Taiwan Food Atlas

Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park

One of Taiwan's rare lowland sodium bicarbonate springs — free foot-soak pools open year-round
📍 Yilan · Jiaoxi Township · Jiaoxi Road🏞️ Nature🔖 Lowland hot springs · sodium bicarbonate spring · free foot-soak pool

Jiaoxi Hot Springs is one of Taiwan's few lowland hot spring areas, located in Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County. The spring water is of the sodium bicarbonate type — clear, odorless, and colorless, with a temperature of approximately 50 to 60 °C. The hot spring park has free public foot-soak pools open to all. The surrounding area is dense with accommodation, making Jiaoxi the most visited hot spring community in Yilan County.

Highlights of Jiaoxi Hot Springs

The geological conditions that give rise to Jiaoxi's hot springs are related to the local geothermal gradient and underground hydrology. The fact that they emerge at near sea-level elevation is genuinely uncommon in Taiwan. The sodium bicarbonate content makes the water slightly alkaline, distinguishing it from the sulfuric or carbonated springs more commonly found in Taiwan. It is popularly known as 'beauty water,' but this is a colloquial expression — actual effects vary by individual constitution.

The free public foot-soak pools in the park are open from early morning until late at night, offering an alternative to the cost of accommodation. The surrounding area is a commercial strip packed with hot spring hotels, private bath houses, and restaurants; quality of facilities and water management varies among establishments, so checking recent reviews beforehand is advisable. Easy access via the Jiaoxi Interchange off the freeway is one of the main reasons for the high visitor volume here.

How to make the most of your visit

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Use the free foot-soak pool in the park directlyThe free foot-soak pool in the park requires no admission; bring your own towel. It suits visitors who want a taste of Jiaoxi's hot springs without paying for a private bath house.
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Quality varies widely among private bath housesThere are many bath houses in Jiaoxi, with noticeable differences in water quality maintenance, facility age, and pricing. It is recommended to choose an establishment with comprehensive recent reviews and avoid hunting for a place on the spot on weekends.
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Walkable from Jiaoxi TRA StationJiaoxi TRA Station is about a 10-to-15-minute walk from the hot spring park; no car needed, making it convenient for a day trip from Taipei.
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Combine with Linmei Shiban TrailLinmei Shiban Trail is about 15 minutes by car from Jiaoxi town center; a half-day combination of a morning trail hike and an afternoon soak is a popular option.

Practical information

Getting there and travel time

  • Alight at Jiaoxi TRA Station and walk about 10 to 15 minutes to the hot spring park; or take a bus from Taipei to Jiaoxi (via Freeway 5), about 1 hour.
  • By car, take Freeway 5 to the Jiaoxi Interchange — about 5 minutes from the hot spring area. Parking fees are higher on weekends and roadside spots are competitive.

Nearby connections

  • Linmei Shiban Trail is in Linmei Village, Jiaoxi Township, about 15 minutes by car; a common combination is the trail first and then returning to Jiaoxi town center for a soak.
  • Heading north along Provincial Highway 9 connects to Toucheng, linking to Wushi Harbor or Guishan Island whale-watching and other coastal attractions.

Sources: Jiaoxi Township Office; Wikipedia entry on 'Jiaoxi Hot Springs.' Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.