Su'ao Cold Spring is the only calcium bicarbonate cold spring on the main island of Taiwan. The water originates roughly two kilometres underground at 45–50°C, cooling to about 22°C by the time it reaches the surface as it mixes with cooler groundwater; contact with skin produces fine carbon-dioxide bubbles, a sensation quite unlike a typical hot spring. The cold spring park has a free foot-bath pool and paid private cabins, and the water is also a key ingredient in local Su'ao specialty foods and souvenirs.
Su'ao Cold Spring is the only calcium bicarbonate cold spring on Taiwan's main island; its source is estimated at about two kilometres underground, where the original temperature reaches 45–50°C before cooling to roughly 22°C at the surface. According to the Su'ao Township Office, this type of drinkable, bathable carbonate cold spring is globally rare, with the only other known example located in Italy.
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Su'ao Cold Spring water produce bubbles?
The water contains dissolved carbon dioxide, which releases fine bubbles on contact with skin — a defining trait of carbonate springs.
How warm is the water at Su'ao Cold Spring?
The surface water is around 22°C, though the source deep underground reaches 45–50°C before cooling on its way up.
Is the free foot-bath pool open year-round?
Yes, the public foot-bath pool is open year-round; check current hours for the paid private cabins before visiting.
Sources
- 宜蘭縣蘇澳鎮公所-細說冷泉 — 發現沿革、水溫成因、世界稀有性說法（與義大利並列）
- 蘇澳冷泉 - 維基百科 — 台灣唯一碳酸氫鈣泉、風景區整修沿革