Taitung’s “Fountain of Youth”- Taiwan’s Most Stunning Hot Spring Destinations
Taitung County is home to a vast array of hot springs, most of them mild sodium bicarbonate water that’s slightly alkaline with a pH between 7 and 8. Bathing in a sodium bicarbonate spring is like putting on a natural layer of skin cream that moisturizes and revitalizes the whole body, leaving your skin silky smooth and refreshed afterward. That’s why these springs are known as “Fountains of Youth,” and why Taitung has gained worldwide fame as “The Land of Eternal Youth.” Come experience one of these mystic fountains for yourself.
A Charming Mountain Retreat – Zhiben Hot Springs
Zhiben is famous throughout Taiwan for its hot springs and hiking trails, and its scenery has earned it the nickname “Eastern Taiwan’s Scenic Treasure.” The sodium bicarbonate water here is mineral-rich, clear, odorless, and runs 60 to 100 degrees Celsius, known as a “Fountain of Youth” for making skin supple, boosting circulation, and releasing muscle tension. You’ll find hot springs both close to the mountains and near streams, most fed by river sources, though one 5-star hotel has recently tapped a mountain source. Set in a green valley lined with rivers, Zhiben is a relaxing spot to soak, get a spa treatment, or spend the night.
(Image: Hotel Royal Chihpen Instagram @hotelroyal.cp)
Address：Zhiben Hot Spring Area, Beinan Township
Taiwan’s Finest- Lisong Hot Spring
If Lisong Hot Spring weren’t in Taitung, it might only exist in a legendary fantasy novel. Fully submerged, your view is shrouded in delicate white steam; step out a little and you’ll see rock faces covered in shimmering green algae that look like solid emerald. Unlike most springs, where hot water rises from the ground, at Lisong it wells out of the rock faces forming waterfalls. The sodium bicarbonate water is slightly alkaline (pH around 7), crystal clear, smooth to the touch, and ranges from 45 to 65 degrees Celsius, improving circulation and leaving skin silky and radiant. The journey here is arduous, though: hiking the ravine tests your endurance, sometimes requiring ropes to climb rock faces, followed by river tracing at the base. Visitors should stay cautious and know their limits, and it’s best to visit during the November to April dry season.
(Image：IG@simenandctistina)
Address：Nanheng Cross-Island Highway, Haiduan Township
A Remote and Peaceful Hot Spring Getaway- Jinlun Hot Springs
Hot spring resorts have long dotted Jinlun, yet the village still feels peaceful and simple, ringed by sweeping mountains and untouched nature. Its abundant channels bring pure sodium bicarbonate water to ground level, slightly alkaline (pH 7 to 8), clear, faintly sulfurous, and running 70 to 90 degrees Celsius, high enough to improve circulation and leave skin healthy and rejuvenated. Beyond the all-natural springs under the red Jinlun Rainbow Bridge, explore the surrounding mountains for fresh air, or visit the Jinlun Hot Springs Resort for open-air pools and private baths. This peaceful corner of Taiwan will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
(Image：IG@melody_ma_911)
Address：Jinlun Village Hot Springs Scenic Area, Taimali Township
Hongye Hot Springs – Mother Nature’s Natural Beauty
Hongye Hot Springs, in Hongye Village of Yanping Township, is a metamorphic rock hot spring originating from the Central Mountain Range’s Tananao Schist. Its clear, odorless water has a neutral pH of 6.4 and runs 42 to 60 degrees Celsius, and bathing here can relieve skin and stomach ailments while leaving skin soft and supple. The springs are open-air and all-natural: walk the riverbank to find a pool, or scoop gravel from the riverbed to form your own, then relax amid the lush mountain scenery. Please respect the environment — don’t drive into the riverbed, and avoid visiting during or right after heavy rain.
(Image：陳耀恩 Ean Chen –> https://www.facebook.com/eancan)
Address：No. 120, Honggu Road, Yanping Township
For more information on hot springs in Taitung, click here。
