Ruisui Hot Springs is a hot spring area beside the Xiuguluan River in Ruisui Township, Hualien County. First developed by the Japanese in Taisho 8 (1919) with a public bathhouse, the springs are classified as chloride-carbonate type, popularly called "beauty springs" for their high iron content. Water temperature runs approximately 45 to 48 degrees Celsius, turning pale yellow to orange as the iron oxidizes on contact with air.
Ruisui Hot Springs was discovered and developed by the Japanese in Taisho 8 (1919), when a public bathhouse was already built; the spring is chloride-carbonate type with iron-rich water, at approximately 45 to 48 degrees Celsius (official sources vary between 45°C and 48°C), turning pale yellow to orange-red as it oxidizes.
Highlights of Ruisui Hot Springs
Ruisui Hot Springs sits on the eastern bank of the Xiuguluan River, in a geological zone near the suture between the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates, where geothermal activity is vigorous. The water's high sodium bicarbonate content leaves skin feeling slightly silky after soaking. The water also contains ferrous ions that oxidize on contact with air, giving the spring a pale yellow to orange-red hue — making this one of the more distinctive hot spring types in Taiwan.
The hot spring area is distributed along the river, surrounded by the agricultural landscape of the Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley — rice paddies, tea gardens, and pastures stretching wide. Several lodging options within the area offer private bath rooms or outdoor pools, some with views over the Xiuguluan River channel. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant climate, making it ideal to end a rift valley cycling or river rafting trip with a relaxing soak.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- From Hualien City, head south along Provincial Highway 9 for approximately 70 kilometers to Ruisui Township, then follow signs for Wenquan Road. Driving time is roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Most hot spring lodges charge for private bath rooms; booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends when availability fills up quickly.
- Hot springs can be enjoyed year-round. Autumn and winter (October to February of the following year) offer cooler ambient temperatures, making the contrast between air and water most satisfying.
Nearby Connections
- Heading north, you can add a visit to Wuhe Tea Plantation or Tabalang (Tabalong) Village. Heading south, the route can extend to Yuli Township.
- The Xiuguluan River rafting endpoint is near Changhong Bridge, where you can connect to the East Coast (Shihtiping) itinerary.
Sources: Hualien County Government Tourism Information, Central Geological Survey public data. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of spring is Ruisui Hot Springs?
Ruisui Hot Springs is chloride-carbonate type, known as "beauty springs" for its high iron content.
How hot is the water at Ruisui Hot Springs?
The water temperature is approximately 45 to 48 degrees Celsius.
When was Ruisui Hot Springs developed?
It was discovered and developed by the Japanese in 1919, with a public bathhouse built at that time.
Sources
- 瑞穗溫泉 - 交通部觀光署 — 官方觀光署景點介紹，載明泉溫48度、大正8年(1919)開發、氯化物碳酸鹽泉
- 瑞穗溫泉 - 維基百科 — 記載泉溫約45度