Home to Taiwan’s longest hot spring river — three must-visit hot spring areas in Eastern Taiwan

▲ Taiwan has numerous hot spring sources and high-quality spring water. Many foreign tourists even list soaking in hot springs as a must-do activity when visiting Taiwan. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Eastern Taiwan has long attracted visitors with its mountainous scenery and coastal views. As the latest-developed part of Taiwan, it retains much of its pristine landscape. The region boasts three major hot spring areas, featuring natural mountain-stream hot springs and abundant wild delicacies and seafood — their unique charm draws many travelers. These three hot spring areas are Ruisui, Red Leaf, Antong, and Zhiben Hot Spring Zones.

▲ Ruisui Hot Spring. (Photo / Screenshot fromRuisui Hot Spring Resort in HualienFacebook Page)

Ruisui & Red Leaf Hot Spring Areas
Red Leaf Hot Spring is located in Wanrong Township, Hualien County. The hot spring originates from the Red Leaf Stream, and along with Ruisui Hot Spring, they are known as the inner and outer hot springs respectively. The inner hot spring at Red Leaf is the longest hot spring river in Taiwan. Ruisui Hot Spring was developed by the Japanese during the colonial period. It earned the nickname “Male-Baby Spring” due to the belief that soaking here increased the chance of having a baby boy. Red Leaf Hot Spring is a mountain-stream type and is not only great for bathing but also highly suitable for drinking.

▲ Hualien Antong Hot Spring (Photo / Provided by Wu Dongjun)

Antong Hot Spring Area
Antong Hot Spring is located in Yuli Town, Hualien County. It is a century-old hot spring town that isn’t very large in scale. It was accidentally discovered by the Japanese while they were mining camphor. Legend has it that the Japanese Crown Prince insisted on staying at Antong Hot Spring for one night every time he visited Taiwan. Nestled deep in the forested valleys, its secluded location once earned it the poetic title “Antong Soothing Warmth,” making it one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Hualien.

▲ Zhiben Hot Spring originating from the Zhiben River. (Photo / Screenshot from Wikipedia)

Zhiben Hot Spring Area
Located in Beinan Township, Taitung County, the Zhiben Hot Spring area is said to have been discovered by the Paiwan people, but it wasn’t extensively developed until the Japanese colonial period. The Japanese built hot spring sanatoriums and public bathhouses in Zhiben, sparking a local hot spring boom. Later, as private lodging businesses sprang up, Zhiben gradually evolved into a well-developed hot spring town. In addition to a wide variety of spa facilities, the rich local seafood also adds to Zhiben Hot Spring’s appeal.