Taiwan’s Top 5 “Free Summer Getaways” – Escape to the Mountains & Forests, Soak in Mountain Streams & Enjoy Natural Air Conditioning

▲ Emerald Valley is a must-visit cooling retreat in Hualien this summer. (Photo / Netizen)imiris731Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Travel Center / Compiled Report

Escaping the scorching summer shouldn’t mean staying cooped up in an air-conditioned room. Only by immersing yourself in nature can you truly refresh your body and mind from the inside out.ETNEWS Travel has specially curated a list of “lesser-known free summer getaways” – forest-immersed, water-nearby itineraries. Come explore them on your days off and return feeling completely renewed.

▲ The “Little Hidden Pool Waterfall,” tucked away on the right side of Yangmingshan Park, features milky-white sulfur springs. (Photo / Netizen)herarasunProvided, please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright issues.

1. Taipei – Little Hidden Pool Waterfall
Nestled on the right side of Yangmingshan Park, the “Little Hidden Pool Waterfall” is most notable for its milky-white sulfur springs. When sunlight hits at an angle, the pool and cascading water reflect beautifully against the green and white rock walls, creating a dreamy hue. A faint sulfur scent often drifts through the air. Don’t let the sulfur fool you – the spring water is actually cool. It’s a great optional stop during a Yangmingshan trip.

Little Hidden Pool Waterfall
Transportation: Take bus Xia 8, Xia 9, or 128 to Yangmingshan Park Station, or take Red 5 or 260 to the terminal stop, then walk toward Yangmingshan Park (Flower Clock). You’ll spot it just before the fountain.

▲ Yunshen Waterfall was the filming location for Fish Leong’s 2011 Shikishima Green Tea commercial. Though less famous than Manyueyuan, it’s free. (Photo / Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

2. New Taipei – Yunshen Waterfall
Located in the Xiongkong area of Sanxia District, New Taipei City, the “Yunshen Waterfall” was the filming spot for Fish Leong’s 2011 Shikishima Green Tea commercial. Though less known than Manyueyuan, it is free. It offers a quieter escape into the mountains, making it a word-of-mouth favorite among waterfall enthusiasts.

Yunshen Waterfall
GPS Coordinates: Yunshen Waterfall, Sanxia District, New Taipei City

▲ The Wugayan Bamboo Tunnel is hailed as “Taiwan’s version of Arashiyama,” stretching 100 meters. (Photo / Netizen)leo75915Provided, please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright issues.

3. Miaoli – Wugayan Bamboo Tunnel
The bamboo tunnel is located in the mountainous area of Tai’an Township, Miaoli, beneath the Wugayan Camping Area. Much like the bamboo groves of Kyoto’s Arashiyama, the towering bamboo forest creates a cinematic landscape reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or classic wuxia dramas. The 100-meter bamboo path is enchanting, and just seeing this sea of green cools you down instantly.

Wugayan Bamboo Tunnel
Location: No. 63-10, Lane 3, Daxing Village, Tai’an Township, Miaoli County
Transportation: Navigate to Wugayan Camping Area, turn right at the “Gege Nali” camping area onto a small rural road. It's located just below Wugayan.

▲ Dongyue Spring is a hidden cold spring where you can play all day for free. (Photo / Netizen)tashateiProvided, please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright issues.

4. Yilan – Dongyue Spring
Aside from waterfalls, soaking in cold springs is another delightful experience. Yilan’s Su’ao Cold Spring is internationally renowned, and just a 20-minute drive away lies the completely free “Dongyue Spring.” With year-round water temperatures between 14–18°C, this hidden natural spring lets you enjoy a full day of fun without spending a cent.

Dongyue Spring
Address: Section 3, Su-Hua Road, Dongyue Village, Nan’ao Township, Yilan County (behind Dong’ao Elementary School)

▲ Emerald Valley boasts enchanting mountain and forest scenery, and even more surprising is the cascading waterfall hidden within the jungle (Photo / netizen0202_hsprovided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

5. Hualien - Emerald Valley
Located near Mugu Muyu, Emerald Valley features captivating mountain and forest landscapes. Among them, the cascading waterfall tucked away in the jungle has become a must-visit water play spot in Hualien this year. With crystal-clear jade-like stream water, the picturesque scenery is also perfect for photos, making it an essential summer cooling destination in Hualien.

Emerald Valley
Location: Rongshu, Xiulin Township, Hualien County
Coordinates: 23.975144, 121.500062