Su'ao Cold Spring | Yilan Attraction

Su'ao Cold Spring is the only carbonate spring on the main island of Taiwan. The water temperature stays between 14 and 22°C year-round. The spring water is rich in dissolved carbon dioxide, which produces fine bubbles upon contact with skin — a sensation quite unlike a typical hot spring. The cold spring park has a free foot-bath pool and paid private cabins, and the spring water is also a key ingredient in local specialty foods and souvenirs.

Highlights of Su'ao Cold Spring

Su'ao Cold Spring owes its existence to the local geological structure: groundwater absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide as it percolates underground, then rises to the surface as a carbonate spring. Written records from the Japanese colonial period document this spring; after the war, local authorities established a public bathing facility here. The park currently features a free-access foot-bath zone and paid semi-open-air private cabins, with facilities continuously maintained and updated.

The spring's low temperature makes it especially refreshing in summer; in winter it remains around 14°C, so shorter soaks are recommended. The mineral-rich water is also used by local producers to make soda crackers and carbonated drinks — both are representative Su'ao specialties. Seating and snack stalls surround the foot-bath pool, making it a pleasant outing for the whole family.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

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Start with the Free Foot BathThe public foot-bath pool is free to enter — just bring a towel. It's a quick and easy way for first-time visitors to feel the distinctive carbonated bubbles.

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Try Cold Spring Local ProductsShops along Lengquan Road sell soda crackers and carbonated drinks made with cold spring water — a more locally rooted souvenir option.

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Watch for Queues in SummerPrivate cabins fill up quickly during the summer holiday (July–August) and long weekends. Visiting on a weekday or right at opening time will save you a long wait.

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Pair with a Trip to Nanfang'aoThe cold spring park is about 4 km from Nanfang'ao Fishing Harbor. A convenient half-day itinerary: soak in the cold spring first, then head to Nanfang'ao for a meal and a look at the harbor.

Practical Information

Getting There

By car: take National Freeway No. 5 to Provincial Highway 9 toward Su'ao, then follow signs for Lengquan Road. Parking is available nearby.
By public transit: take the TRA to Suao Station or Suao New Station, then walk or take a taxi — about 10 minutes to the cold spring park.
The public foot-bath pool is open year-round. For the paid private cabins, check current opening hours and admission prices before you go.

Nearby Connections

Nanfang'ao Fishing Harbor is about 4 km away — a good afternoon stop for a meal and harbor views.
The Suhua Highway scenic overlooks begin south of Su'ao, offering sweeping mountain-and-sea vistas; allow at least half a day.

Source: on-site facility information and local historical records. Photos pending Dio's on-location shoot.

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