By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
As the weather gets cooler, it's once again the season for hot spring bathing. The small yet geographically blessed island of Taiwan boasts an abundance of hot spring resources. Among the many hot springs across the country, here are some of the most popular natural ones. Seize the season and come soak in the hot springs to ward off the cold together.
● Taipei | Beitou Hot Springs
The Beitou Hot Springs, which have been famous since the Japanese colonial era, originate from the Dahuangzui Hot Spring. The water is classified as a sulfate spring, with a yellowish-white translucent appearance and temperatures ranging from about 50–90°C. It has a slight sulfur smell and is a very popular hot spring area in northern Taiwan. Currently, most of the hot spring hotels, inns, and resorts in Beitou are concentrated along Zhongshan Road, Guangming Road, and near the Beitou Park Geothermal Valley. Each offers its own unique features, diverse hot spring spa and recreational facilities, and the nearby attractions are also well worth visiting.
Beitou Geothermal Valley. (Image source / Taiwan Landscape Conservation Network)
● Taipei | Yangmingshan Hot Springs
Yangmingshan is located in the Tatun Volcanic Mountain area of Taipei City. The hot spring water here comes in two types: white sulfur springs and green sulfur springs, primarily the former. Due to frequent volcanic geothermal activity, the mineral content varies in different areas, resulting in distinct water quality, temperatures, and therapeutic effects for each hot spring zone.
● New Taipei | Jinshan Wanli Hot Springs
The Jinshan Hot Springs are adjacent to the North Coast and belong to the same hot spring region as Yangmingshan, within the Tatun Geothermal Belt. They are the northernmost hot spring area in Taiwan, with slightly acidic water that is suitable for both bathing and drinking. The spring quality here is especially good for people with sensitive skin.
The Jinshan Wanli Hot Springs are part of the Tatun Geothermal Belt, offering naturally blessed mineral-rich waters and geothermal landscapes. Every winter, many people visit with friends or family to enjoy hot spring bathing. (Image provided / New Taipei City Tourism Bureau)
● Yilan | Jiaoxi Hot Springs
Jiaoxi Hot Springs are sodium bicarbonate springs, clear and odorless. After soaking, your skin becomes smooth, soft, and non-greasy. Rich in minerals, these springs are highly beneficial to the body whether you’re soaking, showering, or drinking the mineral water after treatment.
● Miaoli | Tai’an Hot Springs
The Tai’an Hot Spring village is nestled among the encircling peaks of Henglong Mountain, Bird Beak Mountain, and Tiger Cub Mountain, offering a tranquil and secluded atmosphere. Driving along the mountain roads, a cool breeze greets you, as if inviting travelers to unwind and embrace a leisurely holiday mood. If you visit during the tung blossom season, you’ll be accompanied by snow-white “May Snow” blossoms along the way, adding even more romance to the journey.
Soak in the hot springs surrounded by mountains to soothe a day’s worth of discomfort and fatigue. (Image source / Tai’an Guanzhi Hot Spring Resort)
● Nantou | Dongpu Hot Springs
Dongpu Hot Springs are weak alkaline carbonated springs, suitable for both soaking and drinking, greatly benefiting health and beauty. Especially when soaking in an open-air hot spring, your mind can relax, helping you forget all stress and noise.
Dongpu Hot Springs. (Image provided / Mook Publishing)
● Tainan | Guanziling Hot Springs
Guanziling Hot Springs are muddy due to the presence of mudstone layers underground. During the Japanese colonial period, they were reputed to cure all illnesses, earning the titles “Miraculous Spring” and “Taiwan’s Number One Hot Spring.” Soaking here not only relieves fatigue but also helps with skin beautification. Additionally, this year’s Guanziling Hot Spring Food Festival has already begun. The event organizers have introduced yukata (light kimono) elements into the hot spring area, preparing over 50 yukata for visitors to wear and take photos. First Capital University, local businesses in the Guanziling Hot Spring area, and UNIQLO have also specially provided exclusive lightweight yukata for everyone to experience.
Tainan’s Guanziling Hot Springs are one of Taiwan’s rare mud hot springs, and all operators in the hot spring area have obtained the official Hot Spring Label certification. (Photography / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
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