Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen joins Lee Da-hye for Hot Air Balloon Carnival

The 2026 Shigang Hot Air Balloon Carnival commenced in the Shidong District of Taichung, featuring South Korean cheerleader Lee Da-hye as a special guest. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen participated in the opening ceremony and joined Lee in a hot air balloon flight.

During the event, Mayor Lu addressed online comments regarding Lee’s previous promotional collaboration with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. Responding to suggestions that Lee should maintain distance from Chiang, Lu joked that Lee would be maintaining distance from everyone because she would be ascending high into the sky.

The three-day festival includes various activities such as hot air balloon displays, concerts featuring artists like Nine One One and Xiao Huang-chi, fireworks, and light shows. The event also features a special Mazu-shaped hot air balloon from Taitung to promote cross-county tourism and cultural exchange.