Yilan Toucheng's Mysterious "Golden Hot Spring" — Actually a Rare Deep Ocean Mineral Water

▲ Yilan Toucheng’s famous Golden Hot Spring is actually deep ocean mineral water from 800 meters beneath a volcano. (Photo provided by the operator)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Yilan Report

As an intense cold front hits, soaking in a steaming hot spring not only relaxes your whole body but may also offer unexpected benefits. Among them, the "Golden Hot Spring" at Eastern Sea Ocean Hot Spring Hotel in Yilan’s Toucheng area has an air of mystery, but few know it is one of the world’s rare "deep ocean mineral waters." It is sourced from a hot spring drilled nearly 800 meters through solid rock, and due to its high iron content, it is also known as "Iron Spring," "Women’s Spring," and "Iron Spring."

Without the insight of Mr. Kao Chien-wen, founder of Eastern Sea Ocean Hot Spring Hotel (formerly known as Euroland Ocean Hot Spring Hotel), most people would find it hard to understand the true value of this golden hot spring.Kao Chien-wen said, “The area from Guishan Island to the Ryukyu Islands is home to one of the world’s rare undersea volcanoes, which also boasts a seldom-seen deep ocean hot spring. Only with intense geothermal activity and seawater reaching depths beyond 200 meters that is free of microorganisms can it be called a 'deep ocean hot spring.' It contains minerals from the ocean and rocks but no harmful microbes — that’s what makes the Golden Hot Spring so precious.”

It is said that regular soaking in the Golden Hot Spring can improve one’s constitution, hence it is also referred to as the "Male Child Spring." Originally transparent and colorless, the iron-rich spring water turns yellowish-brown upon contact with air as it gushes out, making it quite unique. At Eastern Sea Ocean Hot Spring Hotel, besides the exclusive view of Guishan Island, there is also this world-rare golden hot spring, making the hotel one of the best lodging choices in the Yilan area.

 
▲ In addition to its unique Golden Hot Spring, Eastern Sea Ocean Hot Spring Hotel also offers unforgettable sea views. (Photo by reporter Hsu Wen-pin)