The festival runs until Nov. 22 and features a fusion of traditional Taoist religious beliefs, events related to the salt industry and folk performances, announced by the Tourism Bureau on Wednesday.

"This is the sixth year the annual festival has been held,"said Tourism Bureau Deputy Director General Hsieh Wei-chun at a press conference to unveil the upcoming event.

Sponsored by the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Administration, Yunlin County Government, Chiayi County Government, Tainan County Government and Nankunshen Daitian Temple, the 2009 event will be bigger and better than ever this year, said Hsieh.

The annual event incorporates the local landscape of sand banks and the traditional Taoist belief in the god Wangye, together with a symbol for "salt" - which serves as an emblem of good fortune - as the theme for the activity.

Aimed at giving the public folk festival experience that is out of the ordinary while still retaining its traditional flavor, this year's Kungshen Wangyeh's Salt for Peace Festival will feature fun and intriguing activities such as folk dances and other performances.

The main show is scheduled to take place from Nov. 14 to 15 at Nankunshen Daitian Temple Plaza.

But before that, other event will take place starting tomorrow. A group cycling event will first take place in Chiayi and is expected to attract more than a thousand participants.

As in previous events, this year more than 30,000 limited-supply Salt for Peace Fortune Bags will be given away to event visitors during the two-day main show, which is expected to be a main attraction for locals.

Aside from the folk performances and religious events, the organizers have also prepared pavilions to showcase southern Taiwan's specialties such as famous snacks and cuisines to welcome tourists nationwide to come and take part in this fun event.

For further details, please visit the event's official website at http://salt-peace.travel-web.com.tw/.