Taiwan Food Atlas

Beitou Thermal Valley

A rare radioactive carbonate spring source shrouded in steam year-round
📍 Taipei · Beitou District🏞️ Nature🔖 Hokutolite · blue-green lake surface

Beitou Thermal Valley is the source of the Beitou Hot Spring Creek. Water temperature stays between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius year-round, and steam rises continuously. The lake surface takes on a blue-green hue due to the spring's mineral composition. Walkways and interpretive signs along the shore allow visitors to learn about the volcanic geothermal geology up close. The spring type is Hokutolite — a globally rare radioactive sodium bicarbonate mineral — which holds significant scientific research value.

Highlights of Beitou Thermal Valley

Hokutolite is a mineral first documented by a Japanese geologist in 1905. It is known to occur naturally in only two places in the world: Beitou Creek and Tamagawa Onsen in Akita Prefecture, Japan. Due to its trace radioactivity it has been designated a protected mineral and collecting it is prohibited. The strongly acidic spring water has eroded the surrounding rock over time, creating the distinctive terrain and coloration of the valley walls.

The park has a circular walkway that lets visitors observe the hot spring upwelling areas and steam vents from different angles. Interpretive panels in Chinese and English explain the geothermal processes and properties of Hokutolite, making it suitable for visitors interested in geology and hot spring science. The color of the lake surface varies with light and steam density — steam is heavier in the morning and on cloudy days, producing a noticeably different scene from clear afternoons.

How to make the most of your visit

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Mind the safety barriersThe water temperature is extremely high. The park has guardrails — do not cross them or reach toward the water surface to ensure your safety.
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Pair with the Hot Spring MuseumBeitou Hot Spring Museum is about a 10-minute walk from Thermal Valley. Visiting both in sequence gives a fuller picture of Beitou's hot spring history.
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Steam is thickest in the morningSteam contrasts are most striking when temperatures are low in the early morning, which also makes for better photography while crowds are smaller.
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Explore the surroundings on footNear Thermal Valley there are public hot spring bathhouses and commercial bathhouses; whether to arrange a soaking experience is a matter of personal preference.

Practical information

Getting there and time needed

  • Take the MRT Tamsui–Xinyi Line to Xinbeitou Station, then transfer to a bus or walk about 20 minutes to reach Thermal Valley.
  • Thermal Valley charges an entrance fee. For current opening hours and prices, check the latest announcements from the Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism.
  • The park is compact; a visit of 30 to 45 minutes is generally sufficient.

Nearby connections

  • Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Beitou Library (a green building), and Meizhuting are all within walking distance, making it easy to plan a half-day Beitou cultural route.
  • Beitou has a wide range of commercial hot spring bathhouses; it is advisable to call ahead to confirm reservations and fees before going.

Source: Taipei City Government tourism information and public geological data. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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