So hot right now！Three must-visit hot spring areas in central Taiwan: Tai’an, Guguan, and Dongpu

▲ There are many benefits to soaking in hot springs, including relieving fatigue, improving blood circulation, and some even have skin-moisturizing effects. (Image courtesy ofallinjapanthe website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Most of Taiwan’s major hot spring areas were developed during the Japanese colonial period, as the Japanese love for onsen helped popularize the bathing culture. However, Taiwan’s lower latitude means hot springs are only in peak demand during winter, so many hot spring resorts combine relaxation with gourmet food, or offer additional services like spas, wellness, and beauty treatments. Famous hot spring areas can be found across northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. This time, we’re highlighting three central hot spring areas—Tai’an, Guguan, and Dongpu—renowned for their natural beauty.

▲ Tai’an Hot Springs. (Photo / Reposted fromTai’an Guanzhi Hot Spring ResortFacebook page)

Tai’an Hot Spring Area
Located in Jinshui Village, Tai’an Township, Miaoli County, the Tai’an Hot Spring Area is surrounded by the peaks of Henglong Mountain, Niaozui Mountain, and Huzi Mountain, preserving its pristine natural landscape. It was originally discovered by the Atayal people, who found hot springs here. During the Japanese colonial period, a sanatorium was established for police officers and their families to soak in the therapeutic waters, and it was named “Ueshima Hot Spring.” After several name changes, it was finally renamed “Tai’an Hot Spring” by President Chiang Ching-kuo.

The hot spring water in Tai’an is weakly alkaline sodium bicarbonate, also known as "beauty spring," which helps moisturize the skin and soften dead skin cells. In addition to the hot springs, the nearby Hushan Hot Spring and Tenglong Hot Spring in the Tai’an area feature suspension bridges and observation decks, allowing visitors to stroll and enjoy the scenic valley views after soaking.

▲ Guguan Hot Springs. (Photo / Reposted fromGuguan Hot Spring HotelFacebook page)

Guguan Hot Spring Area
Located by the Dajia River in Heping Village, Taichung City, at an altitude of about 800 meters. During the Japanese colonial period, it was called “Meiji Hot Spring.” Legend has it that Emperor Meiji of Japan visited this spot and fathered a son shortly after, giving rise to the myth of it being a “male-child hot spring.” It was once ranked among the top three hot springs in central Taiwan along with Fuji Hot Spring (Lushan Hot Spring) and Sakura Hot Spring.

The spring water in Guguan is clear and classified as carbonate water but contains sulfides, which produce a distinctive sharp smell when approached. It is both drinkable and suitable for bathing, and is beneficial for the stomach, joints, nerves, and skin.

▲ Dongpu Hot Springs. (Photo / Reposted from2014 Taiwan Hot Springswebsite)

Dongpu Hot Spring Area
The Dongpu Hot Spring Area is located in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, adjacent to Yushan National Park. The area features numerous scenic spots such as Rainbow Waterfall and sea of clouds, and is covered in forests. It is also a key stopover on the way to the Batongguan Historic Trail, attracting many hikers who come to soak in the springs to relieve soreness and fatigue before continuing their journey.

Geologically, the Dongpu Hot Spring Area is part of the metamorphic rock hot springs of the Snow Mountain Range. With water temperatures maintained at around 48 degrees Celsius (lower in summer and higher in winter), it is one of the few hot springs that does not require dilution with mountain spring water to maintain its natural state.