The two major hot spring festivals in southern Taiwan kick off for a cozy autumn season!

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

As autumn cools down, it’s once again the perfect season for soaking in hot springs. The inviting steam of these warm baths captures everyone's attention. Starting in November, two renowned hot spring towns in southern Taiwan—Guanziling and Sichongxi, both listed among Taiwan’s Top Four Famous Hot Springs—will successively host their hot spring festival events. This year, Guanziling combines the 300th anniversary of the discovery of its unique "water and fire together" phenomenon with a Michelin three-star journey, rolling out a series of activities. Meanwhile, Sichongxi welcomes the reopening of Sichongxi Park, unveils landscape installation street decorations, and offers free shuttle buses to the hot spring area, making the autumn hot spring vibe in southern Taiwan even more vibrant.

Historical records indicate that Guanziling’s hot springs are muddy due to the presence of muddy rock layers underground. During the Japanese colonial period, they were famed as the “Spiritual Spring” and “Taiwan’s No. 1 Hot Spring” for their believed healing properties. Soaking here not only relieves fatigue but also benefits skin beauty. With cooler weather approaching, everyone is encouraged to visit Guanziling to experience Taiwan’s top hot spring, enjoy a relaxing soak, savor local cuisine, explore nearby attractions (such as Water and Fire Together, Biyun Temple, and Daxian Temple), shop for green-skinned tangerines, taste Dongshan coffee, and even take a nostalgic trip to the rice-less community of Qingliao in Houpi.

This event continues the previous two years’ initiative of inviting visually impaired massage therapists to provide soothing services, helping visitors relax both physically and mentally. In the tranquil hot spring basin, away from the hustle and bustle, cycling is the perfect way to explore leisurely. This year’s festival has planned three cycling routes, and bicycle rentals are available at the Hot Spring Police Station to help visitors discover the hidden beauty of Sichongxi. The old hot spring street is lined with shops featuring vintage Baroque-style walls, lattice shutters designed to block the strong downslope winds, and gardens filled with nostalgia. As night falls, the warm glow creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, enticing guests to step out of their accommodations and stroll the old street. In December, there will also be two holiday music performances featuring local bands and groups from Pingtung’s emerging cultural and creative scene, adding even more cultural charm to the hot spring area.