Taiwan’s hot springs are one of the island’s top attractions for wellness-oriented tourists. With over one hundred hot springs around the island, Taiwan has one of the greatest concentrations of hot springs in the world. Most large cities will have several hot spring regions, each with a cluster of hotels, to choose from. In most regions, multiple bathing options are available, ranging from public pools and day spas to simple hotels with en-suite bathing and even all-inclusive luxury spas.
With some small exceptions, almost all of Taiwan’s developed hot springs are surrounded by verdant mountains or located in relaxing natural environments. Many of Taiwan’s hot springs are also located in deep valleys and on or besides the rivers and creeks. What could be more relaxing than bathing in a hot spring in the middle of a forest, or perched over the ocean. Taiwan’s hot springs are perfect destinations for wellness getaways and some well-deserved rest and relaxation—no wonder Taiwan is consistently rated as Asia’s happiest country, and one of the top in the world!
Jioujhihze Hot Spring in Datong Township, Yilan County
Taiwan’s Most Natural Hot Spring Spa
Jioujhihze Hot Spring, also known as Jiuzhize Hot Spring, is a semi-remote hot spring located just inside Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area in Yilan’s mountainous Datong District. Unlike most hot springs close to Taipei, Jioujhihze Hot Spring is surrounded completely by subtropical forest.
Due to its location inside of a National Forest, there are no hotels, no restaurants and no businesses nearby. On-site facilities are limited to a bathhouse and a welcome center which sells basic refreshments and snacks. Jioujhihze also features dedicated hot-spring-powered egg-boiling pools where visitors can enjoy boiling corn and eggs. For the more adventurous, a suspension bridge crosses the Duowang River and leads to an adjacent short nature trail.
The water at Jioujhihze Hot Spring is slightly alkaline with a pH of 8.87 and rich in minerals such as sulfate, calcium, and magnesium. The waters here are believed to have therapeutic properties that can help ease a range of health problems, such as muscle pain, arthritis, and skin conditions.
Jinshan Hot Spring in Jinshan District, New Taipei City
Best Hot Spring for Ocean-Gazing
Jinshan Hot Spring is located in the coastal district of Jinshan in New Taipei City. There are several hot spring sources here which vary in acidity and mineral content, including seawater-fed springs, sulfuric springs, carbonic acid springs and iron oxide springs.
The hot springs here were formed after the earthquake and tsunami of November 23, 1867. While the area was devastated, new hot springs were discovered after the ocean waters receded. The hot spring water at Jinshan Hot Spring is clear and odorless, and quite warm—it is 90 degrees celsius at the source.
Jinshan is one of the only areas in Taiwan where one can enjoy hot spring bathing by the ocean. The local spa, Governor-General Hot Spring, used to serve as a guesthouse for the Japanese governor-general of Taiwan. The second floor features outdoor bathing pools with views of the ocean and the mountains of Yangmingshan National Park. The slightly acidic water here not only moisturizes the skin but also stimulates blood circulation.
Taian Hot Spring in Taian Township, Miaoli County
Where Nature is Integrated Into Architectural Design
Taian Hot Spring is the home of one of Taiwan’s most conceptual hot spring hotels: Onsen Papawaqa. This hotel integrates natural aging processes into the building’s aesthetic. Exposed raw concrete, aged wood, and “growing” natural vegetation are all part of the experience here. The Taian Guanzhi Hot Spring Hotel features numerous outdoor bathing areas that integrate local flora, and also includes separate nude bathing areas. Each room includes floor-to-ceiling windows and river views.
Another local favorite is the classic King’s Resort. While the rooms here aren’t as design-oriented, the extensive outdoor bathing area features relaxing mountain views and the hot spring water is of excellent quality.
Taian Hot Spring features slightly alkaline sodium bicarbonate hot spring water that is generally odorless and colorless. The mineral water here is said to help with muscle pain, joint stiffness, and is generally beneficial for the skin.
Guanziling Hot Spring in Baihe District, Tainan City
Taiwan’s Most Famous Mud Hot Spring
The only mud spring in Taiwan, Tainan’s Guanziling Hot Spring area offers a truly unique wellness experience. Over a dozen hot spring hotels offer hot spring baths and mud spas, and other healthy attractions include short day hikes, and delicious kiln-roasted chicken restaurants. Sightseeing options include Fire and Water Spring and Erjiewan Vista.
The water at Guanziling Hot Spring is known to contain high levels of sodium bicarbonate, which gives it an alkaline pH level of around 7.8 to 8.6. This type of mineral composition is believed to have therapeutic benefits for the skin and body, such as improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation.
Zhaori Hot Spring (Green Island) in Ludao Township, Taitung County
Seaside Hot Spring for Sunrise Viewing
Zhaori Hot Spring is located on the southeastern tip of Green Island, which is off the coast of Taitung. Formerly known as “Asahi Hot Spring” during the Japanese colonial era, Zhaori Hot Spring is famous for being one of the world’s only saltwater-fed hot springs. The springs, which combine a mixture of saltwater and freshwater, are heated by volcanic lava deep under Green Island.
While the hot spring facilities at Zhaori Hot Spring are rather basic, the benefit of visiting is experiencing the natural surroundings. Zhaori has three open-air pools and a large spa pool where visitors can listen to the sound of the surf, enjoy the sunrise, or watch the stars as they soak away the stress. Visitors should note that the three open-air pools located in the tidal zone are closed during the winter months due to rougher sea conditions. However, the large spa pool remains open throughout the year.
In addition to hot spring soaking, Zhaori’s comfortable environment and quiet location make it an ideal place to watch the sunrise, stargaze, or simply relax and unwind. There are several hiking trails nearby that offer beautiful views of Green Island’s coastline and natural scenery. Visitors can also explore the nearby Zhaori Visitor Center, which provides information on the history and ecology of the area.
Ferry service to Green Island takes approximately 1 hour and is available from Taitung’s Fugang Fishing Harbor.
