Beitou — Hot Springs

Beitou (北投) is Taipei's hot spring district — and the amazing thing is: It's only 30 minutes by metro from the city center. The entire valley literally steams: Sulfur vapors rise from the ground, hot streams flow through the area, and dozens of bathhouses invite you to soak. It smells of sulfur, the air is humid-warm, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a Japanese onsen village — no wonder, as Beitou was developed as a spa resort during the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945).

Highlights

• Thermal Valley (地熱谷): A steaming, turquoise-green lake whose water reaches up to 100°C — far too hot for bathing, but spectacular to view and photograph. The sulfur vapors create a mystical atmosphere. Free.
• Millennium Hot Spring (千禧湯): Public outdoor bath with various pools (36–42°C), right next to Beitou Park. Admission: 40 TWD (1€!). Swimwear required, bathing caps mandatory. The best value for hot springs in all of Taiwan.
• Private Bathhouses: For more luxury: A private room with its own hot pool for 2 people, from 600–1,500 TWD (17–44€) per hour. Villa 32 and Grand View Resort are the most upscale options with sea views and spa.
• Beitou Hot Spring Museum (北投溫泉博物館): A beautiful Japanese colonial building (1913) that tells the history of the hot springs. Wooden floors, tatami rooms, and a historic bathing hall. Free.
• Xinbeitou Park: The green park between the museum and Thermal Valley invites you to stroll — old trees, a stream with warm spring water, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Getting There

Metro Red Line to Beitou, transfer to the Xinbeitou branch line (1 station). From the station, all attractions are within a 5–15 minute walk.