一池暖湯 氤氳湯煙 沉澱了疲倦
身體髮膚 直至全然放鬆 身心靈一次完整洗滌
A hot spring soak is a journey of healing
As billows of steam rise from the warm water, our fatigue disappears
From the inside to out, we are revitalized and full of energy
Body and skin cleansed, mind and soul purified
Hot Springs Bred
of Mountains and the Sea
The Jinshan Wanli Hot Spring is part of the Tatun Mountain geothermal belt. The area’s hot spring waters originate in Yangmingshan and flow through Ma Zao before arriving in Jinshan and the sea. Due to the area’s frequent volcanic geothermal movements and the resulting volcanic craters, volcanic bodies, volcanic plateaus, volcanic depressions and fumaroles—each with their unique geology—the region’s hot springs are imbued with a wide range of mineral compositions. In fact, visitors at Jinshan Wanli Hot Spring have up to four different hot springs to choose from: carbonated acid springs, sulfur springs, iron oxide springs, and seawater-fed springs.
The Tatun volcanic group is rich in sulfur, something that has been known since ancient times. In the Qing Dynasty, Yu Yong-he recorded an abundance of volcanic sulfur deposits in the area in his now famous “Small Sea Travel Dairies.” Even today Sihuangping and Gengziping are extremely productive sulfur mining areas, with their waters bringing valuable natural resources to Jinshan Wanli.
Carbonic Acid Springs: Hot springs originating among the Tatun volcanic group. The waters contain carbon dioxide and are rich in minerals. Although water temperatures can reach 120°C, the waters that fill the public pools are around 34-45°C, and are slightly acidic.
Sulfur Springs: Originating among the Tatun volcanic group, these acidic sulfur springs are easily recognizable thanks to their strong sulfur smell. Their waters are milky white or gray in color, depending on whether they are green or white sulfur. After a process of filtration, the waters arrive in public pools at a temperature of 42-45°C.
Iron Oxide Springs: One of the more unique hot springs found in Taiwan. The waters of this spring are slightly alkaline and rich in iron.
Seawater-fed Springs: Hot springs originating among the Tatun volcanic group. The waters contain carbon dioxide and are rich in minerals. Although water temperatures can reach 120°C, the waters that reach public pools are around 34-45°C.
Many of these hot springs were discovered and cultivated centuries ago. The area around Wanlijiatou was home to settlements of the Kataw community of the Ketagalan people. Early on, the Kataw understood the health benefits of the hot springs, viewing them as medicinal waters. Later came the Japanese who, during their half-century colonization of Taiwan, brought their love of hot springs with them. They nurtured an island-wide hot spring culture, later developing hot springs and associated facilities in Jinshan. In fact, the hot spring area close to Jinshan’s Jinbaoli Old Street was developed in large part during the Japanese era.
Taiwan’s Highest Density
of Public Bathhouses
In Japanese, the character used for hot springs is「湯」, with the meaning of “boiling waters held within the earth.” During their colonization of Taiwan, the Japanese traveled deep within Taiwan’s mountains to investigate the quality of different springs. Later, public bathing facilities were built in promising hot spring areas, which marked the start of the public bathhouse culture in Taiwan.
There are currently less than 20 public bathhouses across Taiwan, with five of them located in Jinshan. Each of the bathhouses—found at Jinbaoli, Fengyu, Sheliau, Nanping, and Huanggang—offer different types of waters and bathing facilities. Each worth a visit.
The historical Jinbaoli public bathhouse was built during the Japanese colonial period. At the time, it was only for the use of government officials. Today, it is the most visited of Taiwan’s public bathhouses. The Fengyu bathhouse, with its seaside views, is located next to the Shui Wei Fishing Port which is now a tourist hotspot and camping destination. The Sheliao bathhouse offers personal tubs—the only public bathhouse to do so. Male and female sections each have four individual tubs to choose from. Nanping bathhouse, Taiwan’s only 24-hour bathhouse, is affectionately known as the “fishing port bathhouse” being a favorite with local fishermen after a long day’s work. Finally, the Guanggang bathhouse offers outdoor foot baths, where visitors can soak their feet and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The area’s many Black Kite raptors are often seen circling in the sky nearby. The Guanggang bathhouse is also home to the famous iron oxide hot spring, its copper-colored waters earning it the nickname “Golden Waters.”
After your hike, relax and reinvigorate with a hot spring bath. Here’s how to make your visit enjoyable for yourself and others:
With each bathhouse comes a different culture.
Each of Jinshan’s five bathhouses comes with its own style and atmosphere.
Visitors should be aware of the etiquette and rules for each and act appropriately.
The Outdoors is
Only a Stone's Throw Away
A Day in the Great Outdoors