The “2026 Nantou Hot Spring Festival” officially launched with an opening press conference on the 2nd at the 1st-floor lobby of the Nantou County Government. Vice County Magistrate Wang Rui-de announced the start of the series of events. Aligning with the Tourism Administration’s “2026–2027 Taiwan Hot Spring” initiative, this year’s festival connects the three major hot spring areas of Puli, Dongpu, and Beigang River. Running from September through late October, the festival features the “Voice of Hot Springs” Singing Contest, Indigenous cultural performances, markets, and hot spring experiences, inviting visitors nationwide to enjoy Nantou’s great scenery and relaxing springs this autumn.
The press conference opened with an energetic performance by the A+Dance troupe. The duo “Sen-Tian CP” (Lee Zi-sen and Tu Hsin-tien) were invited as this year’s festival ambassadors. Lee Zi-sen performed live and announced the 10 finalists for the singing competition. Local businesses from the hot spring, hospitality, agricultural, and dining sectors set up booths to showcase Nantou’s diverse tourism charm.
County Councilor Su Yu-cheng, Guoxing Township Mayor Qiu Mei-ling, Taiwan Central Tourism Alliance Association Chairman Li Ji-tian, and Republic of China Hot Spring Tourism Association Chairman Li Hao-wei, alongside various local hospitality leaders, attended the event.
Vice Magistrate Wang noted in his speech that Nantou boasts beautiful mountains, clear waters, and quality hot springs, warmly inviting travelers home and abroad to plan a trip. The inaugural event will take place on September 19 at Puli Liyu Lake, alongside the singing competition finals. The second event will head to the Dongpu Hot Spring Area on October 17, while the grand finale will be held at Atayal Resort on October 31. Visitors are welcome to travel from Puli to Dongpu and Beigang River, taking in mountain views and local cuisine by day, and relaxing in hot springs by night.
According to the Nantou Tourism Department, the first event, the “Puli Hot Spring Festival,” opens on September 19 at the Puli Liyu Lake Scenic Area. The highlight, the “2nd Voice of Hot Springs Singing Contest,” features Lee Zi-sen and Tu Hsin-tien as judges and performers. The champion will win NT$10,000 in cash and a hot spring hotel voucher. For the first time, a “Winner Prediction Contest” allows participants who guess the champion correctly to enter a raffle for hotel vouchers. The event culminates in a spectacular fireworks and water dance show.
The second event, the “Yushan Romance & Dongpu Passion” Dongpu Hot Spring Festival, takes place on October 17 at Dongpu Elementary School and surrounding hot spring streets. It integrates stage performances, Indigenous culture, local food, a yukata torch parade, agricultural products, and creative markets. The final event, the “Beigang River Hot Spring Carnival,” will be held on October 31 at Atayal Resort with free admission. It will feature performances by two-time Golden Award singer Shen Wen-cheng and Fantasy Band, alongside cultural workshops and markets.
The Tourism Department added that Nantou’s autumn event lineup is packed. Beyond the Hot Spring Festival, the Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival takes place on September 20, followed by the Taiwan Tea Expo from October 3 to 11. Through the “Nantou Travel Special Offer Month,” the county aims to integrate hot springs, sports, tea culture, and local cuisine to boost autumn tourism. For more information, visit the “Fun to Travel in Nantou” Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/nantouwelcome).
Contact Unit: Tourism Promotion Division, Tourism Department
Contact Person: Chief Liao Zhi-cang, 049-2243971
