Winter Love at the Hot Springs: Tai’an’s Centennial Hot Spring Festival Warms Up

Remember the scene in the idol drama “Miss No Good” where the male and female leads spent a holiday together in a hot spring town? This winter, the affectionate senior Wenfhao invites everyone to soak in the hot springs and enjoy tofu in Tai’an, celebrating the centennial of the Tai’an Hot Spring Festival, and having a cozy winter together!

The Tai’an Hot Springs is turning 100 years old, and the lively “2009 Tai’an Hot Spring Festival Centennial Edition” will be held from November 21 to January 20 of next year. The Miaoli County Government’s International Culture and Tourism Bureau has specially invited Wenfhao to kick off the centennial series of Tai’an Hot Spring Festival events, and highly recommends authentic Hakka cuisine and the rich culture of the Atayal people. On the opening day, November 21, artists such as Lin Xiaopei, Xi En, Huang Lianyu, and Cai e?yong and others will also perform, offering visitors an unforgettable experience full of warmth and excitement.

Known as the “Beauty’s Hot Spring,” Tai’an Hot Springs is a weak alkaline carbonated spring, nestled among the surrounding peaks of Henglong Mountain, Bird Beak Mountain, and Tiger Cub Mountain, offering a tranquil and secluded atmosphere. Most local residents are of the Atayal and Hakka ethnicities, who have created unique flavors in their culinary techniques. After soaking in the hot springs, enjoy the tofu from Qing’an Tofu Street or authentic Hakka dishes, and a wave of warmth will spread from deep within. Soaking in the hot springs and admiring the maple leaves is the best travel plan for visiting Tai’an Hot Springs in autumn and winter. The nearby Malabang Mountain is a prime spot for leaf-peeping, and every autumn and winter, the mountain is covered in stunning red foliage.

During the eight-week-long “2009 Tai’an Hot Spring Festival Centennial Edition,” local hot spring hotels and homestays are also offering a series of special promotions. To allow more people to experience the joy of Tai’an, the Miaoli County Government is hosting a series of essay and competition events, including the “Tai’an – My Dreamiest Hot Spring Trip” travel itinerary design contest, the “My Hundred Impressions of Tai’an” photo collection campaign, and the “Tai’an Hot Spring Centennial Memorial Item Design Competition,” with total prize money exceeding NT$100,000 and plenty of great prizes on offer.

Starting from November 21, the public can also join three eco-tourism guided routes launched by the county government, including the leisurely-level Shuiyun Trail, the challenging Donggua Mountain Trail, and the indigenous-flavored tours of Yuandun and Longshan Tribes. The tours are completely free, and feature professional guides leading visitors on an in-depth exploration of the beauty of Tai’an. For details on all activities, please visit the official event website at www.taian-hotspring.com.