The 2026 Taichung Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival will take place from August 22 to 24 at Tuniu Sports Park, featuring hot air balloon flight experiences, music concerts, fireworks, light shows, and more. Civil Affairs Bureau Director Shih-Wei Wu said that, to help move crowds more efficiently, this year’s event will launch a free direct shuttle from Fengyuan Railway Station to Tuniu Elementary School for the first time. Together with Shigang and Dongshi area loop shuttles and 14 bus routes, the service will connect the venue with key nearby locations and offer more convenient, flexible transport options. He encouraged visitors to make good use of public transport and shuttle services for an easier trip to the carnival.
Director Wu noted that the Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival has become one of central Taiwan’s most anticipated summer events. This year, the Mazu shaped hot air balloon from Taitung Tianhou Temple will make its first appearance in Taichung, and to meet the transport needs of out of town visitors, the city has also planned its first free direct shuttle from Fengyuan Railway Station to Tuniu Elementary School. Visitors arriving at Fengyuan Railway Station by Taiwan Railways from downtown Taichung or other counties and cities can simply walk to nearby Platform 6 at Fengyuan Transit Center and take the shuttle directly to the Tuniu Elementary School shuttle stop, then walk to the venue. This helps visitors avoid traffic around the event area and the hassle of finding parking.
Shigang District Chief Tien-Lung Hsu said that, in addition to the new Fengyuan shuttle, this year’s event has also strengthened outer parking and shuttle services for visitors who drive. The Dongshi Riverside Park to Tuniu Elementary School shuttle route will operate daily from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors who plan to join the early morning tethered balloon experience or the opening ceremony at 7 a.m. on August 22 can park near Dongshi Riverside Park and transfer to the free shuttle to reach the venue while avoiding nearby traffic.
In the afternoon, a Shigang area loop shuttle will also connect stops including Shigang Dam, Shigang District Office, PX Mart Shigang Station, Tuniu Elementary School, and Dongshi Riverside Park. This will make it easier for visitors to park nearby and transfer to a shuttle to the venue. It will also help disperse traffic around the main event area and allow visitors to stop by Shigang’s mountain town attractions, adding a deeper local experience to their hot air balloon trip.
District Chief Hsu reminded visitors that, to maintain traffic order and pedestrian safety during the event, traffic controls will be in place around Tuniu Sports Park from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day from August 22 to 24. Guoxiao Lane will be designated as a pedestrian only zone, while Lane 1, Fengshi Road will be subject to one way traffic control based on on site traffic flow. Road users are asked to follow traffic signs and the directions of police officers and staff on site. As parking around the venue is extremely limited, visitors are urged not to drive directly to the event site. Instead, they should use outer parking areas and free shuttle services to avoid congestion and ensure driving and pedestrian safety.
Shigang District Office added that, in addition to the free shuttle services, visitors can also take buses to the event venue. A total of 14 bus routes stop at Xia Tuniu Station, including routes 90, 90 Extended, 206, 206 Extended, 207, 207 Detour, 208, 209, 153, 153 Sub Route, 153 Extended, 850, 865, and 889. After getting off, visitors can walk along Guoxiao Lane for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Tuniu Sports Park. Bus routes and real time bus information are available on the Taichung City Bus Real Time Information website (https://citybus.taichung.gov.tw/) or through the Taichung Go app.
Shigang District Office said that large crowds and heavy traffic are expected during the event. Visitors are advised to plan their transport before departure and prioritize options such as Taiwan Railways plus the free Fengyuan shuttle, outer parking plus free shuttle, or bus services. These options can help avoid congestion and leave more time to enjoy the hot air balloons and mountain town scenery. More event information is available on the Shigang District Office Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/shigang.district).