Located in Pinglin Village, Caotun Township, Nantou County, the Jiujiu Peak Helium Balloon Park officially opened and began its trial operation today (February 11). It is Taiwan’s first tethered helium balloon tourism experience facility.
The park features an Aerophile helium balloon imported from France—the same model used at the Paris Olympics—which can ascend up to 168 meters. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the magnificent Jiujiu Peaks and the surrounding landscape, creating a brand-new high-altitude sightseeing experience.
The area is renowned for its rolling mountain terrain, expansive views, and rich natural scenery. Along Provincial Highway 14, the region offers vibrant arts and cultural attractions, well-developed tourism industries, and diverse ecological resources. It has long attracted visitors who enjoy arts, hiking, scenic appreciation, and nature exploration, making it a representative natural recreation destination in central Taiwan.
Building upon its existing natural landscape, Jiujiu Peak has gradually introduced diverse recreational and tourism facilities in recent years. The goal is to allow visitors not only to experience the scenery from ground level but also to appreciate the surrounding mountain forests from different heights, offering a unique perspective. The park integrates natural landscapes, lifestyle aesthetics exhibitions, dining and shopping, environmental education, and the high-altitude tethered helium balloon facility into a comprehensive “Forest Lifestyle Experience” destination.
Due to the scale and unique nature of the facilities, operations will be conducted in stages with a limited-entry online reservation system. Visitor numbers will be strictly controlled to ensure service quality and public safety.
The trial operation will be conducted in two stages:
Phase 1 – Nantou Residents Experience Review Period
From the afternoon of February 11 to February 14, Nantou County residents and Caotun Township residents may enter free of charge through limited online reservations for experience and review purposes. Online reservations opened on February 5 and were fully booked.
Phase 2 – Public Experience Review Period
From February 17 (Lunar New Year’s Day) to March 8, the park will open to the general public via a fully online reservation and ticketing system.
Ticket prices:
- Admission ticket: NT$99 (Adult)
- Admission + Helium Balloon Package: NT$798 (Adult), NT$498 (Child)
- Children under 3 years old are not permitted to ride.
As the period coincides with the Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival, daily visitor numbers will be capped. Timed entry slots and real-time crowd monitoring will be implemented. Availability may be adjusted flexibly according to weather conditions, safety assessments, and operational status to ensure visit quality and ride safety.
In appreciation of the continued support from Nantou residents, those registered in the county may present their admission ticket and identification at the customer service center to receive a limited-edition herbal tea gift valued at NT$200.
During this period, the park will gradually introduce themed experiences under the concept of “Dialogue Between the Clouds and the Forest.” These include:
- The French-imported Aerophile ultra-light tethered helium balloon (same model as used at the Paris Olympics), ascending to 168 meters for a panoramic view of Taiwan’s world-class Jiujiu Peak landscape.
- Themed exhibition spaces integrating forest aesthetics and environmental education.
- Five-senses forest guided experiences.
- Branded dining services featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Overall, the park is positioned as a multifunctional recreational destination that combines ecological leisure, dining and shopping, and family education. Visitors of different age groups and interests can plan their own ideal park experience. Specific attractions and facilities will be adjusted daily based on operational conditions.
During the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival season, visitors may plan a daytime helium balloon ride and forest exploration, followed by evening visits to the Lantern Festival—adding a fresh highlight to their Nantou trip.
For reservations and ticket information, please visit the official Lavender Forest website:
https://www.lavenderforest-nantou99.com.tw
