This is the second part of our Taiwan Attractions series. In the first part we showcased various hiking places you can try during your holiday in Taiwan (Taiwan Attractions Part I: Hiking in Taiwan). For those who prefer a more relaxing holiday, here we explore the wonderful hot springs that Taiwan has to offer.
With over 150 hot springs, Taiwan has the highest concentration of geothermal hot springs anywhere in the world. Heated only by the energy of the earth, many people believe that hot springs have healing effects, rejuvenate and revitalize the body. These hot springs can be found around the entire country whereas some have been converted to spas and onsens while others remain purely natural.
Beitou Hot Springs
Beitou Hot Springs are the most frequented springs in Taiwan mainly due to its convenient location: situated in northern Taipei, in close distance to the Yangming Mountain, Beitou can be easily reached via MRT from many places around town. The district is known for its myriad of hot springs that range from cheap to super splurge. If you’re interested in learning more about hot springs in Taiwanese culture, the beginnings and its evolvement, head over to the Beitou Hot Springs Museum which was built during the Japanese occupation in 1913.
Jiaoxi Hot Springs
Situated in the mountainous Yilan County in northern Taiwan, Jiaoxi is just a short 1-hour ride away from Taipei. The city’s main draw is undoubtedly the abundance of numerous hot springs here, especially several free ones. One of the town’s latest developments is the stunning Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park that is only a stone’s throw away from the city centre and, on top, open 24 hours. There are plenty of further hot springs around town which can be mainly found in hotels and resorts. Weekends can be quite crowded as many locals from Taipei come around for a few relaxing days.
Zhaori Resort on Green Island
Green Island is a small scenic island located about 30km off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The hot springs here are the only saltwater hot springs in Taiwan and the only ones not located on the main island. This rare seawater hot spring is by the way only one of three worldwide, the other two being in Japan and Italy. No wonder that it is widely regarded by many locals as one of the best hot springs in Taiwan. Daily ferries depart from Fugang Harbour in Taitung while Daily Air flies three times a day from Taitung to Green Island.
Dragon Valley
Getting to Dragon Valley can be a lengthy journey but you’ll be rewarded with the gorgeous scenery of marvellous mountains and some of Taiwan’s finest hot springs. Dragon Valley is part of the so-called Guguan Recreation Area about an hour east of Taichung City and home to a vast choice of hot spring spots. Visit also the Guguan Hot Spring Cultural Center when you’re around that provides insights of the history of hot springs in the Guguan area.
Chingchuan Hot Springs
Chingchuan is a picturesque village nestled atop a mountain not far from the city of Hsinchu in northern Taiwan. This laid-back village is especially known for its clear hot springs but often missed by travellers, due to its remote location. Besides soaking in one of the three hot springs one can try the several hiking trails that offer amazing vistas of the surrounding valleys.
A few points of advice before entering a hot spring in Taiwan:
- Take a shower before bathing.
- Drink plenty of water before you go as you get easily dehydrated. Don’t drink any alcohol before or during the bath.
- Don’t stay for too long, max. 30 minutes at a time / 3x per day.
- If you’re pregnant or have any known health problems, especially with your heart, do not bath.
- When visiting an indoor spa, make sure they have proper ventilation.
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