Taitung’s Wild Creek Hidden Gem: Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Lisi Song Hot Springs

Lisi Song Hot Springs features a waterfall of water cascading down the mountain cliff, with temperatures around 45-65°C. It is a weakly alkaline sodium bicarbonate spring, with clear water that leaves your skin smooth and non-greasy after bathing. The mountain cliffs are coated with calcium carbonate deposits nourished by the hot spring water, and because the spring outlet is suspended high on the cliff, it remains untouched by the stream, preserving its pristine state. The emerald-green cliffs are not mineral crystals but rather thermophilic hot spring algae, creating a jade-like rock face that is the area’s most famous sight.

Enjoying Taiwan’s most beautiful wild creek hot spring is no easy feat. The one-way journey takes about an hour, requiring climbers to scale steep cliffs and navigate fierce currents after descending to the stream—many turn back, often with bruises and scrapes. But for those fortunate enough to reach Lisi Song Hot Springs, soaking in the warm waters while gazing up at the white mist surrounding the sunlit cliffs offers an unforgettable moment of bliss.

The natural beauty of Lisi Song Hot Springs attracts many nature lovers. (Image source / douban)

Visiting in autumn or winter adds another layer of charm, with the valley filled not only with white mist and verdant cliffs but also vibrant autumn foliage.

 

[Info]

Lisi Song Wild Creek Hot Springs

Transportation: Upper valley of the Xinwulü River, near Lidao on the South Cross-Island Highway, Haiduan Township, Taitung County

1. From Hualien: Take Provincial Highway 20A from Chihshang onto the South Cross-Island Highway, then follow Provincial Highway 20 west to the small road at kilometer 169.5 of the South Cross-Island Highway. From Taitung heading north, take Provincial Highway 9 to kilometer 327.7, then follow Provincial Highway 20 west to the small road at kilometer 169.5 of the South Cross-Island Highway.

2. From Chulai, drive west along the South Cross-Island Highway to reach Wulu and Lidao, a total distance of 16.7 km from Chulai to Wulu.

 

Notes:

1. Avoid visiting Lisi Song Hot Springs during the rainy season due to high water levels and fast currents—it’s best not to attempt creek trekking.

2. The journey to this hidden gem is perilous, so it’s ideal to go with a guide familiar with the route.

3. Do not scrape the beautiful cliffs to take home—they are public property that everyone should help protect.

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