Hot Springs in Yilan
Part of the Yilan travel guide — see every topic in All Yilan Guides.
Yilan has two very different springs. Jiaoxi, in the north of the county, is a hot spring town with clear, hot water that has almost no smell. It sits right on the train line, so it is one of the easiest hot spring towns in Taiwan to visit. Su'ao, in the south, has a cold spring. The water stays cool all year and is full of natural bubbles. You can visit both in one day by train.
Jiaoxi hot springs
Jiaoxi is a small town about 500 metres from Jiaoxi train station. The water is a neutral sodium bicarbonate spring. It comes out of the ground at about 55°C, is clear, and has almost no smell. People say it leaves the skin feeling smooth. Hot spring hotels line the streets near the station. Many offer private hot spring rooms by the hour, which is good if you do not want to stay overnight. Bigger resorts have outdoor pools and spa areas. Weekends and cold winter evenings are the busiest times, so go on a weekday if you can.
Free foot baths
Jiaoxi has two public parks with hot spring water, Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park and Tangweigou Hot Spring Park. Both have free foot bath pools where you sit on the edge and put your feet in the warm water. It is a relaxing way to try the spring without paying for a pool. Tangweigou also has small paid areas where little fish nibble your feet, and paid bathing pools nearby. Bring a small towel to dry your feet. Hours and rules can change, so check the signs. The foot baths are near the station and can be busy in the evening.
Su'ao cold spring
The Su'ao cold spring is a rare kind of spring. The water stays at about 22°C all year and is full of natural carbon dioxide, so small bubbles rise around your body. It is one of only a few cold springs like this in the world. The spring is about 300 metres from Su'ao train station. A public bathing area has an outdoor pool, and there are also private rooms. The water feels cold at first, and then warm and fizzy on the skin. It is very refreshing in summer. Many people visit Su'ao Harbor nearby for seafood after a soak.
Hot spring tips
In public pools, wash your body well before you get in, and do not wear street clothes in the water. Rules on swimsuits differ between places, so check the sign or ask. Tie up long hair and keep towels out of the pool. Drink water before and after bathing, and get out if you feel dizzy. People with heart problems, high blood pressure, or who are pregnant should keep soaks short or ask a doctor first. Do not bathe right after a big meal or after drinking alcohol. Fifteen minutes at a time is enough for most people in hot water.
Hot Springs at a glance
| Getting there | Jiaoxi: about 500 m from Jiaoxi station; Su'ao: about 300 m from Su'ao station |
|---|---|
| Water | Jiaoxi about 55°C, clear; Su'ao about 22°C, natural bubbles |
| Hours | Hotels open long hours; public pools and parks have set hours, check locally |
| Cost | Foot baths free; public pools and private rooms paid |
| Best time | Weekdays; cool months for Jiaoxi, summer for Su'ao |