TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kaohsiung launches two vibrant festivals during the National Day holiday, featuring the 2025 Kaohsiung Hot Air Balloon Festival (2025年高雄熱氣球嘉年華) Friday to Sunday (Oct. 10-12). The festival takes place along Love River (愛河) in Yancheng District (鹽埕區), showcasing the new "Kaohsiung Bear" balloon with tethered rides. Tickets cost NT$500 (around US$17) each through 7-Eleven's ibon kiosks, official website, or on-site purchases.
The Kaohsiung Zuoying Wanian Folklore Festival (左營萬年季) runs simultaneously from Thursday to Sunday (Oct. 9-12) around Lotus Pond (蓮池潭), Taiwan's famous scenic lake. Each night at 7:30 p.m., the "Fire Lion" parades symbolizing peace and good fortune for attendees. The festival concludes with the "Fire Lion Sending-off Ceremony," burning the annual Fire Lion to dispel misfortune.
Beyond the festivals, Kaohsiung features historic sites including Old Fongshan City (鳳山縣舊城), also known as Old Zuoying City (左營舊城), Taiwan's first earthen city. The site represents the most well-preserved Qing Dynasty city wall, showcasing Zuoying's historical development over centuries. Zuoying City God Temple (鳳邑舊城城隍廟), built during the Kangxi era, ranks as Taiwan's second-oldest City God Temple. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30)