The opening press conference for the “2025 Nantou Hot Spring Season – Voice of Hot Springs Singing Contest” was held today (August 28) at the Nantou County Government Hall. County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua officially announced the start of the Nantou Hot Spring Season. This year’s festivities will roll out across Nantou’s three major hot spring areas, beginning with the Puli Hot Spring Festival on September 6. The event will be held in conjunction with the 2025 Nantou Hiking Festival, allowing participants to enjoy both the beauty of hiking and the charm of music through the Voice of Hot Springs Singing Contest. The occasion also celebrates the completion and opening of new public facilities and a water dance installation, adding great significance to the launch.
Actor Wang Pin-hao has been appointed ambassador for the inaugural contest, while veteran musician Chou Chih-ping will serve as head judge. Both attended the press conference, performed live, and interacted with the audience, inviting visitors to experience Nantou’s relaxing hot springs — the ultimate chill trip this autumn. Further details are available on the “Enjoy Nantou” Facebook fan page.
Magistrate Hsu thanked the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, for subsidizing the event to promote hot spring tourism. This year’s program supports the “2025–2026 Taiwan Hot Spring & Fine-Cuisine Carnival” under the theme “Hot Spring Cuisine, Wellness & Health”, aiming to raise the profile of Nantou’s hot spring industry and attract more visitors.
The season begins with the “Puli Hot Spring Festival – Voice of Hot Springs Singing Contest.” In line with the Puli Liyu Lake Environment Improvement and Tourism Service Facilities Enhancement Project — with a total budget of NT$69.5 million (NT$39.375 million subsidized by the Tourism Administration and NT$30.125 million funded by the county) — the project upgraded the 2-kilometer lakeside trail, scenic platforms (Carp, Turtle, Eagle, and Dragon), restrooms, landscaping, lighting, and more. Most facilities have been completed and accepted, including the new water dance installation.
On September 6, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at Liyu Lake Scenic Area during the Hiking Festival, featuring stamp-collection raffles, unplugged toy zones, and cultural DIY printing. In the afternoon, the hot spring season officially opens with a fusion of music and hot spring culture, offering visitors a sensory feast.
The contest will award NT$10,000, NT$6,000, and NT$5,000 for the first, second, and third prizes, respectively, along with certificates. The “Best Stage Performance Award” includes NT$2,000 and a certificate. The champion will also be invited to perform at the 2026 Nantou Lantern Festival. Registration was met with enthusiastic response, with hundreds applying online. The final top ten contestants were announced at the press conference. On September 6, Chou Chih-ping — renowned for producing hit albums and writing classics such as “A Tale of Romance” and “Childhood Sweethearts” — will serve as head judge. Wang Pin-hao, a rising actor and Nantou native who has released his own single, will also perform. Local farmer markets and specialty stalls will be set up, and visitors who check in on social media will receive free souvenirs.
The finale will feature performances by the Xileke Indigenous Cultural Troupe, A+ Dance Crew, and NCNU Fire Dance Art Club, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. The evening will conclude with the debut of the water dance show paired with fireworks, kicking off the hot spring season in spectacular fashion.
Next, the “Love of Yushan, Passion of Dongpu” Dongpu Hot Spring Festival begins on October 18, featuring the Bunun Tribe’s famous “Prayer for Millet Harvest” polyphonic singing. The celebrations will include roasted pig feasts, millet wine, and a nighttime yukata-and-torch parade, with limited yukata and torches distributed to visitors for a festive experience.
The grand finale, the “Beigang River Hot Spring Carnival,” takes place on November 1 at Atayal Resort. Admission is free, with performances by popular bands and dance groups, as well as tastings of local specialties, coffee, and agricultural products.
This year also features exclusive hot spring mini-tours in collaboration with China Times Travel, offering in-depth experiences across the three hot spring areas. Travelers will be guided through scenic landscapes, mountain trails, and rejuvenating hot spring soaks. In addition, Nantou will launch Nantou Travel Bonus Month starting September 15, with tea expos, fireworks, and prize giveaways. In October, two major events — the World Tea Expo and the National Day Fireworks in Nantou — will further showcase Nantou as a must-visit destination.
