Hot Springs in Taitung and Green Island
Part of the Taitung and Green Island travel guide — see every topic in All Taitung and Green Island Guides.
The east of Taiwan sits on active ground, and hot water rises in many places. Near Taitung, the Zhiben valley has one of the best known hot spring areas in the country, with hotels, public pools and forest walks. On Green Island, the Zhaori hot spring is very rare: it is heated seawater, rising next to the coral reef, and you can soak in open pools while watching the ocean.
Zhiben hot springs
Zhiben is a hot spring area in a green river valley a short drive southwest of Taitung city. The water is clear and has no smell, and many people find it gentle on the skin. Most of the springs are inside hotels and resorts. Many of them let day visitors use their pools for a fee, so you do not need to stay the night. Some resorts have large outdoor pool areas with different temperatures. Rules differ from place to place. Some pools need a swimsuit and cap, while private rooms let you bathe without clothes.
Zhiben forest walks
Above the hot spring hotels, a forest recreation area protects the hills along the Zhiben River. Trails climb through tall tropical trees, with views back over the valley. Many people walk for an hour or two before or after a soak. You may hear monkeys and many birds in the trees. The paths include steps and can be slippery after rain, so wear good shoes. The forest area has an entry fee and set opening hours, so check locally. A walk in the morning, then a hot spring in the afternoon, makes a calm day.
Zhaori, the seawater spring
Zhaori hot spring is on the southeast coast of Green Island. Here seawater is heated deep underground and rises next to the coral reef. It is one of only a few seawater hot springs in the world. The site has round open-air pools of different temperatures, set right by the sea, plus a few covered pools. You can soak while waves break on the rocks just below. Some visitors boil eggs in the hottest spring water. The pools are open from early morning to late at night, but hours can change, so check locally. There is an entry fee.
Best time for Zhaori
The most popular times at Zhaori are sunrise and late at night. The spring faces east, so at dawn you can watch the sun come up over the Pacific Ocean from the warm water. At night, on a clear sky, you may see many stars. Midday in summer can be very hot, and the sun is strong, so most people avoid it. In winter, a warm soak feels best, but strong wind can make the boat trip to the island difficult. Swimsuits are required in the public pools.
Hot spring tips
Shower before you enter any shared pool, and keep your head out of the water. Tie up long hair. Drink water before and after, and limit each soak to about 10 to 15 minutes at a time, then rest. People with heart problems, high blood pressure or who are pregnant should ask a doctor first. Do not soak after drinking alcohol or right after a big meal. Leave jewellery in your room, because some minerals can darken metal. Most places sell or rent towels and caps, but it is easier to bring your own.
Hot Springs at a glance
| Getting there | Zhiben is about 20 to 30 minutes by car or bus from Taitung; Zhaori by scooter on Green Island |
|---|---|
| Hours | Zhiben hotel pools in the daytime and evening; Zhaori early morning to late night, check locally |
| Cost | Day-use fee at hotels; small entry fee at Zhaori |
| Best time | Cooler months for Zhiben; sunrise or night for Zhaori |
| Water | Zhiben clear and odourless; Zhaori heated seawater |
| Bring | Swimsuit, cap, towel, water |