Taipei | Hotel Royal BeitouMemories of nakashi performances and the hot spring town

Amid the misty hot springs and mountain nights of old Beitou, nakashi musicians once wandered through restaurants, hotels, and narrow streets, moon lute in hand, improvising songs that gave voice to everyday life and its many stories. As the era of restaurant entertainment gradually faded, the sound of the moon lute nearly disappeared with it. Thanks to the dedication of musicians and local cultural groups, however, this two-stringed instrument has found new life as one of Beitou’s most distinctive cultural voices.

This journey follows sound as its guide. Through an immersive audio drama, you’ll wander from the railway station to historic hot spring hotels and the surrounding streets, listening to stories of Beitou’s vibrant nakashi culture and local legends. Then, under the guidance of a moon lute master, you’ll discover the instrument’s construction, musical traditions, and performance techniques before trying your hand at plucking its strings and singing along to traditional folk songs. Together, you’ll help awaken the grassroots melodies that have long defined this beloved hot spring town.