“2025–2026 Taiwan Hot Springs” Grand Launch – Let’s Take Hot Spring Island Tours!
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1...” With Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Huang Shih-Fang; Legislator Chuang Jui-Hsiung; Legislator Huang Chien-Pin; Legislator Chen Ying; Chen Wei-Cheng, Director of Legislator Fu Kun-Chi’s Office; Huang Ching-Wen, Director of Legislator Lin Yi-Chun’s Office; Chen Sheng-Mei, Executive Director of Legislator Huang Jen’s Office; Bai Mo-Lin, Consular Affairs Assistant of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Kaohsiung Branch; Yu Ming-Hsun, Director of the Tourism Department, Hualien County Government; Pu Min-Cheng, Director of the Transportation and Tourism Development Department, Taitung County Government; Li Hao-Wei, Chairman of the Hot Spring Tourism Association Taiwan; chairpersons of the 19 major hot spring regions across Taiwan; and representatives from the hot spring associations of Japan and Korea—pouring hot spring water into the bath bucket of “OhBear,” leader of the Tourism Administration’s Super Task Team—the seven-month-long “2025–2026 Taiwan Hot Springs—Hot Spring Island Tours” officially launched today at the Chihpen Century Hotel, Taitung. Deputy Director-General Huang Shih-Fang remarked in his speech that the “Taiwan Hot Springs” brand has been promoted for 19 years. With unique geographical resources, Taiwan is blessed with diverse spring types such as alkaline carbonate springs, sodium bicarbonate springs, sulfur springs, mud springs, and seabed hot springs. Among them, Green Island’s Zhaori Seawater Hot Spring, renowned alongside hot springs in Kyushu, Japan, is world famous. He expressed the hope that by integrating elements such as cuisine and sports, not only will locals enjoy the fun of soaking in hot springs, but more international visitors will also be drawn to Taiwan’s hot springs, sparking a new trend in Taiwan tourism. Director Hsu Tsung-Min of the Valley Administration also advocated for local hot springs. Within the East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area, there are four major hot spring regions—Ruisui and Antong in Hualien, and Zhiben and Luye Wulu in Taitung, each with its own unique features and cuisine. Sounding but not meaning like the common Sishen Soup (Four Herbs Soup), they can be called the Valley’s new four great hot springs. Director Hsu encouraged everyone to visit and try them out. On September 6, 2025, the Valley Administration also held the “Cycling Through the Valley – Visiting Zhiben Hot Springs on a Bike” event, with about 100 enthusiastic cyclists participating. Visitors are invited to enjoy soaking in hot springs and the breathtaking natural scenery of the East Longitudinal Valley. Li Hao-Wei, who assumed the position of Chairman of the Hot Spring Tourism Association Taiwan this March, has designated 2025 as the “Taiwan Hot Spring Health Tourism Year.” His priorities are to connect Taiwan’s hot springs with the world and strengthen international collaboration, with the goal of making “Taiwan Hot Springs” a must-visit destination for global travelers. At the event, he signed the Taiwan-Japan-Korea International Hot Spring Cultural Exchange Agreement with President Tada Keisuke of the Japan Hot Springs Association and Chairman Kim Seong-Guk of the Korea Hot Spring Association, formally announcing the establishment of the East Asia Hot Spring Alliance. Through annual forums and joint activities, the alliance aims to promote Taiwan Hot Springs internationally, marking an important step toward global recognition. Chairman Li emphasized that hot springs are not only for winter, promoting the concept that soaking year-round is good for health. Both Chairman Tada and Chairman Kim praised the quality of Taiwan’s hot springs, pledged to bring more travelers to Taiwan, and welcomed Taiwanese visitors to Japan and Korea for a different hot spring experience. Golden Bell Award-winning Best Host and Golden Melody Award-winning Best Male Singer in Dialects, Shen Wencheng, served as the “Hot Spring VIP Guest.” At the launch ceremony, he debuted the theme song he created for Taiwan Hot Springs. Shen stated, as described in my lyrics, soaking in hot springs is truly good for the body—relieving fatigue, prolonging life, and improving health. Everyone should visit Taiwan and its various hot springs! This year’s Taiwan Hot Springs, with the theme “Hot Spring Island Tours,” encourages the public to plan mini hot spring trips to the 19 major hot spring regions. Compare the spring waters, savor local cuisine, and explore attractions in depth. The Tourism Administration has also integrated wellness activities and local cuisine to launch three waves of the “Hot Spring Island Tour Prize Draw” online events. These include: the “Sustainable Island Tour Monopoly” grand prize draw, encouraging diverse payment systems in line with environmental sustainability; the “Hundred Hot Spring Flavors—Which One Do You Love?” voting campaign; and the “Sweat It Out, Soak It In” prize draw exclusive to runners participating in four hot spring road runs. With total prizes exceeding NT$1 million—including hotel accommodation vouchers, afternoon tea coupons, and the grand prize of round-trip tickets for two to Japan—the campaign invites everyone to “soak in good hot springs, enjoy great food, and win wonderful prizes”! For details, follow the “Taiwan Hot Springs” Facebook page for the latest updates.