The annual eat-and-soak program has grown steadily since its inception in 2007, said Director General David W.J. Hsieh (謝謂君) of the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部).

Introduced just last year, the “Taiwan Hot Springs Fine-Cuisine Passport” is back by popular demand. The passport details local attractions, points of cultural interest, and specialty eats. From now to Aug. 31, passport holders can bring a friend for free at any one of 41 participating hot springs nationwide.

Seeking 'Kawai' Snaps

Special to this year is a photo contest “seeking the most attractive, most stylish, and most 'kawai' hot spring photo.”

Guests to hot springs can post photos online from now to Aug. 15, said Hsieh.

At the end voters will pick the top three, who score resort vouchers and their faces on am edition of the Super Taste (食尚玩家) magazine.

Winners will also be invited to afternoon tea with festival spokeswoman Sasa (莎莎), host of TVBS's popular food show program “Super Taste.”

Everyone who submits or votes online is eligible to win prizes like the iPad2 and vouchers for springs accommodations, according to the Tourism Bureau.