Hot springs are an integral part of the cultural fabric of Taiwan. In fact, more than one hundred such springs have been discovered in Taiwan over the years. You will find several soothing hot springs near Taipei that work as natural spas, saunas, and massage pools in their own right.
Once you are in the capital of Taipei, you can easily enjoy a mesmerising soak (or two) in one of the many nearby hot springs. Be at one with Nature while viewing scenic landscapes as you get away from the bustle of city life.
Let us make a list of the top hot springs you can visit easily from the city once you arrive.
Amazing Hot Springs that You Can Explore Near Taipei
There are several fascinating hot springs that are not very far away from Taipei. You can easily fit them into your itinerary to enjoy unique experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. Let us look at some of the popular ones below.
1. Beitou Hot Spring (Taipei City)
Beitou is the most famous hot spring village in Taiwan, nestled right at the end of the MRT Red Line. It is walkable and offers glimpses of fascinating Japanese colonial history for you to savour.
How to Reach:
You can take the MRT to the Xinbeitou Station to reach it, with the estimated travel time being about 35-40 minutes (from Taipei Main Station).
What to See & Do:
- Soak at Millennium Hot Spring (a public bath) or book rooms at local resorts.
- Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and Thermal Valley.
- Explore the Quanyuan Park for a free foot-soaking session.
2. Wulai Hot Spring (New Taipei City)
Wulai is known for its stunning natural beauty and gushing waterfalls. You’ll get a glimpse of traditional Atayal culture here, while enjoying the scenic setting amidst the lush river valley.
How to Reach:
Take the Green MRT line to the Xindian Station and then transfer to the 849 bus. Total travel time is approximately 60-80 minutes.
What to See & Do:
- Discover free or affordable natural soaking areas on the riverbank.
- Soak in private pools overlooking the valley at spa resorts.
- Enjoy beauty springs (odourless and clear sodium bicarbonate) that soften your skin.
3. Yangmingshan Hot Springs
Situated in the volcanic mountains north of Taipei, it is an ideal destination if you want to combine a relaxing soak with a thrilling hike.
How to Reach:
You can take bus 260 or Red 5 from the Shilin MRT station to reach. The approximate journey time is 45-60 minutes.
What to See & Do:
- View the milky blue and white sulfur springs.
- Explore the Lengshuikeng or Cold Water Valley, with its public hot spring baths and hiking trails.
- Visit private hot spring retreats with gorgeous mountain views.
4. Jiaoxi (Yilan County)
Jiaoxi is known for its rare sodium bicarbonate springs that soften your skin. The town offers unique experiences on a day outing from Taipei.
How to Reach:
Take an intercity bus like the Capital Bus or Kamalan Bus to reach Jiaoxi in about 60-90 minutes.
What to See & Do:
- Explore the hot spring foot baths built into the sidewalks and the public bathhouses.
- Visit the hot spring fish spas, where tiny fish nibble away the dead skin on your feet in warm water.
5. Guanziling
Guanziling is home to the only mud springs in all of Taiwan. The mineral-rich mud in the region transforms the spring pools into greyish marvels.
How to Reach:
You will have to take a train to Chiayi or Houbi and then transfer to a connecting taxi or bus. The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Route 33) links to the hot springs here. It may take 3.5-4 hours in total.
What to See & Do:
- Put on the soupy and grey mud on your face for a natural glow.
- Visit the Fire and Water spring where flames jump out of the hot spring waters.
6. Zhiben (Taitung, East Coast)
Zhiben is ideal if you want a less touristy and more local vibe. Nestled in lush green valleys, this hot spring town offers a tranquil and charming experience.
How to Reach:
You can take a direct train from Taipei to reach it in about 3.5-4 hours. Another option is a flight to Taitung (about 1 hour) and then a 30-minute taxi or bus ride to reach your destination.
What to See & Do:
- Visit the luxury resorts here with their mountain views and spa treatments.
- View the Zhiben Hot Springs and Zhiben Forest Road waterfall.
- If you have time, take a hike through the Jhihben National Forest Recreation Area.
Plan Your Taipei Tour Smartly
Make sure you book your holiday serviced apartments in Taipei in advance, along with your flights. This will help you avoid the last-minute rush for accommodation and transfers. Include the hot springs that you find most attractive in your itinerary and chalk out the travel routes beforehand (to save time later).
While Taipei is a beautiful city with numerous cultural wonders for you to explore, you should not miss the chance to explore these amazing hot springs nearby. They offer the perfect escapes from city life with unmatched relaxation and ample natural beauty.
Hot Spring FAQ Travellers Ask Before Visiting Taipei
Some of the popular hot springs near Taipei include the Yangmingshan Hot Springs, Beitou Hot Spring, and the Wulai Hot Spring. The average journey time is about 35-80 minutes to these spots, depending on the exact location.
The nearest hot spring from Taipei is the Beitou Hot Spring, almost in the backyard of the city. You can reach it in just 35-40 minutes by taking the MRT to the Xinbeitou Station.
There are quite a few charming hot spring towns that you can choose for a day trip or overnight stay from Taipei. Zhiben (Taitung) is an option on the East Coast, with its hot springs and waterfall. You can also consider Guanziling with its unique mud springs.
You will find the popular hot spring fish spa treatments available at Jiaoxi. This town is home to several hot spring baths, including on the sidewalks and across public bathhouses.
While it is hard to identify the exact number, more than 100 hot springs have been discovered in Taiwan over the years. The country is known for its fascinating hot spring culture.