A day trip to soak in warm springs and admire scenic beauty at Golden Mountain, with nostalgia along the old streets
Last updated 2026-10-02 — Brought by the chilly northeastern monsoon winds and temperatures in the teens, visitors are drawn to Jinshan, a renowned hot spring destination in northern Taiwan. The hiking trails in the famous Shitoushan Park still see people coming and going, enjoying the crisp coolness of the winter mountain forests...
Text & Photography / Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
With the chilly northeastern monsoon winds and temperatures in the teens, visitors are drawn to Jinshan, a renowned hot spring destination in northern Taiwan. The hiking trails in the famous Shitoushan Park still see people coming and going, enjoying the crisp coolness of the winter mountain forests; the mysterious coast, known among anglers, requires passing through a narrow gorge to get up close to the 24-million-year-old sedimentary rock layers and their traces of life. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s only submarine hot spring, as well as the increasingly forgotten Jingsheng Bridge on Jinshan Old Street, also whisper tales of Jinshan’s uniqueness and historical memories.
The hiking trails in Shitoushan Park have gentle slopes, suitable for family outings. (Photo provided by David Chen)
Route: Shitoushan Park → Mysterious Beach → Jinshan Bay Hot Spring Hotel → Jinshan Old Street
Recommended attraction: Shitoushan Park
Lush and rich in forest diversity, whether low-altitude broadleaf plants or high-altitude conifers, visitors to Shitoushan Park in Jinshan can enjoy them all in one go. Once a military restricted area, Shitoushan Park is famous for offering views of the Candlestick Islets, especially familiar to photography enthusiasts who love capturing the warmth of dawn and dusk. However, this trail was only gradually opened to locals and the general public after martial law was lifted, and remnants of old guard posts and artillery fortifications can still be seen along the path today.
Shitoushan is a magnet for photography enthusiasts due to its close-up views of the Candlestick Islets. (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
In Shitoushan Park, besides the well-known smoke-free “Good Luck Path” paved with driftwood chips and the plump-bellied, smiling little monk stone statue, the mysterious atmosphere of the military camp trail makes it even more enticing to explore. Walking along the military camp trail, surrounded by forest, the repainted former military barracks on both sides, though lacking the sternness of the martial law era, exude a friendly and lively vibe. On sunny days, one can freely wander amid the forest’s phytoncides while reminiscing about life in the barracks during the martial law period.
Shitoushan Park, once a military restricted area during martial law, is now open to the public. (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
Recommended attraction: Mysterious Coast
Passing through the military camp trail leads to ShuiMX Fishing Harbor, where signs guide visitors to an observation deck. Looking out from the platform, there's a hidden path leading to what anglers call the “Mysterious Coast,” accessible only by first going through a narrow gorge.
Visiting the Mysterious Coast requires passing through the narrow gorge known as a “line of heaven.” (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
At the Mysterious Coast, not only can visitors admire towering, spectacular cliffs, but they also walk on sedimentary rocks that are 24 to 26 million years old. According to tour guide Huang Xuejiao, these rock layers existed when Taiwan was still connected to the mainland. In addition to their ancient history, trace fossils can also be found here, which is quite rare. However, due to strong winds and high tides in winter, visitors are required to apply to the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration (NCGNSSA) ten days in advance and join a guided tour from November to May.
Due to strong winter winds and high water levels, visitors to the Mysterious Coast must apply to the NCGNSSA in advance. (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
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