Did You Know That ...?
- Among all the unique hot springs locations to choose from around the island, the greater Taipei region — which includes Taipei City and New Taipei City — is probably the easiest choice for a quick and simple getaway. Taiwan's capital city and its vicinity have a well-developed transportation system that makes traveling uncomplicated for hot spring lovers.
- The best-known hot spring destination in the greater Taipei area is none other than Beitou District, a region that is synonymous with hot springs and is one of the best areas in the nation for enjoying this heaven-sent natural resource.
- Beitou's hot springs are mostly rich in sulfur, and they come in three types — white sulfur, green sulfur, and iron sulfur varieties, each with its own reputed medicinal effects.
Read more about Beitou District here or scroll down for pictures.
The history of Beitou's hot spring industry can be traced back more than a century ago to the period of Japanese rule. Gengo Hirata, a businessman from Osaka, set up the Tianguan Hot Spring Hotel in Beitou in 1896. The hotel was the first of its kind in the whole of Taiwan, and since its establishment, its choice of area has occupied a leading place in Taiwan's hot springs industry.
These days, visitors can find all kinds of five-star and high-end resorts in Beitou, aimed at catering to those who seek an exquisite and romantic escape. These modern-day resorts are mainly equipped with Japanese- or Western-style hot spring villas that offer a more private indoor spa experience.
These five-star spa resorts also provide a wide range of luxurious comforts, such as massages and personal health care treatments, as well as yoga and meditation sessions, along with plenty of medicinal cuisine and Japanese, Taiwanese, and Western dishes.
For those who don't mind simple and humble decor and prefer to seek an old-style hot spring bathhouse, there are also venerable establishments that have been in operation for more than 70 years.
For those itching to stay dry for a while, there are a host of cultural and creative attractions in the greater Beitou area. These include the Guandu Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to the maritime goddess Matzu, the Ketegalan Culture Center, a museum dedicated to showcasing indigenous cultures, and the Beitou Library, an exemplary model of green architecture and one of the most eco-friendly buildings in Taiwan.