The Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration hosted the 2024-2025 Taiwan Golden Spring Awards, where 19 hot spring areas from across Taiwan vied for the top spot in public opinion. At the award ceremony yesterday (3rd), Taichung’s Guguan, Wuri, and Dakeng hot spring areas received the Golden Spring Awards. Guguan Hot Spring Area was honored with “Top Five Friendly Hot Springs – Golden Award,” Wuri Hot Spring Area was honored with “Best Innovation Award– Silver,” and Dakeng Hot Spring Area was honored with “Best Innovation Award – Bronze.” This underscores the widespread acknowledgment of Taichung’s hot springs among both judges and the public. The Taichung City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau warmly welcomes visitors to come and experience the unique charm of Taichung's hot springs.
Director Chen Mei-xiu of the Tourism and Travel Bureau noted that this year's Golden Spring Awards were divided into seven categories: “Overall Excellent Hot Springs,” “Top Five Must-Visit Hot Springs,” “Top Five Best-Value Hot Springs,” “Top Five Excellent Service Hot Springs,” “Top Five Scenic Hot Springs,” “Top Five Friendly Hot Springs,” and “Best Innovation Award.” The Taichung hot springs participated in the competition each have their own appeal. Guguan Hot Spring offers a blend of indigenous charm and a Japanese-style ambiance, Dakeng Hot Spring is praised as the “spring among hot springs,” and Wuri Hot Spring provides a panoramic view of the city and coastline at night. These unique destinations are perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable hot spring getaway.
Director Chen noted that Guguan Hot Spring Area, which won “Top Five Friendly Hot Springs – Golden Award,” and Wuri and Dakeng Hot Spring Areas, which received the Silver and Bronze Awards for Best Innovation, are truly deserving of their accolades. This recognition is anticipated to draw more tourists to experience Taichung's premier hot springs. To provide a safe and high-quality soaking environment, the city government continues to push forward with hot spring certification and inspection initiatives. Additionally, through event planning, marketing efforts, and partnerships with local businesses, Taichung seeks to establish its hot springs as the top choice for visitors looking for warmth and relaxation.
Director Chen added that, in recent years, there has been a strong focus on partnering with local hot spring associations to incorporate local culture and support the development of distinctive hot spring communities. The Taichung Good Hot Springs Season event, held annually in Guguan, has garnered widespread participation, creating more than NT$74 million in economic benefits last year. This not only stimulates local economic growth but also encourages businesses to grow and innovate in a healthy competitive environment, leading to repeat visits from tourists. Moreover, Taichung has established connections with world-famous hot spring areas such as Yuseong, South Korea, Aomori, and Gero, Japan, enhancing the international reputation and visibility of Taichung’s hot springs.
Luo Jin-zhou, President of the Hot Spring Tourism Association Taichung, shared that soaking in hot springs is not only a form of enjoyment but also an aspect of healthy living. Taichung boasts exceptional hot spring resources, with each area showcasing its unique features and charms. The recognition at the Golden Spring Awards reflects the widespread acknowledgment of Taichung’s hot spring quality and distinctiveness. This success is attributed to the city government’s proactive efforts and the continuous enhancements in service and innovation by local businesses, which have fostered growth in the hot spring industry. Moving forward, the association will continue collaborating with the city government and local businesses to offer top-tier hot spring experiences. Luo invites all to visit Taichung regularly for a relaxing hot spring getaway that combines scenic beauty, fine cuisine, and wellness.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau advises visitors to select hot spring venues that are officially certified with the Hot Spring Label and with a certificate of registration. It is essential to adhere to the guidelines and safety measures when using hot springs to ensure a safe and healthy experience. For more updates on Taichung’s hot spring events, visit the “Travel Taichung” Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/taichungresort/?locale=zh_TW). For information on licensed hot spring businesses and accommodations, please check the Tourism Administration’s Executive Information System website (https://admin.taiwan.net.tw/) and Taiwan Stay (https://taiwanstay.net.tw/).