Text/Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
For those who want to soak in hot springs and admire cherry blossoms, consider visiting Taitung’s Tai Ma Li during the holidays. The 2011 Taitung County Tai Ma Li Township Hot Spring Festival will debut from December 3 to 18 at the Jinmei Hot Spring Area for the first time. The opening event will take place in front of Jinmei Railway Station, featuring performances such as the Golden Needle Princess and Japanese Warrior Welcome Dance, traditional indigenous dance and song medleys, as well as special booths selling agricultural products. Accommodation vouchers and hot spring vouchers will also be given to participants.
In winter, visiting Tai Ma Li’s Golden Needle Mountain offers a beautiful view of cherry blossoms falling all over the ground (Image provided by Taitung County Tai Ma Li Township Office)
The Jinmei Hot Spring is located by the Jinmei River and is a typical valley-type hot spring. The spring water emerges from the riverbank, with the steam from the hot spring and the murmuring stream forming a famous local spectacle. In winter, due to the low water flow in the river, the hot spring water accumulates into pools, allowing visitors to enjoy a soak in nature—very relaxing. During the festival period, it coincides with the blooming season of wild cherry blossoms in Tai Ma Li, where visitors can go to Golden Needle Mountain to admire the pale pink cherry blossom corridors or head to the Sunrise Park to enjoy the leisurely activity of walking along the waves.
The Jinmei Hot Spring area has been fully rebuilt after being devastated by Typhoon Morakot. (Image provided by Taitung County Tai Ma Li Township Office)
Additionally, during the Hot Spring Festival, guests staying at participating homestays can enjoy a 20% discount on both accommodation and hot spring entry. Although Tai Ma Li Township was severely affected by Typhoon Morakot, which heavily damaged the Jinmei Hot Spring area, it has been restored to its former beauty with the assistance of various agencies. This Hot Spring Festival also showcases the achievements of the reconstruction.
Official event website: taimali.mmhot.tw