The parent-child program will feature YOYO Family’s Sister Cloud, Brother Pumpkin, and a clown magic show, offering entertainment for audiences of different ages. In addition, a secret mystery guest will make a surprise appearance on August 22, with details to be announced before the event.

Shigang District Office added that four large hot air balloons will be available for rides this year. From August 22 to 24, two sessions will be held each day, from 5 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On-site ticket sales will open 30 minutes before each session. Tickets are NT$500 each, with 150 tickets available per session. Each ride lasts about four to six minutes and can carry three to four passengers. Children who are at least 110 centimeters tall may ride when accompanied by a parent or guardian. During the event, shuttle services will be provided and traffic control measures will be implemented. Visitors are advised to use public transport and shuttle buses. For more information, please visit the Facebook page of Shigang District Office (https://www.facebook.com/shigang.district/?locale=zh_TW).