Taiwan's only mud hot spring—Kuanzi Ridge Hot Spring Festival kicks off on November 16

When traveling in Tainan during autumn and winter, besides historic buildings and delicious food, the hot springs of Kuanzi Ridge are also a must-visit. The 2013 Tainan Kuanzi Ridge Hot Spring Festival will run from November 16 to December 22. Visiting Kuanzi Ridge at this time not only allows you to soak in Taiwan’s only mud hot springs, enjoy local chicken, taste i* citrus, and go hiking, but you can also head to Dongshan for coffee and experience a different kind of hot spring journey in Tainan.

Kuanzi Ridge began developing hot spring tourism in the early days of Japanese rule. In 1904, the first hot spring inn was opened; in 1912, the Hot Spring Boulevard was completed, with a track laid directly from Houpi to Kuanzi Ridge; in 1913, the Japanese, considering Taiwan a suitable location for establishing hot spring and mineral spring sanatoriums, built the Kuanzi Ridge Public Bathhouse, which opened on December 14 of the same year. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the public bathhouse. The Tainan City Tourism Bureau has planned a variety of events to explore its centennial charm. During the event period, free guided tours of Kuanzi Ridge will be offered on weekends, along with limited-edition gifts. All will be part of this year’s Tainan Kuanzi Ridge Hot Spring Festival. This year also includes renovations of the hot spring old street, restoration of the Lintou Sacred Spring, and the recreation of Taisho-era postcards and kimonos by instructors from Tainan University of Applied Sciences.

 

The hot springs of Kuanzi Ridge, with their unique water quality and century-long history, have become a highly charming hot spring destination and one of the public’s top choices for soaking. This year’s Tainan Kuanzi Ridge Hot Spring Festival combines elements of industry, music, food, and culture. The event runs from November 16 to December 22, with special industry markets, hot spring concerts, and free guided walks around the Kuanzi Ridge hot spring town every Saturday and Sunday. Exclusive limited-edition gifts will be given to participants.

 

The “2013 Tainan Kuanzi Ridge Hot Spring Festival” will officially kick off at 2:00 PM on November 16 at the Baquan Bridge Hot Spring Park in Kuanzi Ridge. On the opening day, the first 200 attendees can enjoy free Dongshan coffee and Nankiaoi* citrus, as well as receive a Kuanzi Ridge centennial commemorative postcard. Additionally, reservations for free guided historical walks around the hot spring town can be made online via the “Tainan Tourism” website. During the event period, there will be exciting hot spring concerts every Saturday from 7:00–9:00 PM and every Sunday from 3:00–5:00 PM. Local specialty product exhibitions will also take place every Saturday and Sunday from 2:00–5:00 PM in the Dakuanzi area, offering the freshest and most seasonal culinary delights.

 

 

●  Extended reading:

2013 Hot Spring Season—Warm Spring Info Across Taiwan

http://goo.gl/ZkLsv9