A hot air balloon carnival and music festival was launched on Friday, July 5 in northwest China’s Gansu Province.

Themed "the closest place to the sky", the second Jiayuguan Silk Road International Hot Air Balloon Carnival is an upgrade from last year’s event. Visitors will be treated to an audiovisual feast, a music festival, as well as both tethered and free flight balloon rides, during this four-day extravaganza. 

A nod to ancient Jiayu Pass or Jiayuguan, which stands at the western end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Great Wall, and the ancient Silk Road that ran through it, the 2019 Jiayuguan Silk Road International Hot Air Balloon Carnival is expected to boost local tourism. 

The festival closes on Monday, July 8.

Events Timetable:

Hot air balloon shows: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 

Hot air balloon experience: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Light shows and music festival: 9:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.