2017 Taipei Hot Spring Festival 10/19-10/23: Splash Blessing Celebration with Food & Wellness

Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism Press Release
Division: Tourism Industry Division
Media Contact: Division Chief Chen Ya-Hui, Officer Wang Hui-Ling
Phone: 1999 ext. 6899, 7572

2017 Taipei Hot Spring Festival 10/19-10/23
Splash Blessing Cultural Celebration with Food, LOHAS & Wellness
Welcome to Beitou to Experience the Charm of Taiwan\'s No. 1 Hot Spring

As we enter fall and winter, hot spring season is here again! The 16th Taipei Hot Spring Festival takes place October 19-23 on Qixing Street next to Xinbeitou MRT Station, featuring 6 major themes for the "Splash Blessing Cultural Celebration." Through diverse booths, stage performances, charity events, yukata experiences, and the splash blessing parade, the festival warmly invites travelers to enjoy autumn in Beitou and experience local culture.

Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-Je, who envisions transforming Beitou into a city museum without walls, attended the festival launch on October 20, stating that Beitou has beautiful mountains and waters, along with attractions such as Xinbeitou Train Station, Thermal Valley, Plum Garden, and the Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, making it ideal for visits in all four seasons. As autumn arrives, hot spring cuisine becomes even more captivating, and he hopes through efforts of government and private organizations, the public will think of Beitou for hot spring bathing, wellness, and leisure.

The 5-day festival is packed with content. This year features family splash zones, blessing ema areas, and food stalls. Activities include Ming Hwa Yuan Taiwanese Opera, Nakashi Star Competition, outdoor cinema, Beautiful Taiwan 3D films, blessing portable shrine parades with children\'s shrines and international mascots, the culturally nostalgic Nakashi Star PK Competition, and yukata design competition. Japanese cultural exchange includes partnerships with Yamaguchi City Yuda sister hot spring district, Ibusuki City\'s Hawaiian hula, Matsuyama City enka singers, and the Kyoto Tatami Band. A special blood donation ceremony encourages the public to donate with enthusiasm.

To feel the lively Beitou hot spring atmosphere, visit Xinbeitou on the weekend (October 21-22) to join Japanese Asia-Pacific hot spring representatives, mascots, and hot spring ambassadors in the splash blessing parade. Children in spirited outfits carry portable shrines chanting slogans in unison for a spectacular performance.

Event website: https://www.ev.com.tw/

Extended venue hours:

Department of Education (Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch)	During 10/19 (Thu)-10/23 (Mon), Sat (10/21) & Sun (10/22) extended to 6 PM; Mon (10/23) extended to 5 PM.
Indigenous Peoples Commission (Ketagalan Culture Center)	During 10/19 (Thu)-10/23 (Mon), Sat (10/21) & Sun (10/22) extended to 6 PM; Mon (10/23) extended to 5 PM.
Taipei Water Department (Thermal Valley)	During 10/19 (Thu)-10/23 (Mon), Sat (10/21) & Sun (10/22) extended to 6 PM; Mon (10/23) extended to 5 PM.
Department of Cultural Affairs - Xinbeitou Train Station	During 10/19 (Thu)-10/23 (Mon), extended to 8:30 PM; Mon (10/23) originally closed but open regular hours.
Dept. of Information and Tourism - Plum Garden	During 10/19 (Thu)-10/23 (Mon), Sat (10/21) & Sun (10/22) extended to 6 PM; Mon (10/23) open 9 AM-5 PM.