Jiaoxi Hot Springs
Jiaoxi Hot Springs: Taiwan's serene escape for rejuvenating alkaline waters, unique food-boiling experiences, and relaxing public or private soaks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more relaxing atmosphere
Jiaoxi Hot Springs
Best Time
Quieter, more relaxing atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Jiaoxi Hot Springs: Taiwan's serene escape for rejuvenating alkaline waters, unique food-boiling experiences, and relaxing public or private soaks.
"It's a good place for a quick hot spring. If you prefer long hot spring, you can stay unlimited hours."
Bring Your Own Towel & Cap
Essential for public baths; often an extra charge if you don't bring them! :towel: :shower_cap:
Wash Feet Before Switching
Use the provided scoop to clean your feet before moving between different temperature pools. :footprints:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Public Hot Spring Baths
Various locations throughout Jiaoxi
Experience the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs in a clean and affordable public setting. Perfect for a rejuvenating soak.
Private Onsen Rooms
Hotels and resorts
Indulge in a more intimate hot spring experience with private rooms offering mountain views or serene settings.

Hot Spring Food Boiling
Specific hot spring locations
A unique activity where you can boil eggs or other food items in the natural hot spring water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Jiaoxi Hot Springs
Pack Smart for Your Soak
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Towel & Cap
Essential for public baths; often an extra charge if you don't bring them! :towel: :shower_cap:
Wash Feet Before Switching
Use the provided scoop to clean your feet before moving between different temperature pools. :footprints:
Nighttime is More Serene
Visit at night for a quieter, more peaceful hot spring experience with dimmed lighting. :moon:
Check Operating Hours
Even if listed as 24 hours, hours can vary for men's/women's sections. Confirm before you go! :alarm_clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Towel & Cap
Essential for public baths; often an extra charge if you don't bring them! :towel: :shower_cap:
Wash Feet Before Switching
Use the provided scoop to clean your feet before moving between different temperature pools. :footprints:
Nighttime is More Serene
Visit at night for a quieter, more peaceful hot spring experience with dimmed lighting. :moon:
Check Operating Hours
Even if listed as 24 hours, hours can vary for men's/women's sections. Confirm before you go! :alarm_clock:
Consider Day Passes
Many hotels offer day rates for access to their hot spring facilities, a great budget option. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jiaoxi Hot Springs offers a rejuvenating and affordable experience, with many praising its clean public baths and skin-softening alkaline waters. Visitors appreciate the unique option of boiling food in the springs and the relaxing nighttime atmosphere. However, some reviews mention aging facilities and inconsistent service quality at certain establishments, with occasional issues like smoking near bathing areas or maintenance problems.
"Bring your own tea & relax 😌
I recommend this place if you are a foreigner and want to experience full-naked hot spring before going into a bigger one.
It's
1. affordable: only $120
2. clean: this was the biggest obstacle for me to try public hot spring because I would hate to stay in a place that's unhygenic. However, I was curious to experience the bath. This place was clean when I visited twice.
3. simplicity: there are only 3 springs in women's public section. 2 hot temperatures (between 41-44c) and 1 cool/cold temperature. I went back and forth. It was energizing.
* Make sure to wash your feet unless you directly jump between spring. There's a yellow scoop to wash your feet before switching water temperature.
4. Bring towel and shower cap. I brought my own towel and purchased shower cap for $10.
5. There's no outdoor hot spring section. I got confused with other picture and thinking there would be one. In the end, it worked out much better away from mosquitoes.
The women's section still has a bit of open area. You can breathe and air will vent through the open roof section.
The only downside was for me is seeing the toilet at the corner. It ruins the vibe.
6. When to visit: I much preferred at night. It was quiet with dimmed light. Other people were very quiet and cautious too. It had less people (2-3, people).
During the day, it was noisy and more people (around 8)
9. There's vending machine, hair dryer to use, open area for food, entertainment, etc.
It's a good place for a quick hot spring. If you prefer long hot spring, you can stay unlimited hours.
10. WARNING: although it says 24 hours, depending on women and men, the business hours seemed different. Make sure to check before you go if you plan to visit in odd hours like 3am.
I visited 3pm (on Saturday) and 9pm (on Monday).
There was thermos inside you can choose hot, lukewarm, cold water.
There are tables inside. I saw someone writing a journal. Overall, it had soothing, local vibe."
Soo Chung
"Update: second visit. It’s worst then first time. Price went up and quality went down. Facility is old and need maintenance. They should have no smoking policy. It’s borderline torture to be in the hot spring and smell cigarette.
Bought by the hot spring next door. Much smaller tub. Older facility and indifferent staff."
The Foodie Architect
"It’s one of my husband’s favorite places to take a hot spring"
Fabiola Hsu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Jiaoxi Hot Springs from Taipei is by taking a train to Jiaoxi Station. The journey typically takes about 40-60 minutes. From the station, hot spring hotels and public baths are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Many visitors also opt for bus services, which are frequent and affordable.
Yes, Jiaoxi is a compact town, and most hot spring facilities are concentrated in the central area. You can easily walk to many locations. For places further out, local buses and taxis are readily available. Renting a scooter is also an option for more flexibility.
While there aren't direct 'hot spring express' services, the regular train and bus services from Taipei are very convenient. Some hotels might offer shuttle services, so it's worth checking with your accommodation in advance.
For a day trip from Taipei, taking an early train is recommended. This allows ample time to enjoy the hot springs and explore the town before heading back. Consider booking train tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
Ride-sharing apps are available in Taiwan, but their availability and efficiency in smaller towns like Jiaoxi might be less consistent than in major cities. Taxis are generally a reliable option for getting around.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees vary significantly. Public baths can be very affordable, around $120 TWD or even less for a day pass. Private rooms in hotels or resorts will be more expensive, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of TWD depending on the luxury level and duration.
For public baths, advance booking is usually not necessary. However, for popular private onsen rooms or specific hotel packages, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
Public baths often have extended hours, with some operating 24/7, though specific times for men's and women's sections can differ. Hotel onsen hours are typically tied to hotel operations. Always check the specific facility's hours before visiting.
Yes, Jiaoxi offers a range of experiences from public, communal baths (requiring swimsuits) to private onsen rooms in hotels and resorts. Some unique experiences include hot spring food boiling.
You'll need to bring your own towel and shower cap. Swimsuits are generally required for public baths. Some visitors also bring their own water bottle and snacks.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
Jiaoxi is famous for its alkaline hot springs, which are rich in minerals and known for their skin-softening properties. The water is typically clear and odorless, with temperatures varying between pools.
Yes, some locations in Jiaoxi offer the unique experience of boiling food, like eggs or vegetables, in the natural hot spring water. It's a fun and memorable activity to try.
Absolutely! Many hotels and resorts in Jiaoxi offer private onsen rooms, providing a more secluded and luxurious experience. Some even have rooms with mountain views.
Before entering the pools, thoroughly wash your body and feet. Avoid wearing jewelry, and refrain from using strong-scented soaps or lotions. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others.
Yes, Jiaoxi is very family-friendly. Many resorts offer family suites with private hot springs, and there are public baths that welcome children. Some facilities even have kid-friendly amenities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Jiaoxi is part of Yilan County, known for its fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Taiwanese cuisine. You'll find many restaurants offering local specialties, as well as night markets for diverse street food options.
For a more upscale dining experience, many of the luxury hotels in Jiaoxi offer fine dining restaurants, often featuring a mix of Taiwanese and international cuisine. Some resorts also have themed restaurants.
The Jiaoxi night market is a great place to sample a variety of local snacks and street food. Look for popular items like scallion pancakes, oyster omelets, and various grilled skewers.
While traditional Taiwanese cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. Look for vegetarian restaurants or ask for vegetable-based dishes. Night markets also offer some vegetarian-friendly options like sweet potato balls.
Some public hot spring facilities have designated areas for eating and may have vending machines. However, it's generally best to consume outside the bathing areas. Private onsen rooms might have more flexibility.
📸 📸 Photography
Beyond the hot springs themselves, consider the surrounding natural landscapes. The lush greenery, mountain views, and charming town streets offer great photo opportunities. Some hotels also have aesthetically pleasing architecture.
Generally, photography is discouraged or prohibited inside public bathing areas for privacy reasons. Always check the facility's rules before taking pictures. Focus on capturing the ambiance of the town or your hotel's facilities instead.
While Jiaoxi is more known for its hot springs, the surrounding Yilan County offers scenic beauty. Look for elevated spots or natural parks nearby for panoramic views of the landscape.
Many visitors capture the relaxing atmosphere of the hot springs, the unique experience of hot spring food boiling, and the charming streets of the town. Lifestyle shots in hotels or private onsen rooms are also common.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for outdoor shots. For indoor hot spring experiences, consider the ambient lighting, especially during evening hours when it's more atmospheric.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, look for accommodations that explicitly cater to families, often providing amenities like larger rooms, play areas, or kid-friendly dining options. The relaxed pace of Jiaoxi also makes it a stress-free environment for traveling with children. Remember to pack swimsuits and towels for everyone, and consider bringing some snacks and drinks for the little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, pack your own towel and shower cap, as these can incur extra charges. Bring your own water bottle and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices within tourist areas. For meals, explore the local night markets for delicious and affordable street food, which is a staple of Taiwanese cuisine. Consider visiting during weekdays to potentially find better deals on accommodation if you decide to stay overnight.
💖 Couples & Relaxation Seekers
Consider visiting during the evening or night for a more tranquil ambiance. The dimmed lighting and quieter atmosphere create a perfect setting for relaxation and connection. Many of the higher-end resorts also offer spa services, allowing you to combine your hot spring soak with massages or other wellness treatments for the ultimate rejuvenating experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Jiaoxi's Alkaline Hot Springs
The natural geothermal activity in the region makes Jiaoxi a prime destination for hot spring tourism. The water emerges from the ground at comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for extended bathing sessions. Whether you choose a public bath or a private onsen, the experience is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. The abundance of hot spring facilities means there's an option for every budget and preference, from simple, affordable public pools to luxurious resort experiences.
Beyond the direct health benefits, the act of soaking in hot springs is a cultural experience in Taiwan. It's a time for quiet reflection, social connection, and unwinding. The serene atmosphere, often enhanced by natural surroundings or thoughtful design, contributes to the overall wellness aspect of visiting Jiaoxi.
Navigating Jiaoxi's Hot Spring Options
For those desiring more privacy and luxury, numerous hotels and resorts in Jiaoxi feature private onsen rooms. These can range from simple rooms with a private soaking tub to elaborate suites with expansive views and spa-like amenities. Booking these in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times. Some establishments also offer day-use packages, allowing you to enjoy their facilities without staying overnight, which can be a cost-effective way to experience a higher-end spa.
A truly unique activity available in Jiaoxi is hot spring food boiling. Certain locations allow you to use the natural hot spring water to cook food items like eggs or corn. This offers a fun, interactive, and memorable culinary adventure that you won't find in many other places.
Culinary Delights of Yilan County
For an authentic taste of local life, head to the Jiaoxi night market. Here, you can indulge in a variety of street food favorites. Popular choices include scallion pancakes, oyster omelets, grilled skewers, and sweet potato balls. It's a vibrant and bustling atmosphere perfect for sampling diverse flavors and experiencing the local food culture.
While many Taiwanese dishes feature meat, vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary requests, and you can often find vegetable-centric dishes or specific vegetarian eateries. The night markets also offer some plant-based snacks, making it possible for most visitors to find something enjoyable to eat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit