Beitou, Beitou Taiwan

## Overview Beitou (北投) is home to one of the largest concentrations of hot springs in the entire world, nestled in a lush valley on the northern edge of Taipei, Taiwan. What began centuries ago as a modest geothermal area where locals soaked in naturally heated mineral waters has grown into a renowned hot spring district with over thirty resorts and public bathing facilities. The area's geothermal activity is fueled by the nearby Datun volcanic group, part of the Yangmingshan National Park system, which heats underground water to temperatures that can exceed 100°C at certain vents. Beitou's hot spring culture has deep roots. During the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), the area was developed into a premier hot spring resort destination, and many of the bathhouses built during that era still influence the district's architecture and bathing traditions today. The famous Beitou Hot Spring Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 1913 Japanese-era public bathhouse, offers visitors a window into this rich history. Beitou is also home to the Thermal Valley (地熱谷), a dramatic, steaming turquoise-green pond where water temperatures reach roughly 80–100°C — far too hot for bathing, but a stunning natural spectacle. The mineral content of Beitou's springs varies by source but commonly includes sulfur, radium, and iron. In fact, Beitou is one of only two places on Earth where the rare mineral hokutolite (北投石) has been found — a radioactive mineral first identified here in 1905 by Japanese mineralogist Okamoto Yosokichi. The springs are generally categorized into three types: white sulfur, green sulfur, and iron sulfur, each with distinct colors, temperatures, and mineral compositions. Both locals and international visitors consider Beitou's spas among the most rejuvenating and relaxing destinations in all of Taiwan. Facilities range from luxurious private resort pools to free public hot spring areas where anyone can soak and enjoy the geothermal waters at no cost. ## Directions 1. From central Taipei, take the **MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line)** northbound to **Beitou Station**. 2. At Beitou Station, transfer to the **Xinbeitou Branch Line** (a short spur line) and ride one stop to **Xinbeitou Station**. The entire journey from downtown Taipei takes approximately 20–25 minutes. 3. Upon exiting Xinbeitou Station, follow **Zhongshan Road** north. The main hot spring district, including the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Thermal Valley, and several public and free hot spring foot baths, is within a 10–15 minute walk along this road and the adjacent parkland. 4. The free public hot spring soaking area, **Millennium Hot Spring (千禧湯)**, is located along the stream in Beitou Hot Spring Park, a short walk from the museum. Look for signs directing you to the public bathing pools. ## What to Expect The Beitou hot spring district offers an impressive range of bathing experiences. Free public facilities like Millennium Hot Spring provide open-air stone pools fed by natural geothermal water at varying temperatures — from pleasantly warm to quite hot. These public pools can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so visiting on a weekday or arriving early is recommended for a more relaxed experience. The surrounding valley is beautifully landscaped, with walking paths winding through lush subtropical greenery alongside a steaming creek. The Thermal Valley viewpoint is a must-see — the vivid blue-green water and billowing steam create an otherworldly atmosphere. The Beitou Hot Spring Museum and the adjacent Ketagalan Culture Center provide excellent cultural context for the area. Resort spas in the district offer private rooms and pools with a range of water temperatures and mineral compositions. Many facilities provide both indoor and outdoor pools. Swimwear is typically required at public pools, and some facilities provide towel and locker rentals. The water in Beitou's springs has historically been valued for its mineral richness, though the hot spring water here is intended for bathing rather than drinking. Visitors with sensitive skin should be aware that the sulfur content can be quite strong at certain pools. The area is accessible year-round, but soaking in the steaming outdoor pools during the cooler months (November through March) is an especially popular and atmospheric experience.