Su'ao Cold Spring | Yilan Signature Dish

In Su'ao Cold Spring Park, tiny bubbles constantly rise to the surface of the pools, like an unopened bottle of sparkling water. The moment you put your feet in, goosebumps appear — the water stays at around 22°C year-round, the polar opposite of a beach swimming spot. Scoop a small sip: mildly acidic, lightly carbonated. This is one of the few low-temperature carbonated springs in the world that can be both immersed in and drunk.

What is Su'ao Cold Spring?

Su'ao Cold Spring is a natural carbonated spring located in Su'ao Township, Yilan. It is a mildly acidic sodium bicarbonate spring, with a year-round water temperature of approximately 22°C and a pH of around 6.8. Large amounts of carbon dioxide bubble out as the water surfaces, creating the distinctive sight of a pool that appears to 'boil' with bubbles. The water quality meets standards for both bathing and drinking, making it one of the rare low-temperature carbonated springs in the world where visitors can both soak and drink. Together with the hot spring at Jiaoxi — one cold, one hot — it forms a signature pair in Yilan's water landscape.

The Su'ao Township Office website records that the cold spring is located approximately 300 meters from Su'ao Train Station and classifies it as a mildly acidic sodium bicarbonate cold spring at 22°C. Locally, the spring has long been applied in derived products sold through the Su'ao District Fishermen's Association and related farmers' associations, including cold-spring lamb jelly (羊羹) and cold-spring soda. (Note: the century-old Fengming Lamb Jelly brand closed in 2023; the main retail channel is now through farmers' association outlets.) The Cold Spring Park has been operated and kept open by public authorities for years and is Su'ao's signature public attraction.

How to drink it like a local

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Sip the spring water slowlyYou can collect the spring water on-site and taste it. The flavor is mildly acidic with light carbonation. Don't gulp it down — take a small sip first to sense the mineral character before deciding how much to drink.

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Cold-spring sodaLocally produced marble soda made with cold spring water has a natural carbonated quality. Buying a bottle as a souvenir when visiting is a light, slightly plain treat.

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Cold-spring lamb jellyCooking lamb jelly with cold spring water is a Su'ao tradition. The result has a finer, more delicate texture. Available at farmers' association outlets and local shops — a good souvenir option.

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Soaking experienceTo feel the cold-spring chill, enter the Cold Spring Park for a soak. First-timers should ease in gradually rather than forcing a long session.

Local knowledge

Verified sources (sponsored content filtered out)

The Su'ao Township Office website records Su'ao Cold Spring as a mildly acidic sodium bicarbonate cold spring at 22°C with a pH of 6.8.
Low-temperature carbonated springs suitable for both drinking and soaking are extremely rare worldwide; Su'ao Cold Spring is one of them — a geographically scarce natural resource.
Cold-spring lamb jelly is sold through public channels such as the fishermen's association; the century-old Fengming Lamb Jelly brand closed in 2023.

Visitor tips

The Cold Spring Park draws large crowds in summer. On weekends, arriving before 10 a.m. is advisable to avoid long waits.
The cold-water immersion can be a significant cardiovascular stimulus. Elderly visitors and those with heart conditions should assess their physical condition before soaking.
The quality of locally sold 'cold spring products' varies widely. Choosing items recommended by the Su'ao District Fishermen's Association or the township office is the safer option.

Information compiled from the Yilan County Government's Bureau of Commerce and Tourism, local township farmers' associations, and large-scale public reviews. Sponsored listings have been filtered out. Photos will be replaced with channel-exclusive footage after Dio's on-site shoot.

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