Explore the Scenic Beauty and Culinary Delights of Beitou: The Legend and Rise and Fall of "Din Tai Fung" at Meiting

Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu / Taipei

In the past, the Beitou area was one of the settlements of the Pingpu indigenous people. Due to intense volcanic activity, the region was often shrouded in smoke and filled with the smell of sulfur, exuding a strong sense of mystery. The Pingpu people called it “PATAUW,” meaning the land where “witches” lived — this is also the origin of the name Beitou. Beitou is one of the earliest developed areas in the Taipei Basin. During the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese actively developed the hot spring resources here, earning it the title “Hometown of Hot Springs.” Over time, remnants of that era such as Beitou Park, the Hot Spring Museum, Meiyuan Garden... and other colonial-era developments were left behind.

Visiting Beitou in summer, even without soaking in the hot springs, can still be a wonderful short trip. Take the MRT to Beitou Station, then transfer to the route heading to Xinbeitou. This MRT line is different from regular carriages, being custom-designed to reflect the hot spring characteristics of the Beitou area. The carriages feature imitation wooden interiors, introductions to cypress wood tubs, and a coffee-toned color scheme that makes passengers feel as if they are soaking in a hot spring while riding the train.

▲ The MRT carriages heading to Xinbeitou are very unique, with wooden-style interiors and color schemes that match the hot spring theme of Beitou. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

▲ All carriages heading to Xinbeitou are painted carriages. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

Arriving at Xinbeitou Station, you can see the stone monument of Beitou Park diagonally across the station. This park was built in 1913 and celebrated its centennial on June 17th of this year (2013). Walking up Zhongshan Road next to the park, you will pass by the Ketagalan Cultural Center, Beitou Library, Beitou Hot Spring Museum, open-air hot spring baths, Meiting, and finally reach the Thermal Valley. Almost all attractions are concentrated along one route, making it perfect for a one-day trip.

▲ The tourist map shows how centrally located the attractions are, mostly all along Zhongshan Road, so visitors don’t have to go far to enjoy all the sights. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

Ketagalan Cultural Center
The Pingpu indigenous people who originally lived in Taipei were most widely distributed among the Ketagalan tribe, whose footprints can be found everywhere. About 400 years ago, the Beitou area was also part of the Ketagalan people’s territory. Therefore, the Ketagalan Cultural Center was established to preserve and promote the culture and arts of indigenous peoples. The center displays the clothing and daily utensils of various indigenous tribes. Each piece of clothing represents a different status, and each utensil has a different use, offering deeper insight into tribal life and customs.

▲ The Ketagalan Cultural Center showcases many cultural assets of indigenous peoples and is worth visiting. Upon entering the first floor, you can see a 3D painting of a rattlesnake and other photo spots for visitors, while the second floor mainly exhibits indigenous artifacts. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

Beitou Library
The Beitou Library is Taiwan’s first green architecture library and is listed among the world’s 25 most beautiful libraries. Nestled in a setting of mountains, water, dense forests, and bamboo, the entire library uses a design of natural wood structures, including tables, chairs, bookshelves... all without exception, giving off an antique charm. The second floor also features an outdoor reading area where visitors can enjoy reading and scenery amidst trees and streams.

The library is built beside the Beitou Creek, with wooden bridges crossing the creek and connecting to the library. There is also an ecological pond full of lotus flowers nearby. This picturesque scenery of small bridges, flowing water, and blooming flowers always attracts many artists to sketch here, and it is also a popular spot for wedding photos.

▲ The Beitou Library has been voted one of the world’s 25 most beautiful libraries. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

▲ The photo shows a scene inside the library. The window seat offers floor-to-ceiling windows with excellent lighting and beautiful views, as well as a view of the ecological lotus pond nearby. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

Beitou Hot Spring Museum
The Hot Spring Museum was built in 1913 and was originally called the Beitou Public Bathhouse. It was constructed in imitation of the Izu-Yamanashi hot spring style in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Over time, it fell into disuse until 1994 when it was discovered by a group of students on a local history field trip. It was then restored and converted into the “Beitou Hot Spring Museum.” The museum now preserves the largest public bathhouse in East Asia at the time, as well as tatami halls... and beautifully ornate Japanese-style architecture.

▲ The Beitou Hot Spring Museum is now a Grade III historical site. On the day of the visit, the first floor was under renovation, so it was not open for viewing. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

Open-Air Hot Spring Baths
The upper section of the Beitou Creek near the Thermal Valley is actually a natural stream hot spring. The government has set up six hot spring pools here, using natural materials such as stone and wood for the layout. The hot springs draw from the green sulfur springs of Thermal Valley, known for their effectiveness in treating skin diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. Visitors can enjoy soaking in nature, and currently, there are six time slots available each day. The full fare is NT$40, and the discounted fare is NT$20.

Meiting
This building, full of Japanese Zen style, was built in 1930 and is also the former residence of “Grass Script Sage” Yu Youren. The upper floor has a wooden structure, while the basement level is made of concrete and served as an air-raid shelter, with direct access to the backyard. In addition to displaying authentic works of Yu Youren, what’s particularly special is a hanging calligraphy piece on the beam that reads “Ding Tai Fung Oil Shop.”

According to the guide at the venue, Ding Tai Fung originally started as an oil business, but after imported oils entered the market, business declined and it switched to noodles. It gradually gained fame and became the Ding Tai Fung we know today. However, the “Ding Tai Fung Oil Shop” displayed at Meiting is a replica, and the original is now hung at the entrance of the Ding Tai Fung flagship store at Taipei 101.

▲ Currently, Meiting houses many calligraphy works by Yu Youren. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

▲ The following image shows the model of Meiting’s front and back yards, and the top right image is the actual exterior appearance of Meiting, which was once Yu Youren’s summer retreat. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

Thermal Valley
The endpoint of Zhongshan Road is “Thermal Valley,” one of the sources of Beitou’s hot springs. It is perennially shrouded in mist, with an average water temperature of about 90 degrees Celsius. The water is clear and slightly green, resembling jade, hence it is also called “Jade Spring Valley.” Because of its blue-green color and the surrounding mist, it looks like a fairyland, making it one of Taiwan’s Eight Scenic Spots and Twelve Views during the Japanese colonial period.

▲ Thermal Valley is one of the sources of Beitou's hot springs. The spring water emerges from below, flows down Beitou Creek, and becomes a wild stream hot spring. Many visitors come to soak their feet or play in the water by the creek. (Photo / Reported by Tsai Meng-hsiu)

img width="600" height="400" src="https://cdn2.ettoday.net/images/338/d338746.jpg" alt="" />

▲ The scenery at Beitou Hot Spring Valley is truly stunning. The azure-colored springs and the perennial mist create a dreamy atmosphere, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists coming to Beitou. (Photo / Reporter Cai Mengxiu)

In fact, Beitou is a place rich in history. You can trace the historical footprints of the anti-Qing Tongmenghui from the early days, and the area also witnessed the Pacific War period. Historical figures such as Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, and Yu Youren — who had a deep connection with literature and art — all once passed through here. Different eras of history intersect in this place. Visitors to Beitou can not only enjoy local cuisine and relax in hot springs but also follow these historical traces to delve into the stories left behind by these great figures of the past.

▲ Beitou is dedicated to promoting local tourism. Beyond its attractions, visitors can find various sculptures along the wooden boardwalks, each with different themes, resembling a square reminiscent of Jimmy Liao’s artwork. (Photo / Reporter Cai Mengxiu)

After finishing a day’s itinerary, don’t rush to head home. It’s recommended to walk from Xinbeitou back to Beitou MRT Station. This area is dotted with many alleyway delicacies worth trying, such as“Chen’s Shaved Ice,” hidden inside a market, which is especially perfect for indulging on hot summer days. For just NT$40, an affordable price, you can get a bowl full of toppings. Among them, mango is a must-order topping for many customers. Its sweet and tangy flavor helps stimulate the appetite during the summer doldrums while also providing a satisfying fullness.

Chen’s Shaved Ice:No. 20, Lane 25, Section 1, Zhongyang South Road, Beitou District, Taipei City

Transportation info for Beitou Park:

MRT: Take the Tamsui Line to Beitou Station, then transfer to the Xinbeitou Line and get off at Xinbeitou Station. As you exit the MRT station, you’ll see Beitou Park right at the entrance.

Bus: Take bus nos. 223, 216, 218, 230, or 266 to Xinbeitou Station to reach Beitou Park.

Driving: After taking National Freeway No. 1, exit at Chongqing North Road Interchange, then connect to Chengde Road and turn onto Heping Road to reach Beitou Park.