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♨️ Hot Spring Guide · Yilan 2026

Step into Crystal-Clear Water
The Beauty Spring of Jiaoxi, Yilan

No sulphur smell. No cloudiness. No residue. Just sodium bicarbonate at 58°C that leaves your skin noticeably silky — and explains why Taipei residents board a train every winter weekend to cross the mountains into Yilan. This guide covers everything: getting here, the four ways to soak, the five hotels we actually reviewed, free options, etiquette, and where to eat scallion pancakes afterwards.

Home › 🇹🇼 Taiwan › Yilan › Jiaoxi Hot Spring Guide
บ่อน้ำพุร้อนเจียวซีในอี้หลาน
Jiaoxi onsen น้ำใส ไม่มีกลิ่นกำมะถัน
สระน้ำพุร้อนเจียวซี
หลายโรงแรมมี private onsen ในห้อง
Wufengqi waterfall — onsen ฟรีใกล้ๆ
Wufengqi อยู่ใกล้ Jiaoxi ราคาเข้า NT$80
What is the Beauty Spring

Jiaoxi Hot Springs — Odourless, Crystal-Clearand Rare in Taiwan

If you have ever soaked at Beitou and found the sulphur smell too much — or you are simply curious what a hot spring feels like when the water looks completely transparent — Jiaoxi (礁溪) is the answer. The springs here are sodium bicarbonate type, pH-neutral at 7–7.8, emerging from the ground at around 58°C. The water is clear, carries no detectable odour, and when you climb out of the bath your skin feels smooth without any sticky residue. That is why Taiwanese call these springs 美人湯 — Beauty Spring.

Jiaoxi's hot spring culture dates to the Japanese colonial era around 1907, when the springs were discovered and the first public bathhouses established. For decades it remained a slow day's journey from Taipei. Then the Hsuehshan Tunnel opened in 2006, cutting the road trip to under an hour. Today Jiaoxi is Taipei's most popular weekend escape and easy day-trip for hot spring enthusiasts, with hotels ranging from NT$2,800-a-night budget rooms to NT$15,000+ cypress-bath suites.

💧
Clear, odourless water
Sodium bicarbonate, pH 7–7.8, no sulphur smell — perfect for first-timers
✨
Beauty Spring
Na/K/Ca/Mg minerals soften skin noticeably after a single soak
🚆
90 min from Taipei
Direct TRA train from Taipei Main Station — no transfers required
🏨
Every budget covered
Free foot spas through NT$15,000+ cypress-bath suites — take your pick
Getting to Jiaoxi

From Taipei to Jiaoxiby train or bus — no car needed

Both options are easy. The train wins on speed and reliability; the bus wins on price and frequency.

🚆 Two Ways to Get There

  • 🚂TRA Train (recommended): From Taipei Main Station, take a direct Tze-Chiang or Puyuma express to Jiaoxi Station (礁溪站). Journey time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Book in advance via the TRA app — especially on weekends and public holidays, these trains sell out fast.
  • 🚌Kamalan Bus (葛瑪蘭): Departs from the Taipei City Hall Bus Terminal under Breeze Nanshan. Fare: NT$140. Journey: around 90 minutes. Buses run every 15–20 minutes with no reservation required. Cheaper, but slower and subject to weekend traffic.
  • 🚶From Jiaoxi Station, the free Tangwei Gou foot-spa park is just 5–7 minutes on foot. Most hotels are also within easy walking distance.
  • 💡Tip: Drop bags at your hotel before exploring — check-in is typically 14:00–15:00. Most hotels will hold luggage from early morning.

🕙 Practical Notes

  • 🌡️Spring source temperature: 58°C. Hotels cool the water to 40–44°C in their baths for safe soaking.
  • 📅No universal closing day. Hotels and most public facilities are open every day, many around the clock.
  • 🌧️Yilan is one of Taiwan's rainiest counties — always bring a compact umbrella. Light drizzle actually adds to the onsen atmosphere indoors.
  • 💳Hotels accept credit cards. Public baths and foot spas prefer cash — keep a small amount of NT$ handy.
🌸

Best Season: Winter (November–February) is peak hot-spring season. Cool air makes the warm water feel genuinely restorative, steam rises beautifully, and many hotels discount midweek stays. Summer soaks work best in early morning or evening. Typhoon season runs July–September — check forecasts before travelling.

4 Ways to Soak

Choose Your Soaking Stylefrom free to fully luxurious

Jiaoxi covers every budget and preference — here is how each option works in practice.

Free · 5 min walk from station

Tangwei Gou Foot-Spa Park (湯圍溝公園)

The first stop for almost every visitor — free public foot-spa channels set into the pavement of a leafy park, open around the clock. Sit on the edge, remove your shoes, and let Jiaoxi's famous sodium bicarbonate water do its quiet work on tired feet.

No equipment needed, no charge, no queuing system. Just 5–7 minutes from Jiaoxi Train Station on foot. A perfect way to taste the water before committing to a hotel.

NT$80 · Swimwear required

Wufengqi Public Pool (五峰旗)

Jiaoxi's open-air public hot-spring pool, where swimwear and a swim cap are required — making it the most family-friendly option. Entry is just NT$80 and children are welcome. Set in a natural outdoor setting rather than a hotel interior, the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious.

Located around 3 km from Jiaoxi Station — a short taxi ride. Ideal for anyone who prefers mixed-gender soaking with clothing.

NT$300–800 · Hotel public bath

Shared Facility at a Hotel

Several mid-range and five-star hotels maintain large gender-separated communal baths in the traditional Japanese style — no swimwear, clean shared pools. For hotel guests the bath is usually included; non-guests can buy a day-use pass for around NT$300–800.

Hotel Royal Chiao Hsi is particularly well regarded for its large, immaculately clean shared facility with continuously refreshed water.

NT$3,000–15,000/night · Most private

In-Room Private Onsen

The most comfortable way to experience Jiaoxi — a private soaking tub in your own room, available at any hour of night or day. Some rooms feature cypress-wood tubs whose natural fragrance mingles with the mineral water; others use stone or porcelain.

Yamagata Kaku (rated 9.6) is celebrated for its cypress in-room baths — an experience that is genuinely difficult to replicate anywhere else in Taiwan. Book the right room type when reserving.

Our Reviewed Hotels

5 Jiaoxi Hot Spring Hotelsresearched and reviewed by Wherebest

Ranked by score, soaking experience, and value across different budgets. All links lead to our full reviews.

No. 1 · Highest Rated

Yamagata Kaku (山形閣)

⭐ 9.6 · 5-Star

A full Japanese kaiseki 5-star experience — every room includes a private cypress-wood soaking tub whose subtle timber scent transforms a hot spring bath into something genuinely meditative. Multi-course kaiseki dinners served in-room or in the restaurant.

From approximately NT$12,000–15,000+ per night
Read the full review →
No. 2 · Jiaoxi Flagship

Hotel Royal Chiao Hsi

⭐ 9.4 · 5-Star

The established flagship of Jiaoxi — offers both a large shared public bath (separate gender) and rooms with private in-room tubs. Professional staff, comprehensive facilities, and a solid reputation make this the safe choice for families and couples wanting reliability alongside comfort.

From approximately NT$7,000–10,000 per night
Read the full review →
No. 3 · Best for Families

Evergreen Resort Jiaoxi

⭐ 8.9 · 4-Star

Generous grounds, large hot-spring pools, a swimming pool, and varied activities make this the most family-friendly resort in Jiaoxi. Multiple room sizes accommodate groups well. The resort feel — open space, easy parking, multiple dining options — suits those who want more than just a soak.

From approximately NT$4,500–6,500 per night
Read the full review →
No. 4 · Boutique Design

Wellspring by Silks

⭐ 9.1 · Boutique

Silks Group's wellness-focused boutique property — the soaking spaces are beautifully designed, intimate, and conceived around the ritual of water rather than just the plumbing. An excellent middle path between the scale of Hotel Royal and the price of Yamagata Kaku for couples who care about aesthetics.

From approximately NT$5,500–8,000 per night
Read the full review →
No. 5 · Best Budget Pick

Just Sleep Jiaoxi

⭐ 8.7 · 3-Star

Silks Group's three-star label brings in-room private hot-spring tubs to every single room — genuinely remarkable for the price. Clean contemporary design, great location near the station, no communal pool. The honest choice for anyone who wants a private onsen without spending more than NT$3,500.

From approximately NT$2,800–4,000 per night
Read the full review →
Book a Jiaoxi Hotel

Find the Best Rate for Jiaoxi Onsen Hotels
Compare all dates in one search

Jiaoxi hotels fill quickly on winter weekends and holidays — book at least two to four weeks ahead during peak season. Use Agoda for hotel rooms or Klook for packaged hot-spring experiences.

🏨 Search on Agoda → 🟠 Browse Klook Packages →
Wherebest is an affiliate partner of Agoda and Klook — we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Onsen Etiquette

5 Rules Before You Soakshared baths run on mutual respect

🚿
Shower before entering
Every pool has shower stations beside it. Rinse thoroughly before stepping in — no exceptions, no shortcuts.
🚫
No towel in the water
Fold your towel on top of your head or leave it at the pool edge. Submerging it contaminates the shared water.
⏱️
15 minutes maximum per session
Exit, cool down at room temperature, drink water, then return for another round. Heat places real strain on your cardiovascular system.
💧
Hydrate before and after
Hot water draws sweat from the body even if you cannot feel it. Drink a glass of water before soaking and another after.
👩
Tie hair up before entering
Loose hair trailing in the shared pool is inconsiderate and contaminates the water. Bring a hair tie — it is considered basic courtesy.
🔇
Keep it quiet
Onsen is a space for rest. No raised voices, no running, no phones in the pool area. The silence is part of the experience.
⚠️

Avoid soaking or consult your doctor first if you: have eaten a heavy meal within the past hour · have a fever · have poorly-controlled high blood pressure · are pregnant · are accompanying a child under 3 years old. Jiaoxi water is gentler on skin than sulphur springs, but the heat of 50–58°C still puts demand on your heart and circulation.

After the Soak

What to Eat in Jiaoxithe scallion is king here

Must Try

Jiaoxi Scallion Dishes (礁溪蔥油餅)

Jiaoxi and the Yilan plains are famous across Taiwan for producing exceptionally flavourful scallions — the volcanic soil and rainfall create an onion with deeper, sweeter notes than anywhere else on the island. The most popular expression is scallion pancake (蔥油餅): unleavened dough pan-fried with a generous handful of chopped spring onion, served crisp outside and tender within.

Dozens of stalls cluster around Jiaoxi Station and along the main shopping street. Most open from midday through late evening — easy to grab after a long afternoon soak.

Worth the Trip

Seafood from the Yilan Coast

Yilan faces the Pacific — fresh seafood arrives daily at prices that feel improbably reasonable to visitors from Taipei. Prawns, oysters, crab, and whole steamed fish are the highlights. Look for restaurants around Jiaoxi's market streets or, if you have time, take a short taxi to the coastal fishing villages.

If staying overnight, the Luodong Night Market (羅東夜市) is around 15 minutes by taxi and combines local seafood with the full breadth of Taiwanese night-market snacking — a worthy second act to the hot spring.

Plan Your Visit

Jiaoxi Is Just the StartYilan has more than hot springs

🏨

Top 10 Hotels in Yilan

All 10 reviewed Yilan hotels ranked by score and style — from NT$2,800 budget beds to 5-star kaiseki suites with cypress tubs.

See Yilan Hotel Reviews →
🗾

Compare Taiwan's Onsen Towns

Jiaoxi vs Beitou vs Guguan vs Wulai vs Zhiben — water chemistry, access, prices, and a decision matrix for first-timers.

Read the Comparison →
♨️

Beitou Hot Spring Guide

Not sure whether to choose Beitou or Jiaoxi? Read the full Beitou guide — sulphur springs, the free museum, and the Thermal Valley.

See Beitou Guide →
⚖️

Beitou vs Jiaoxi — Which One?

Sulphur spring in Taipei or bicarbonate soda spring in Yilan? Full comparison: water chemistry, travel time, price, and a 6-scenario decision matrix.

Read the Decision Guide →
📍

Yilan Attractions

Wufengqi Waterfall, Turtle Island whale-watching, Lanyang Museum, Luodong Night Market — Yilan beyond the hot springs.

Explore Yilan →
🏙️

Yilan Travel Guide

The full Yilan County guide — when to go, how to get around, where to stay, and how to build the perfect itinerary.

Yilan Full Guide →
🗓️

Yilan 2-Day Itinerary

Night one in Jiaoxi onsen, Wufengqi Waterfall in the morning, afternoon in Luodong — a complete two-day plan.

See the Itinerary →
FAQ

Jiaoxi Hot SpringsQuestions Answered

How is Jiaoxi different from Beitou hot springs?
Jiaoxi springs are sodium bicarbonate water — crystal clear, completely odourless, pH-neutral at 7–7.8, and around 58°C at the source. Locals call them Beauty Spring (美人湯) because the mineral-rich water leaves skin silky without any stickiness. Beitou, by contrast, is sulphur water: cloudy, acidic, and unmistakably fragrant. Jiaoxi is the better choice for anyone sensitive to smells, or those who simply want to relax without the distinctive eggy aroma.
How do I get from Taipei to Jiaoxi, and how long does it take?
Two options: (1) TRA train from Taipei Main Station — direct Tze-Chiang or Puyuma express to Jiaoxi Station, around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, book through the TRA app especially on weekends. (2) Kamalan Bus (葛瑪蘭) from Taipei City Hall Bus Terminal near Breeze Nanshan, NT$140, approximately 90 minutes, running every 15–20 minutes with no reservation required. The train is faster and more reliable.
Can I soak at Jiaoxi hot springs for free?
Yes — Tangwei Gou Hot Spring Park (湯圍溝公園) has free public foot-spa channels open around the clock, just a 5–7 minute walk from Jiaoxi Station. For a full-body soak, Wufengqi public pool (五峰旗) charges only NT$80, swimwear and swim cap required, open to all ages. Both are great for travellers who want to experience Jiaoxi's famous water without booking a hotel room.
What does a private in-room onsen at Jiaoxi cost?
Budget-friendly Just Sleep Jiaoxi starts around NT$2,800–4,000 per night for a room with a private onsen bath. Mid-range Evergreen Resort runs NT$4,500–6,500. Five-star Yamagata Kaku — rated 9.6 and featuring cypress soaking tubs — starts from NT$12,000. Most Jiaoxi hotels include in-room private baths or access to a shared gender-separated facility; specify which you prefer when booking.
When is the best time to visit Jiaoxi for hot springs?
Winter (November–February) is peak hot-spring season — cool air makes the contrast of warm water genuinely pleasurable, steam rises picturesquely, and many hotels offer midweek discounts. Summer soaks are possible but suit morning or evening sessions only. Avoid July–September for typhoon risk. Note that Yilan is one of Taiwan's rainiest counties year-round; pack an umbrella regardless of season.
Who should avoid or be careful about soaking in hot springs?
Consult a doctor before soaking if you have eaten a heavy meal within the past hour; have a fever; have poorly-controlled high blood pressure; are pregnant; or are accompanying a child under 3 years old. Even though Jiaoxi's sodium bicarbonate water is gentler on skin than sulphur springs, the heat of 50–58°C places demands on the cardiovascular system. Stay in the water no longer than 15 minutes per session and hydrate well before and after.
Ready to Go

Plan Your Yilan Tripand open the first night with a long soak

The complete Yilan County travel guide — accommodation, attractions, getting there, and itinerary ideas for every type of traveller.

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