[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/hot-springs-in-beitou-taiwan-a-perfect-relaxation-getaway-for-weary-travellers\/#NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/hot-springs-in-beitou-taiwan-a-perfect-relaxation-getaway-for-weary-travellers\/","headline":"Hot Springs in Beitou, Taiwan: A Perfect Relaxation Getaway for Weary Travellers","name":"Hot Springs in Beitou, Taiwan: A Perfect Relaxation Getaway for Weary Travellers","description":"Known for their street food and night markets, Taiwan is also famous for their hot springs, which are said to have a plethora of health benefits \u2014 such as raising one\u2019s energy levels, and treating chronic fatigue, eczema, and arthritis.\u00a0 Hot springs have been a large part of Taiwanese culture since the 1800s, when Taiwan […]","datePublished":"2020-08-12","dateModified":"2020-10-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/Claudia%20Tan\/#Person","name":"Claudia Tan","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/Claudia%20Tan\/","identifier":73,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f2004e13e937d58b50adb5fc43b2f9a318d48ec017194d5e4f2b87e462a5219?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f2004e13e937d58b50adb5fc43b2f9a318d48ec017194d5e4f2b87e462a5219?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"TheHomeGround Asia","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","width":640,"height":640}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/1598524619630_beitou_hot_spring.jpg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/1598524619630_beitou_hot_spring.jpg","height":810,"width":1080},"url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/hot-springs-in-beitou-taiwan-a-perfect-relaxation-getaway-for-weary-travellers\/","about":["Asia","Health & Wellness","International"],"wordCount":831,"articleBody":"Known for their street food and night markets, Taiwan is also famous for their hot springs, which are said to have a plethora of health benefits \u2014 such as raising one\u2019s energy levels, and treating chronic fatigue, eczema, and arthritis.\u00a0Hot springs have been a large part of Taiwanese culture since the 1800s, when Taiwan was under Japanese rule. During their rule, the government in charge developed the hot springs on the peninsula, with many influences from the Japanese onsen culture. The first hot spring hotel was opened in Taiwan in 1896, by Hirado Gengo; this paved the way for the development of hot spring culture. Fast forward to today, Taiwan now has more than 100 hot springs \u2014 one of the most in the world. Additionally, it has also been dubbed the \u201cHot Spring Kingdom\u201d, and is ranked among the top 15 hot spring destinations in the world.\u00a0The most accessible hot spring from Taipei City would be Beitou, which is easily accessible via MRT, with a journey that takes approximately an hour. Since the 1970s and 1980s, many hotels and resorts have been developed in the area as well.\u00a0Here\u2019s how to get to Beitou:\u00a0Take the Red Line to Beitou Station\u00a0At Beitou Station, transfer to the pink line and alight at Xinbeitou Station\u00a0The hot springs and other interesting tourist attractions are a mere 5 minute walk away from the MRT station, so there\u2019s no worry of getting lost. Alternatively, visitors may also opt to take a taxi, which would take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.\u00a0Beitou not only has many hot spring resorts that cater to various price points, but is also home to a Hot Spring Museum, which provides visitors the origins of hot spring culture in Taiwan. What\u2019s interesting about the museum is that the building is a restored Japanese colonial-era bathhouse which gives visitors a comprehensive introduction to hot springs in Beitou \u2014 a perfect way to learn about hot springs before (or after) experiencing it!\u00a0At Beitou, the dormant Datun volcano provides Beitou with an infinite supply of thermal waters, and the area is surrounded with resorts across all price points to suit tourists\u2019 varying budgets. First time visitors usually opt for the well-known public hot spring, located near the Hot Spring Museum.\ufeffIn Beitou, there are three main types of hot springs:\u00a0Green Sulfur Hot SpringThis type of hot spring has a high concentration of sulfur, and its colour is reminiscent of jade. It is the hottest out of the three, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degree celsius. What makes this particular type of hot spring so highly sought after is its rarity\u2014it can only be found in Beitou and Akita, Japan! Many believe that the green sulfur hot spring is useful in treating skin diseases, gout, rheumatism, and fatigue.Red Iron (Ferrous) Hot SpringUnlike the green sulfur, this hot spring\u2019s water is clear, and has a slightly lower temperature of between 40 to 60 degrees Celsius. It is believed to relieve nerve strain and inflammation.\u00a0White Sulfur Hot SpringDo not be fooled by this hot spring\u2019s creamy and milky appearance \u2014 the hydrogen sulfide in it gives off an extremely strong odour, similar to that of rotten eggs! It is also extremely rare, as it is only available in Beitou and the Kansai Region in Japan. Its temperature is the lowest out of the three, at approximately 45\u00b0C. This hot spring is typically used to treat ulcers, chronic skin diseases, liver diseases and diabetes.\u00a0The most affordable option in Beitou would be the Millennium Hot Spring Bathhouse, which costs NT$40 per entry. Run by the government, this bathhouse has a variety of hot spring pools for visitors to experience a hot spring for themselves. However, a possible downside for some would be the restrictions at the bathhouse. As this is a shared public facility, visitors are required to be dressed in bathing suits. Hot Spring attendants are also constantly walking around the area, which might cause some unease.\u00a0For those who would like to have a hot spring experience in private, there are quite a few privately-owned resort establishments in the area. One of the most reputable ones is the Yitsun Hotel, which was built in 1901. Its original name was Xin Nai Tang, but was later changed to its current name in honour or Dr Sun Yat Sen\u2019s given name \u2014 Sun Yi Xian \u2014 who was believed to have visited this hotel and was impressed by the quality of the hot springs.\u00a0Many of the guestrooms at Yitsun are decorated Japanese-style, in honour of Japanese influence on Taiwan\u2019s hot spring culture. The baths are separated by gender \u2014 one for males and one for females \u2014 and are set in grey slate stone, and are about 60 \u00b0C, making them perfect for long dips.\u00a0Being one of the hallmarks of Taiwanese tourism, and with such a rich history, Beitou is definitely a destination to add to your travel bucket list!"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"International","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Hot Springs in Beitou, Taiwan: A Perfect Relaxation Getaway for Weary Travellers","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/hot-springs-in-beitou-taiwan-a-perfect-relaxation-getaway-for-weary-travellers\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]