Beitou Thermal Springs are one of Taipei’s most unique, soothing, and slightly surreal experiences — a whole neighborhood built around steaming, mineral-rich hot springs fed by a volcano.
We hopped on the Red Line from our Zhongshan neighborhood and it took less than an hour to reach Beitou.
The hot springs come from geothermal activity at nearby Yangmingshan Volcano. The springs are packed with minerals — especially sulfur — which give the air that signature “eggy” smell and the water its healing properties. Fortunately, it’s a very light smell that’s not too noticeable.
Nearby Thermal Valley also known as Hell Valley is too hot for soaking and the light sulphur smell is a little more noticeable where the steam is thickest. People do not soak in Thermal Valley because the water is literally boiling.
In Beitou, people go to hot spring baths that pipe in the geothermal water, cool it to safe temperatures and create soaking pools. The main public hot-spring pool was closed for maintenance during our visit so we looked for other soaking options.
At the Kagaya Hotel, we chose a private hot-spring room complete with a shower, amenities and a screened window overlooking the lush hillside. Our 90 minutes there were peaceful, restorative and truly a highlight of the day.
From the Kagaya hotel, there are many scenic paths and trails that follow the stream.
The Beitou Museum is one of the best places nearby to learn about its past, culture, and hot-spring heritage.
The museum is a beautiful blend of history, architecture and art. It is housed in a 1921 Japanese-era wooden building, originally built as a luxury hot-spring hotel. It’s one of the largest remaining freestanding wooden structures from the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan.
The museum showcases aboriginal artifacts, folk artwork, religious objects and exhibits on Beitou’s hot-spring history. There is a traditional tatami room with low tables and sliding doors.
The building features original architectural elements, wooden beams and old bathhouse features including one of the original pools.
Afterward, we settled into a cozy café with a view, letting everything we’d just experienced soak in. It was thought-provoking and absolutely amazing.
After a slow, easy day wandering through Beitou, we hopped back on the Red Line to Zhongshan and slipped right back into the city’s lively rhythm.
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Jane in Spain 