Welcome to the breathtaking Luye Highland in Taitung, Taiwan! A place where the sky meets the earth in a symphony of colors, and adventure awaits at every corner.
If you’re a travel enthusiast with a heart for stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences, Luye Highland is your next dream destination.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the rolling hills, tea plantations, and the vibrant sky of Luye, and introduce you to the world of digital art inspired by this magical place.
The Spectacle of the Taiwan International Balloon Festival
The most iconic event at Luye Highland is the Taiwan International Balloon Festival (2025 Facebook). Held annually in the summer, this festival transforms the highland into a vibrant wonderland.
Imagine waking up to the sight of dozens of hot air balloons, in all shapes and sizes, gracefully ascending into the morning sky. It’s a picture of pure joy against the backdrop of the majestic Central Mountain Range.
For the adventurous, a tethered balloon ride offers a taste of the experience, lifting you above the ground for a panoramic view of the sprawling tea plantations and the picturesque valley below.
For the ultimate thrill, a free-flying balloon ride at sunrise is an unforgettable experience.
Soaring High: Paragliding and Other Aerial Adventures
Beyond the charm of hot air balloons, Luye Highland is a premier destination for paragliding in Taiwan. (Paragliding Experience)
The area’s unique geography, with its significant altitude difference and favorable thermal currents, allows paragliders to enjoy extended flights, soaring like eagles over the verdant landscape.
Tandem flights with experienced instructors are readily available, making this thrilling activity accessible even to beginners.
The feeling of the wind beneath your wings as you glide over the tea fields and the East Rift Valley is an exhilarating experience that will leave you with a lasting sense of freedom.
A Taste of Tradition: The Luye Gaotai Tea Plantations
Luye Highland is not just about aerial adventures; it is also a significant tea-producing region in Taiwan. The Luye Gaotai Tea Plantations are a sight to behold, with neat rows of tea bushes creating a patchwork of green across the rolling hills.
The good soil and ample sunshine of the region contribute to the exceptional quality of the local tea, particularly the renowned Red Oolong.
A visit to a tea farm offers a fascinating insight into the world of tea. Many plantations offer guided tours where you can learn about the tea-making process, from picking the tender leaves to the final stages of processing.
You can even try your hand at tea picking and participate in a traditional tea ceremony, savoring the delicate flavors and aromas of freshly brewed tea.
Info: Luye Recreational Tea Farm
A Glimpse into Local Life: The Charm of Longtian Village
Just a short distance from the highland lies Longtian Village, a place where you can step back in time and experience the slower pace of rural life in eastern Taiwan.
This former Japanese immigrant village has a unique charm, with its grid-patterned streets and the beautiful “Green Tunnel,” a road lined with magnificent old trees that form a natural canopy.
One of the best ways to explore Longtian Village is by bicycle. You can rent a bike and leisurely pedal through the Green Tunnel, visit the beautifully restored Luye traditinal buildings, and discover the traditional Japanese-style houses that still stand today.
Embracing Nature: Hiking and Cycling in the Highlands
For those who enjoy exploring on foot or by bike, Luye Highland and its surroundings offer a variety of trails that cater to different fitness levels.
Hiking trails wind through the hills, offering stunning views of the valley and the distant mountains. The trails take you through diverse ecosystems, from bamboo forests to tea plantations, providing ample opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the tranquility of nature. (Hiking Trails)
Cycling is another popular activity, with dedicated bike paths that meander through the picturesque countryside. The Luye Longtian Bicycle Trail is a particularly scenic route that takes you through the Green Tunnel and past the tea farms.
The Scenery as a Canvas: Luye Highland and the World of Digital Art
While Luye Highland may not have a dedicated digital art museum, its breathtaking landscapes serve as a powerful inspiration for artists, particularly in the realm of digital art and photography.
The vibrant colors of the hot air balloons against the blue sky, the endless green of the tea plantations, and the dramatic mountain scenery are all subjects that come to life through the lens of a camera and the stroke of a digital brush.
A quick search on platforms like Etsy and Shutterstock reveals a growing collection of digital paintings and prints inspired by the beauty of Taitung and its attractions.
This offers a wonderful opportunity to bring a piece of your travel experience home with you. Imagine a stunning digital print of the Luye Highland sunrise hanging on your wall, a daily reminder of the tranquility and beauty you experienced.
Best Times to Visit
The best time to visit Luye Highland is from early July to late August for the Taiwan International Balloon Festival.
The summer months of June to August offer pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 20C to 30C.
To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting on a weekday. Keep in mind that Tuesdays are rest days for the festival, and no events are scheduled.
Information of Gatecity Taitung
Taitung is the main city and gateway to Luye Highland. It’s known for its fresh air, clean water, and beautiful coastline.
In the city, you can visit the Taitung Forest Park, Tiehua Music Village, and the National Museum of Prehistory.
Renting a scooter or car is the most convenient way to explore the county.
How to Get There from Taipei
The most direct way to get to Luye Highland from Taipei is by taking a train from Taipei Main Station to Luye Station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
From Luye Station, you can take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (East Rift Valley Line) or a taxi to Luye Highland.
Hotel Information
- Dream Field:
URL: Website
Cost: $101 – $150 per night. - Chii Lih Resort:
URL: https://www.cltaiwan.com/
TEL: 089-551133, Cost: $179 – $363 per night. - YingChia SPA Homestay:
URL: Website
TEL: 089-561615, Cost: Around $137 per night. - Brewstay:
URL: Website(Instagram)
TEL: Not available, Cost: Varies, cash only. - Longtian Prosperity BnB:
URL: Website (Booking.com)
Cost: $60 – $126 per night.
City and Official Information
- Taitung Tourism: https://www.hello-taitung.com/en
- Luye Township Office: https://www.lyee.gov.tw/
Taiwan International Balloon Festival is waiting for you!!
Luye Highland is a destination that offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the exhilarating to the serene.
It is a place where you can witness the spectacle of hundreds of hot air balloons, feel the thrill of paragliding, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of tea and local traditions.
It is also a place that inspires creativity, a landscape that begs to be captured and transformed into art.
Get Your Next Masterpiece!! Luye Highland Digital Art
As you plan your next journey, consider the enchanting allure of Luye Highland. And when you return, with memories of the stunning vistas and the warm hospitality of the local people, why not bring a piece of that magic home with you?
Explore the world of digital art inspired by this beautiful corner of Taiwan, or perhaps, try your hand at creating your own.
Let the beauty of Luye Highland be the inspiration for your next adventure, both in travel and in creativity.
Check out our digital art store for beautiful prints of Luye Highland and other travel destinations!
