Shigang Hot Air Balloon Festival Takes Off on August 22 with 'Double Mazu Gathering' to Bless the Mountain City for Three Days

The 2026 Taichung Shigang Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place from August 22 to 24 at Touniu Sports Park in Shigang District, with the world’s only 'Mazu-themed hot air balloon' from Taitung Tianhou Temple making its first-ever appearance in Taichung. Throughout the three-day event, the local Shizhong Temple’s Mazu statue will also be enshrined on-site, creating a rare 'Double Mazu Gathering' where two revered Mazu deities come together to bless the mountain city.

Wu Shih-wei, Director of Taichung City Government's Civil Affairs Bureau, stated that the gathering of Mazu deities from two regions—bridging mountains and seas—demonstrates the unique charm of local faith intertwined with mountain city tourism. He emphasized that the Shigang Hot Air Balloon Festival has become a key summer brand event in the region, and this year further integrates Mazu worship with creative tourism through cross-county collaboration, presenting traditional culture in a more accessible way for the public.

The event not only strengthens Shigang’s local identity but also promotes cultural exchange through hot air balloon displays, allowing visitors to experience local beliefs, stories, and landscapes, thereby enhancing Shigang’s tourism visibility and showcasing the multifaceted appeal of blending tradition with modern festivities.

Shigang District Chief Hsu Tien-lung expressed gratitude to the Taitung County Government and Taitung Tianhou Temple for their support in making this cultural exchange possible. During the festival, visitors can 'look up to Mazu' in the sky and 'bow beneath the palanquin' on the ground. Shizhong Temple will host a traditional 'passing under the palanquin' blessing ritual on a voluntary donation basis, allowing participants to walk beneath Mazu’s sacred palanquin to pray for family safety and smooth fortune.

This 'see the balloon, worship Mazu, pass under the palanquin' experience enables visitors to not only chase hot air balloons but also carry Mazu’s blessings home, immersing themselves in the mountain city’s unique faith culture and heartfelt community spirit.

Hsu added that this year’s festival, themed 'Shigang Takes Flight—A Blessed Mountain City,' features a rich lineup from dawn to dusk. On opening day, August 22, popular cheerleader idol Lee Da-hye will perform, bringing youthful energy to the festival. Over the three days, performances by hit bands like Nine One One, Golden Melody Award winner Sean Xiao, Lin Yi-Ring, the CTBC Brothers cheerleading squad, and the YOYO Family will be featured, alongside live music, food markets, family-friendly activities, dazzling fireworks, and light shows—ensuring fun from morning till night.

Beyond watching, visitors can also ride the hot air balloons for a bird’s-eye view of the mountain city. The Shigang District Office has arranged four large hot air balloons, with two daily flights scheduled from August 22 to 24—morning sessions from 5:00 to 7:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold on-site 30 minutes before each flight at NT$500 per person, limited to 150 tickets per session. Each ride lasts about 4 to 6 minutes and accommodates 3 to 4 people. Children over 110 cm tall may ride with a guardian.

The District Office reminds visitors that hot air balloon flights are highly weather- and wind-dependent, and actual takeoffs will be determined by on-site safety assessments. Attendees are urged to monitor the latest updates. To manage expected large crowds, enhanced shuttle services and traffic management measures are in place. The public is encouraged to use public transportation or shuttle services to reduce traffic congestion and minimize impact on local residents. Bus information can be found on the 'Taichung City Bus Real-Time Information Website' (https://citybus.taichung.gov.tw/) or via the 'Taichung Go' app.

Visitors to Shigang can witness the historic gathering of the Mazu-themed balloon and the Shizhong Temple deity blessing the mountain city, while enjoying hot air balloon rides, palanquin blessings, fireworks, music, and markets—an immersive summer celebration where faith, culture, tourism, and entertainment converge. Experience the passion and charm of 'Shigang Takes Flight—A Blessed Mountain City.' For more information, visit the Shigang District Office Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/shigang.district/?locale=zh_TW).