Taitung: The 2025 Taiwan International Balloon Festival commenced in Taitung County with 18 hot air balloons launching into the sky, including a unique balloon shaped like the Japanese comic character Doraemon. The festival, which opened on Saturday, was set against the scenic backdrop of the Luye Highland.

According to Focus Taiwan, despite an early sea warning issued by the Central Weather Administration for Tropical Storm Danas, the event proceeded as planned at 5:30 a.m. Taitung officials and balloon experts initially assessed that the storm would not disrupt the festival. Taitung County Magistrate Yao Ching-ling optimistically stated that the event would continue without issues, promoting various “check-in spots” to encourage tourists to explore the county.

However, rain in the afternoon led experts to conclude that the conditions were unsafe, prompting the Taitung County government to suspend all activities until Monday. The projection mapping concert, initially scheduled for Sunday, has been moved to August 4. The festival features balloons from countries such as Canada and Brazil, many of which are making their debut in Taiwan, including the anticipated Doraemon balloon.

The festival, ongoing until August 21 with scheduled breaks every Tuesday, offers a variety of attractions, including hot air balloon shows, tethered balloon rides, and eight projection mapping shows accompanied by music. Five of these shows will take place at the Luye venue, incorporating Doraemon-themed drone displays.

In light of the weather-induced cancellations, the county assured that those who purchased tickets online for the weekend’s tethered balloon rides would receive refunds within 10 to 14 working days. For any inquiries about the refund process, consumers are advised to contact ezTravel, the company handling ticket sales.