The 2010 Guguan Hot Spring Feast – Relax in “Central Taiwan’s Number One Hot Spring”

The recent cold snap has drawn crowds of people eager to warm up to hot spring resorts across Taiwan. After repairs and renovations following natural disasters, the Guguan area has regained its reputation as “Central Taiwan’s Number One Hot Spring,” bringing back the charm of its former hot spring town.

At an altitude of 800 meters, the Guguan hot spring area is home to many hot spring resorts and restaurants, most offering private hot spring rooms and trout meals. Many long-established hotels have undergone renovations to create more elegant soaking environments, reminiscent of Japanese hot spring towns. The distinctly Japanese ambiance of Guguan’s hot springs has historical roots — the source of these springs was actually named during the early Japanese colonial period by Emperor Meiji of Japan. When the Japanese Emperor and Empress visited Guguan, they were captivated by the beautiful mountain scenery and bestowed upon it the name “Meiji Hot Spring.” Shortly after returning to Japan, the Empress gave birth to a son, which led to the hot spring also being affectionately known as the “Male Child Hot Spring.”

The Lungku Hotel is a long-standing establishment in Guguan with over 20 years of history, spanning the Dongguan Road area. Just past the hotel’s Lungku Suspension Bridge lies the Lungku Recreation Area, which is free for all hotel guests to enter. The atmospheric hot spring rooms on the second floor of the hotel feature Japanese-style décor, with wooden massage bathtubs facing the valley. While soaking, you can enjoy the stunning mountain views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an elegant atmosphere. The Hueilai Guguan, themed around the image of “Hot Spring Lane No. 10,” makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a South Pacific resort the moment you walk into the lobby. From the...

Izu Hot Spring is a rare hot spring resort in the Guguan area, where the entire hot spring complex consists of private hot spring rooms. Visitors can choose different soaking options based on group size and budget. The open-air hot spring pool features an expansive layout, perfect for family fun. For those who prefer a livelier experience, tickets are available for entry to enjoy the hot spring pool to the fullest. The refined hot spring rooms come with various facilities and capacities — some have large single tubs, others offer dual hot and cold tubs, and some even include massage bubble jets. Room capacities range from 2 to 4 people, allowing bathers to choose according to their preferences.

Besides soaking in hot springs and enjoying trout meals, several nearby attractions in Guguan are also worth exploring. The Baxian Mountain Forest Recreation Area was once selected as one of Taiwan’s Eight Scenic Spots. The trails in the Daxue Mountain Forest Recreation Area are gentle and wide, ideal for leisurely strolls while soaking in the forest’s rich phytoncides. The Dongshi Forest Farm greets visitors with vibrant colors throughout the four seasons, making it a place worth revisiting.

Read more: Northeastern Tazawa Lake Art Village (provided by Tripass Attractions)