Hongye Hot Springs is a hot spring in Hongye Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County, said to have been discovered by Truku ancestors, with neutral sodium bicarbonate spring water at roughly 47–48°C; a hot spring inn was already operating here during the Japanese colonial era. It is technically the "inner spring" of the nearby Ruisui Hot Springs, located about 2 km away, and the surrounding area retains the everyday life of a traditional Truku settlement.
Hongye Hot Springs is a neutral sodium bicarbonate spring with a pH of about 7; multiple tourism sources place the water temperature at roughly 47–48°C. According to local accounts it was discovered by Truku ancestors, and a hot spring inn was already established here during the Japanese colonial era. The spring is technically part of the Ruisui Hot Springs system, functioning as its "inner spring," located about 2 km from Ruisui Hot Springs.
Highlights of Hongye Hot Springs
Hongye Village is a Truku community. Its name comes from the autumn foliage that colors the surrounding mountain slopes, and the village's hillsides are covered in deciduous trees that turn red in late autumn — typically October to November — creating one of the few autumn foliage viewing environments in Hualien County. The spring water rises naturally from the riverbed. This colorless, odorless sodium bicarbonate spring has a relatively high sodium content; the water leaves a mild silky feeling on the skin after soaking, and this type of spring chemistry is uncommon in eastern Taiwan.
A visit to Hongye Hot Springs offers two experiences in one: hot spring bathing and indigenous village culture. When entering the community, please observe basic etiquette — do not wander into private residences or farmland, ask permission before photographing community members, and do not walk freely in areas that are not open to visitors. Public bath facilities charge a fee per the posted rules. In the open-air soaking areas, be aware that the spring water temperature is high; new visitors should ease in gradually.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- Located in Hongye Village, Wanrong Township — about a 20–30-minute drive from Guangfu Township. The mountain road has many curves; slow down and drive carefully.
- There is no direct public transport. Driving or chartering a vehicle is recommended. For public bath fees and opening hours, contact Wanrong Township Office or local operators to confirm.
- Allow 2 to 3 hours, including soaking and a walk through the surrounding village.
Nearby Connections
- About 30 minutes by car from Guangfu Sugar Factory — a good pairing for an afternoon itinerary of ice cream at the sugar factory followed by a mountain soak.
- Wanrong Township also has Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park. Visitors interested in Japanese-era forestry history can add this to the itinerary.
Sources: Wanrong Township Office; Hualien County Tourism Bureau. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hongye Hot Springs?
Multiple sources place it at about 47–48°C, and it is a neutral sodium bicarbonate spring.
Who discovered Hongye Hot Springs?
According to local accounts, it was discovered by Truku ancestors, and a hot spring inn already existed here in the Japanese colonial era.
How is Hongye Hot Springs related to Ruisui Hot Springs?
Hongye is technically the "inner spring" of the Ruisui Hot Springs system, about 2 km from Ruisui Hot Springs.
Sources
- 花蓮紅葉溫泉 - TravelKing旅遊王 — 水溫47-48度、中性碳酸氫鈉泉等資訊
- 花蓮紅葉溫泉 - 維基百科 — 與瑞穗溫泉內溫泉關係、太魯閣族發現沿革