The 2014 Taipei Hot Spring Festival Kicks Off on Double Ten Day in Xinbeitou!

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

The “2014 Taipei Hot Spring Festival” will take place over five consecutive days starting October 10 around the Xinbeitou MRT Station. In addition to the traditional hot spring joint exhibition booths, this year marks the first time that Japan’s Matsuyama City Children’s Sumo Wrestling Troupe has been invited to Taiwan for an exchange performance and to participate in the street parade. Other highlights include a cultural and creative market, open-air movies, and a free hot spring voucher for blood donors. On Saturdays and Sundays, there will also be free hot spring shuttle buses. The event promises a rich and exciting program.

This year’s theme, “Autumn Hot Springs, Wellness, Health, and the Fun of Sumo,” specially invites Japan’s Ehime Prefecture Matsuyama City Children’s Sumo Wrestling Troupe to perform and engage in cultural exchange in Taiwan. A pre-soak wellness hand-swinging exercise has also been specially designed to promote fitness and health concepts. Additionally, there will be a Nostalgic Music Star Competition, a special performance of the Ming Hua Yuan Taiwanese Opera Troupe’s classic play “The Coachman and the Chief Constable,” and an open-air movie screening of “Grandma’s Dream Lover.” This year’s hot spring festival offers performances, music, and traditional opera, brimming with artistic and cultural charm that adds to the allure of Taiwan’s premier hot spring destination.

On the afternoon of the 11th and the morning of the 12th, a grand street parade will kick off at No. 224 Guangming Road, Beitou District (Shuimei Hot Spring Resort). In addition to the well-received children’s palanquin from previous years, the parade will feature Taiwan’s local deity, the Earth God, creating exciting “Earth God wrestling” scenes. There will also be Beitou witch cosplay, Ximending-style cosplay, and children’s sumo wrestling. After the parade, a children’s sumo wrestling exchange performance will be held at Qixing Park, adding lively and thrilling atmosphere to the hot spring festival.