Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is both a bustling East Asian metropolis and one filled with nature including hills and mountains, wetlands and natural hot springs. Beitou, Taipei’s northernmost and most mountainous district, is famous for its hot springs.

Beitou’s name is derived from the area’s aboriginal name, Kipatauw, which means witch, probably because the smokiness of the hot springs seemed like sorcery. During Japanese colonization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Beitou became a popular holiday resort as the Japanese made much use of the hot springs for relaxation and healing. As such, Beitou is filled with hotels which feature personal hot spring spas for guests, as well as outdoor public hot springs. As Beitou lies in a volcanic area, the water is heated deep below ground and features sulphur and traces of radium, which supposedly give the water medicinal properties.

The entire area is very scenic, sited in a valley with parks, streams and historic buildings. The most fascinating sight is the Thermal Valley, a body of shimmering green water covered with thick mist. It’s actually a giant hot spring that spews fumes continuously, hence the hot mist. Of course, you can’t jump in because the water reaches over 90 degrees Celcius.

In the middle of the area is Beitou Park, which features Beitou Library, an all-wooden building that looks like a really cool log cabin and also has eco-friendly features. For example, rain water is collected for use in toilets while the library is powered by rooftop solar panels. The library’s design also makes use of natural lighting and breeze to minimize electrical use.

At the side of the park is an attractive redbrick mansion that is the Hot Spring Museum, a former Japanese bathhouse. While built by the Japanese in the early 20th century, the museum building was modeled on Western architectural styles (which a lot of Japanese colonial buildings were). This museum is free.

Next to the park is the Ketagalan Culture Center, an aboriginal museum that features a large giant rope-like front facade. Inside are artifacts and information on Taiwan’s aboriginal peoples, with the highlight being several pieces of traditional clothing. The center is free to visit.

How to get there: At Beitou Station on the MTR Red Line, switch to the Xinbeitou Branch Line and get off at Xinbeitou Station (the entire line is just one station, which shows how special this area is).

Thermal Valley (above and below)

Ketagalan Cultural Center
Aboriginal jewelry (above) and bark cloth outfit (below)
 
Beitou Library

Hot Spring Museum

MRT train on the line to Xinbeitou Station (a one-station extension off the Red Line)

Taiwan has 16 officially recognized aboriginal peoples
Costumes of different aboriginal peoples
Map of Beitou area and its attractions