Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, compiled and reported by Chen Guanxin
Tainan Guanziling’s mud hot springs are unique in all of Taiwan. (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
Guanziling began developing its 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 railway track laid directly from Houpi to Guanziling; in 1913, the Japanese, considering Taiwan a suitable location for setting up hot spring and mineral spring sanatoriums, built the Guanziling 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 activities to explore its centennial charm. During the event period, free guided tours of Guanziling are offered on weekends, with limited-edition gifts given away. All these are part of this year’s Tainan Guanziling Hot Spring Festival. The festival also includes renovations of the hot spring old street and the restoration of the spiritual spring hot spring source, plus reproductions of Taisho-era postcards and kimono by instructors from Tainan University of Applied Sciences.
The hot springs of Guanziling, with their unique water quality and a century-long history, have become an immensely charming hot spring destination and one of the top choices for locals seeking a soak. This year’s Tainan Guanziling 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 hot spring town held every Saturday and Sunday. Exclusive limited-edition gifts will be given to participants.
The “2013 Tainan Guanziling Hot Spring Festival” will officially kick off at 2:00 p.m. on November 16 at the Baoquan Bridge Hot Spring Park in Guanziling. On the opening day, the first 200 attendees can enjoy free Dongshan coffee and Naliao i* oranges, as well as receive a Guanziling 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 p.m. and Sundays from 3:00–5:00 p.m.; from 2:00–5:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, there will also be featured product exhibitions in the Daguanzi area, offering a feast of the freshest seasonal delicacies.
● Further reading:
2013 Hot Spring Season — Warm Spring Info Across Taiwan
http://goo.gl/ZkLsv9