The 2025 Nantou Chocoffee Festival officially opened on the morning of May 30th at Puli Fuxing Hot Spring Park, attracting large crowds and creating a vibrant atmosphere. County Mayor Hsu Shu-Hua, joined by event spokesperson Kao Man-Jung, invited families across Taiwan to spend the Dragon Boat Festival long weekend in Nantou—enjoying a summer retreat while experiencing the festival, savoring premium coffee and chocolate, and supporting local agricultural products.
At the opening ceremony, Mayor Hsu and distinguished guests rang a nostalgic school bell, symbolically launching the fifth annual Chocoffee Festival. Simultaneously, the Nantou Flavor Hall welcomed visitors with a ceremony that was simple, yet dignified.
The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, including Legislators Ma Wen-Chun and Yu Hao, Deputy Director-General Huang Ho-Ting of the Tourism Administration (Ministry of Transportation and Communications), Director Fu Kuei-Lin of the Nantou Branch of the Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency (Ministry of Agriculture), County Councilors Wu Guo-Chang, Huang Shih-Fang, Lin Fang-Yu, Chen Yi-Chun, Su Yu-Cheng, and Tai Shih-Chuan, Puli Township Mayor Liao Chih-Cheng, Guoxing Township Mayor Chiu Mei-Ling, along with representatives from the tourism and industrial sectors.
Mayor Hsu emphasized that the 2025 Nantou Chocoffee Festival, now in its fifth year, carries the theme “Must-Drink Coffee, SO Touched.” This year’s exhibition has been notably enhanced, showcasing more than 100 coffee and chocolate brands—including celebrated Nantou producers and acclaimed names from across Taiwan. The coffee selection includes varieties served at presidential banquets, top-rated selections by the Specialty Coffee Association of America in Asia, winners of national baking championships, and products endorsed by award-winning coffee evaluators. Internationally recognized chocolate brands and artisan souvenirs are also on display, showcasing the depth and diversity of Taiwan’s culinary craftsmanship. Beyond the flavorful offerings, the festival features interactive installations, parent-child experiences, starlit concerts, charitable events, agri-food education programs, and Thousands People DIY activities in weekend—all contributing to Taiwan’s most iconic summer celebration of coffee and chocolate.
In the afternoon, the first of the Thousands People experience activities—Sicilian Coffee DIY—kicked off with enthusiastic participation. Mayor Hsu joined festival-goers in crafting Sicilian-style coffee, combining espresso, lemon, and sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink, creating an atmosphere of delight and laughter.
The "Sicilian Special DIY x Giant Croissant" activity featured barista Shen Yung-Wei, who guided participants through the coffee-making process. Mayor Hsu, Deputy Mayor Wang Rui-De, Councilor Lin Yi-Ju, Deputy Section Chief Tsai Tsung-Sheng of the Tourism Administration, and Nantou County Tourism Association Chairman Mao Jin-Xiang were among the many honored guests who took part.
Mayor Hsu noted the steady influx of visitors on opening day and expressed her delight at the afternoon’s signature activity—Sicilian Lemon Sparkling Coffee—giving each participant a chance to create a uniquely personal summer beverage. She also expressed appreciation to Feeling 18 (MASTER MAO CONFECTIONER & PASTRY WORKSHOP LIMITED) for crafting a custom “Giant Croissant” for the occasion. Emphasizing the richness of the festival’s program, Mayor Hsu highlighted that, in addition to the coffee and chocolate-themed activities, a lively evening concert would further enhance the festive ambiance. She extended a warm invitation to visitors from all over Taiwan to take part in Nantou’s signature summer celebration at Puli Fuxing Hot Spring Park.