Escape to a hidden paradise to beat the heat！Taiwan’s 13 top river valley hidden gems

By MOOK Scenic Spots House, compiled report
 
On a scorching summer day, escape to a hidden paradise to cool off！Here are Taiwan’s top 13 river valley hidden gems—gather your friends and head out for some fun in the water！

1.Dinglan Valley
 
Dinglan Valley is a scenic spot in Shuangxi that combines natural beauty with ecologically designed landscapes. The beautiful valley features clear, moderately deep waters, flanked by towering green mountains and dense forests that are lush and vibrant. Hidden within the woods are wild orchids, making it an ideal summer retreat for swimming, shrimp-catching, barbecuing, and camping. Every hot summer, it attracts visitors from all over to escape the heat, enjoy the water, and have picnics.
 
Address: Shuangxi District, New Taipei City

2.Mugumuyu
 
Mugumuyu is a protected area with a daily limit on the number of visitors. To enter Mugumuyu, you must first apply for a mountain entry permit at the Tongmen Forest District Office. You’ll need to bring your ID card, driver’s license, and pay a NT$10 application fee. Along the way to Mugumuyu, you’ll see rolling green mountains, drifting clouds, and the rapid river currents that resemble a silvery waterfall—truly magnificent.
 
Address: HuaZhuan Route 1, Xiulin Township, Hualien County

3.Wufengqi Valley
 
The Wufengqi Scenic Area features three sediment-trapping dams and offers cool, picturesque scenery, making it a great spot for summer swimming, camping, and barbecues. The mountaintop is perpetually shrouded in mist, and mountain spring water continuously cascades down, forming a three-tiered waterfall with a total drop of 100 meters. There are hiking trails among the peaks, and the Wufengqi Waterfall has three levels. The trail leads to the top tier of the waterfall, where the flow is gentler and surrounded by shaded trees. Many visitors take off their shoes and roll up their pants to wade in the water, enjoying the coolest and most refreshing temperatures.
 
Address: Wufeng Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County

4.Xinwulü River Valley
 
Located on the upper tributary of the Xinwulü River along the South Cross-Island Highway, Lison Hot Springs is hailed by many hot spring enthusiasts as the most beautiful wild hot spring in Taiwan. The colorful crystals on the rock walls create a unique and breathtaking sight. You must traverse steep mountain paths and brave turbulent streams to reach it, which makes this fairy-tale-like scenery even more precious.
 
Address: Southern Cross-Island Highway, Haiduan Township, Taitung County