Guanziling Hot Springs Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary — Soak in the Springs and Enjoy Delicious Food All in One Go

▲ To celebrate the centennial of Guanziling Hot Springs, models dressed in kimono were invited to recreate the hot spring bathing scene from the Japanese colonial period. (Photo provided by Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Guanziling Hot Springs is 100 years old this year. Known as the "World's Number One Hot Spring," it marks its centennial anniversary in 2024. The Tainan City Government has launched a Hot Springs Festival that combines food, music, and local specialty industries. Starting on the 16th, visitors can not only enjoy the hot springs but also attend hot spring concerts and receive complimentary Dongshan coffee and Nanliao i* citrus fruits.

▲ Guanziling Hot Springs area during the Japanese colonial period. (Photo from Wikipedia)

The Guanziling Hot Springs Festival kicks off at 2 PM on the 16th at Baoquan Bridge Hot Springs Park and runs until December 22. The city government stated that in addition to its high-quality water, the beautiful scenery around the hot springs is not to be missed. Most notably, the unique environmental conditions have produced delicious agricultural specialties, such as the popular “Whacked Hot Spring Chicken.”

The city government noted that the Guanziling area began developing hot spring tourism during the Japanese colonial period, with the first hot spring inn opening in 1904. Later, the Guanziling Public Bathhouse was built, and the high-quality spring water was even honored with the title of “Zero Spring.” This December 14 marks exactly 100 years since its establishment. A long-dormant hot spring source has also begun flowing again this year, and the city government will hold a commemorative ceremony at 2 PM on the 14th.

▲ In addition to soaking in the hot springs, visitors to the Guanziling Hot Springs Festival can also enjoy delicious food. (Photo provided by Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau)

During the Hot Springs Festival, there will be hot spring music performances every Saturday from 7 PM to 9 PM and Sundays from 3 PM to 5 PM. On public holidays at 2 PM, there will be special industry markets, along with free guided walks through the hot spring town. To celebrate the centennial, the city government has also released limited-edition postcards that allow visitors to reminisce about the hundred-year charm of Guanziling Hot Springs.