Jiaosi Hot Spring

Nestled in the lush foothills of Yilan County, Jiaosi Hot Spring is Taiwan's most accessible thermal retreat, just a 90-minute drive or train ride from Taipei. Unlike the sulfur-heavy springs of Beitou, Jiaosi's clear, odorless carbonated waters are known for their silky feel and skin-softening properties. The town itself is a relaxed spa hub, with public foot baths, riverside parks, and a surprising food scene centred on local spring onion and duck dishes. Whether you're soaking in a sleek resort, a budget bathhouse, or the free outdoor foot pools, Jiaosi offers a genuine Taiwanese hot-spring experience without the crowds of its northern rival.

Highlights & What to See

• Tangweigou Hot Spring Park – The heart of Jiaosi, this riverside park features free public foot baths (around 40°C) and a landscaped walking trail along the meandering creek. Come at dusk when the steam mingles with the park's lantern light.
• Jiaosi Hot Spring Bathhouses – Choose from historic bathhouses like Chunri Hot Spring for a traditional wooden-tub soak, or modern resort spas offering private pools with mountain views. Many hotels open their facilities to day visitors.
• Wufengqi Waterfall – A 20-minute drive south, this dramatic four-tiered waterfall plunges 150 metres through a forested gorge. The short hike rewards with cooling spray and a natural swimming hole at the base.
• Lizejian Old Street – A narrow lane lined with food stalls selling local specialties: scallion pancakes, spring onion oil noodles, and the famous Yilan duck served with plum sauce. Don't miss the peanut ice-cream rolls shaved from a block with a giant plane.
• Jiaosi Hot Spring Visitor Centre – Pick up a free map and learn about the spring's history, from Japanese-era beginnings to modern eco-friendly practices. The centre also has a small exhibition on the area's hot-spring geology.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find a full day sufficient for Jiaosi: spend the morning soaking at a bathhouse, the afternoon exploring Wufengqi Waterfall and Lizejian Old Street, and the evening with a foot bath at Tangweigou Park. If you want to try two or three different bathhouses, or include a longer hike in the surrounding hills, an overnight stay is ideal. Many hotels offer half-day spa packages that include lunch, making it easy to do as a day trip from Taipei.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yilan City – 20 minutes south, Yilan's night market and the National Center for Traditional Arts offer a deeper dive into Taiwanese culture and street food.
• Taiping Mountain – A 90-minute drive into the misty mountains, this forest recreation area features hiking trails, a historic forest railway, and views of the Lanyang River valley.
• Dongshan River Water Park – A 30-minute drive from Jiaosi, this vast park offers cycling paths, boating, and seasonal flower displays, perfect for a family-friendly afternoon.
• Northeast Coast National Scenic Area – Head east to the dramatic coastline of Yilan, with sea-eroded rock formations, lighthouses, and seafood restaurants in towns like Toucheng and Daxi.
• Beitou Hot Spring – For hot-spring enthusiasts, combining Jiaosi with Taipei's other famous thermal area (Beitou) makes a comprehensive spa tour, though each has a distinct character.

Please check official sources for current details.