Soak in warm springs when it's cold outside！12 essential hot spring tips you must know
Last updated 2026-09-25 — As winter arrives and the weather turns chilly, it's the perfect time for a hot spring soak. Especially blessed with a unique geographical location, Taiwan has abundant hot spring sources across the island — whether in plains, mountains, valleys, or by the sea. In particular...
Text / Compiled and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
As winter arrives and the weather turns chilly, it's the perfect time for a hot spring soak. Especially blessed with a unique geographical location, Taiwan has abundant hot spring sources across the island — whether in plains, mountains, valleys, or by the sea. In particular, Beitou, Yangmingshan, Guanziling, and Sichongxi have been most renowned since the Japanese colonial era, earning the reputation as Taiwan’s Four Great Hot Springs.
As winter arrives and the weather turns chilly, it's the perfect time for a hot spring soak. Especially blessed with a unique geographical location, Taiwan has abundant hot spring sources across the island — whether in plains, mountains, valleys, or by the sea. In particular, Beitou, Yangmingshan, Guanziling, and Sichongxi have been most renowned since the Japanese colonial era, earning the reputation as Taiwan’s Four Great Hot Springs.
Master these 12 hot spring tips to make your soak healthier. (Image source / guide.travel.co.jp)
But how can you soak in the healthiest way? And what are the must-follow rules for hot spring bathing? Aside from reminding the public that......those who lack sleep, overuse their brain, or have been drinking alcohol should not soak in hot springs......to avoid the risk of shock, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications also shared 12 hot spring tips to help bathers enjoy a more comfortable and safer experience.
The cooler autumn and winter weather is the best time for hot spring soaking. (Image provided / Beitou Lihpao Hot Spring Hotel)
When entering the hot spring, it is recommended to......enter gradually.Start with a "warm-up bath" using the hot spring water. Begin by pouring water over your feet, slowly moving upward to include your shoulders and entire body, ensuring all parts are moistened by the hot spring. Finally, pour water over your head to warm up. Especially in winter, a full-body warm-up from head to toe before entering the bath helps prevent cerebral ischemia. When entering the hot spring pool, first soak only up to your chest for a "half-body bath" for about 3–5 minutes. Once your whole body feels warmed up, gradually submerge up to your shoulders to complete the "full-body bath."
The comfort of soaking in hot springs is loved even by snow monkeys. (Photo / Koichi Kamoshida)
●12Hot spring soaking techniques
1. The duration of your hot spring soak depends on the temperature of the spring. If you start sweating profusely or your heart rate increases rapidly, take a 5–6 minute break before starting the next round.
2. It's best to soak for about 15 minutes at a time. You may repeat this multiple times, but don’t soak more than three times a day. If you sweat excessively or your pulse exceeds 120 beats per minute, it means you’ve soaked for too long.
3. Before entering the hot spring pool, it’s ideal to rest for about an hour beforehand. The strong minerals in hot springs make soaking akin to exercising.
4. If you experience palpitations or dizziness while soaking, slowly get up, exit the pool, and rest quietly. If symptoms persist, stop soaking.
5. Elderly individuals or those with mild heart weakness should avoid sitting while soaking. Instead, rest your arms and legs outstretched, using the edge of the tub as a pillow for a floating-style soak, to prevent feelings of palpitations or chest tightness.
1. The duration of your hot spring soak depends on the temperature of the spring. If you start sweating profusely or your heart rate increases rapidly, take a 5–6 minute break before starting the next round.
2. It's best to soak for about 15 minutes at a time. You may repeat this multiple times, but don’t soak more than three times a day. If you sweat excessively or your pulse exceeds 120 beats per minute, it means you’ve soaked for too long.
3. Before entering the hot spring pool, it’s ideal to rest for about an hour beforehand. The strong minerals in hot springs make soaking akin to exercising.
4. If you experience palpitations or dizziness while soaking, slowly get up, exit the pool, and rest quietly. If symptoms persist, stop soaking.
5. Elderly individuals or those with mild heart weakness should avoid sitting while soaking. Instead, rest your arms and legs outstretched, using the edge of the tub as a pillow for a floating-style soak, to prevent feelings of palpitations or chest tightness.
6. Senior hot spring enthusiasts should avoid going alone. It’s best to soak with company.
7. When entering the pool or soaking, try to avoid high-temperature water outlets. Moderate-temperature soaking is more effective if done for longer periods. Depending on your skin’s tolerance, water temperatures between 38–42°C are most suitable, and should never exceed 45°C to avoid scalding.
8. Calm your mind and body, allowing the chemical and physical stimulation of the hot spring to take full therapeutic effect within you, achieving the true restorative benefits of hot spring bathing.
9. After soaking, dry your body with a towel and your hair with a blow dryer. Unless you have sensitive skin, do not rinse off the hot spring minerals with water, as this helps retain the warming effect.
10. Drink plenty of water before and after soaking to maintain your body’s balance.
11. Avoid overeating or excessive drinking after soaking.
12. After soaking, avoid stimulating activities such as drinking coffee, strong tea, smoking, or alcohol.
8. Calm your mind and body, allowing the chemical and physical stimulation of the hot spring to take full therapeutic effect within you, achieving the true restorative benefits of hot spring bathing.
9. After soaking, dry your body with a towel and your hair with a blow dryer. Unless you have sensitive skin, do not rinse off the hot spring minerals with water, as this helps retain the warming effect.
10. Drink plenty of water before and after soaking to maintain your body’s balance.
11. Avoid overeating or excessive drinking after soaking.
12. After soaking, avoid stimulating activities such as drinking coffee, strong tea, smoking, or alcohol.
Soak up the warmth this autumn and winter！Have you experienced all 17 hot spring spots around Taiwan?
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