2026 Da Gang Ice Festival Debuts in Hamasen on the 18th Featuring Taiwanese, Italian, and Japanese Ice Treats

(CNA reporter Tsai Meng-yu, Kaohsiung, January 14) The '2026 Da Gang Ice Festival' will be held on January 18 and 19 beside the Kaohsiung MRT Hamasen Station. The Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau announced that this year's event will bring together over 50 specialty ice and food brands, featuring traditional Taiwanese shaved ice, Italian gelato, Japanese-style ice cream, and more, inviting people across the country to come and taste.

Hosted by the Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau, the '2026 Da Gang Ice Festival' will take place from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on January 18 and 19 beside the MRT Hamasen Station. Now in its fifth year, Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-lin stated that 'Da Gang Ice Festival' has become Kaohsiung's most iconic summer tourism brand, having attracted over 160,000 visitors cumulatively across the first four editions.

In a press release issued today, the Tourism Bureau noted that this year’s festival will feature over 50 specialty ice and food vendors, including traditional Taiwanese shaved ice, Italian and Japanese ice creams, and Southeast Asian-style frozen desserts. Additionally, Japan's competitive eater champion Angela Satoh will appear on the first day to join in the festivities.

The Bureau explained that all vendors have passed food safety inspections conducted by the Kaohsiung City Government Health Bureau. Local featured vendors this year include 'Zhi Zai Bing Cheng,' 'Tai Qing Jiao Banana Creative Workshop,' 'Shan Heng Yi Shu,' and 'Orchid Garden Little Angel Farmer Fruit Ice Cream,' showcasing the diverse charm of Kaohsiung's agricultural processing.

Additionally, well-known city vendors 'Ice Tower' and 'He Yuan Sugarcane Shaved Ice' will bring their signature ice treats. Beyond local brands, this year’s event also features international ice and food specialties, including 'Da Ma Daily,' 'MAMA Thai Milk Tea,' 'Sakka Japanese Shaved Ice,' and 'Dong Xin Zha Ice Cream,' allowing visitors to savor refreshing flavors from different countries.

Besides the large-scale ice market, this year’s event introduces a professionally guided 'Hamasen Walking Reading Tour' and a 'Ice Cream Run' where participants can eat while walking, leading visitors to deeply explore the cultural stories of this century-old district and the port city’s heritage, allowing them to experience Hamasen’s unique historical landscape and urban charm while enjoying icy treats.

Furthermore, the event collaborates with the 'Kaohsiung Digital Citizen' platform to launch a 'Best Popular Ice Dessert Award' voting campaign. Visitors who complete the survey can redeem a limited 'Li Bing Coupon.' Additionally, fans attending the EXO concert at Kaohsiung Arena during the event period can exchange their concert tickets at the Da Gang Ice Festival service counter for a limited 'Li Bing Coupon.'

The 'Li Bing Coupon' can be used to offset purchases at event booths and participating Hamasen商圈 stores. Fans can also use the 'Night Market Coupon' at the event venue. The Tourism Bureau hopes to leverage concert-driven economic activity to boost local business consumption, attracting more tourists to visit Hamasen and experience Kaohsiung’s harbor charm and local cuisine. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150714