Jiasian

Jiasian, a charming mountain town in southern Taiwan, offers a serene escape into nature with its hot springs, hiking trails, and indigenous culture. Nestled in the Laonong River valley, it's a gateway to the wild Yushan National Park and a perfect stop for travellers seeking thermal baths and authentic local experiences.

Highlights & What to See

• Hot Springs: Soak in the mineral-rich hot springs of Jiasian, with both public bathhouses and private resorts offering a relaxing retreat amid forested hills.
• Jiasian Old Street: Stroll through this historic lane lined with traditional shops selling local specialties like wild honey, dried persimmons, and bamboo rice.
• Yushan National Park: Access the park's southern trails from Jiasian, including the challenging hike to the summit of Taiwan's highest peak, Yushan (Jade Mountain).
• Laonong River: Enjoy river tracing, kayaking, or simply admire the emerald waters and surrounding cliffs on a scenic drive along the river valley.
• Bulao Hot Spring: A free, riverside hot spring where you can dig your own pool in the riverbed – a unique and rustic experience.
• Indigenous Culture: Visit nearby Bunun tribal villages to learn about traditional weaving, hunting, and the Bunun people's deep connection to the land.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend one to two nights in Jiasian. A single day allows for a hot spring soak, a stroll through Old Street, and a short hike. With two days, you can tackle a longer trail in Yushan National Park or explore the Bunun villages. The town is small and relaxed, so even a day trip from Kaohsiung is feasible, though overnighting lets you enjoy the evening atmosphere and a second soak.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kaohsiung: Taiwan's vibrant southern city, with its harbour, night markets, and cultural sites, is a 90-minute drive west.
• Taoyuan District: Known for its hot springs and the stunning Tianliao Moon World badlands, this area offers dramatic landscapes and more thermal baths.
• Liugui: A neighbouring town famous for its hot springs and the Liugui Monkey Mountain, where wild Formosan rock macaques roam.
• Namasia: A mountainous indigenous district with pristine rivers, waterfalls, and the Namasia River tracing experience.
• Alishan National Scenic Area: Famed for its sunrise, sea of clouds, and forest railway, Alishan is a scenic two-hour drive north.

Please check official sources for current details.