Nantou County Government Develops Hongxiang Hot Spring, Looks Forward to Local Support

Besides the well-known hot spring destinations in Nantou County such as Dongpu Hot Spring in Xinyi Township and Lushan Hot Spring in Ren'ai Township, the Hongxiang Tribe in Lixing Village, Ren'ai Township, is also a popular spot for visitors to soak in the springs. To develop local tourism, the Nantou County Government has allocated a budget of 20 million yuan to plan the construction of a hot spring resort, and will coordinate with the tribe and the township office on management and maintenance. County Magistrate Lin Ming-chen stated that he hopes to develop idle public construction land in the area, promote tourism, and let more people learn about indigenous culture.

County Magistrate Lin Ming-chen pointed out that Hongxiang Hot Spring is a natural wild-stream hot spring in Ren'ai Township and belongs to the neutral carbonate spring category. To develop the tourism industry around Hongxiang Hot Spring, the county government intends to plan the construction of a hot spring resort on idle public land and strengthen improvements to surrounding roads, enhance facilities and service quality, drive prosperity in the indigenous community, and provide employment opportunities for local residents.

The Indigenous Peoples Affairs Bureau stated that a briefing session has been held at Hongye Elementary School, with local residents invited to attend. Most Lixing Village residents hold positive opinions, though some residents of other villages have expressed opposition. The bureau will continue to communicate and coordinate with residents, reaching consensus under the principle that all procedures are lawful, and striving to invigorate the local tourism industry.

County Magistrate Lin Ming-chen stated in response that under Article 21 of the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law, even if the majority agrees and a minority opposes, the development plan still cannot proceed. Whether the county government develops the site or not, it will respect the residents' opinions.