Su'ao Cold Spring

　　The formation of Su'ao Cold Spring is due to the abundant rainfall in Yilan and the thick layer of limestone terrain in the local Su'ao area, and it is known together with Jiaoxi Hot Springs as one of the two hidden natural treasures beneath the Lanyang Plain.

　　The cold spring area is located to the north of Su'ao Township, about 300 meters directly in front of Su'ao Railway Station on Zhongyuan Road and Lengquan Road. It was discovered as early as 1928. This is a “low-temperature mineral spring” below 22 degrees Celsius, colorless, odorless, with clear and transparent water, and is a carbonated spring that can be both bathed in and consumed.

　　Because Su'ao Cold Spring contains a high amount of carbon dioxide, fish and shrimp cannot live in it, and insects that fall into the water soon die, which led to it being mistakenly considered a poisonous spring. During Taiwan’s Japanese colonial period in 1928, Japanese soldier Takeuchi Shinkyo accidentally discovered that the spring water was cool and drinkable, and he subsequently studied and developed the Su'ao Cold Spring.

　　When bathing in the cold spring, the water temperature is lower than body temperature, so upon first entering the pool, it may feel quite cold. However, after soaking for less than five minutes, you’ll start to feel your whole body getting warm. Also, because fine bubbles continuously rise from the bottom of the pool, it feels like soaking in sugar-free soda, which is quite unique. Visiting to soak in the cold spring in different seasons—winter and summer—each brings its own special enjoyment.

　　It is said that frequently soaking in Su'ao Cold Spring can help treat skin diseases, and drinking it regularly is believed to be effective against stomach and liver illnesses. It is also regarded as a natural beauty product among local women.

　　Currently, the cold spring area features one men’s and one women’s open-air public pool, as well as 16 private baths. There is also a concession stand selling swimsuits, swim trunks, hot and cold drinks, and swim caps. Additionally, there is a well-planned leisure park available for recreation.

　　In addition, due to the clear, sweet taste of the cold spring water and its high carbon dioxide content, it can also be used to make food and beverages. Su'ao’s famous “yokan” (sweet bean jelly) and the early version of “ramune” soda (commonly called namune) were made using the cold spring water. Although the latter is no longer produced, yokan remains a representative specialty of Su'ao Cold Spring.