About Beitou
From Volcanic Valley to Taiwan’s Hot Spring Capital
Beitou, nestled in the northern reaches of Taipei City, is a place where nature, culture, and history converge in steaming elegance. Known today for its therapeutic hot springs and tranquil charm, Beitou’s story stretches back thousands of years, encompassing indigenous heritage, Japanese influence, and Taiwan’s modern urban evolution.
To fully appreciate Beitou’s serene atmosphere today, it’s worth stepping back in time to understand how this geothermal gem came to be such an important part of Taipei’s cultural and natural identity.
Volcanic Origins: Nature’s Fiery Gift
Beitou lies at the base of the Datun Mountain Range, a part of the larger Yangmingshan volcanic system. This area, still considered volcanically active, has been producing sulfuric hot springs for millennia.
The hot springs here are unusually rich in minerals like sulfur, iron, and radium, creating three distinct types of springs: green sulfur, white sulfur, and iron sulfur. These mineral-rich waters have drawn both local and foreign attention for centuries, laying the natural foundation for Beitou’s development as a wellness destination.
The Indigenous Era: The Ketagalan People
Before Han settlers arrived, the Beitou area was inhabited by the Ketagalan people, one of Taiwan’s many Austronesian indigenous groups. In fact, the name “Beitou” is believed to be a transliteration of the Ketagalan word “Kipatauw,” meaning witch or sorceress. According to oral history, the rising steam and bubbling earth were seen as spiritual or mystical forces, and the valley was considered sacred.
Today, traces of the Ketagalan culture can still be seen at the Ketagalan Culture Center, located near Xinbeitou Station.
What is Xinbeitou?
Xinbeitou is a small neighborhood that feels worlds away from the city’s high-rises and fast pace. Just a short MRT ride north from the center of Taipei, Xinbeitou is a soothing sanctuary of geothermal springs, Japanese-era heritage, forested parks, and artistic charm. It’s where Taipei’s history steams from the ground and wraps you in a warm mineral-scented embrace.
Xinbeitou literally means “New Beitou.” It refers specifically to the hot spring area near Xinbeitou MRT Station, a short spur off the main Red Line. While Beitou District as a whole includes several neighborhoods, Xinbeitou is the tourist-friendly epicenter, where you’ll find:
Hot spring resorts and public baths
Historic Japanese architecture
Museums and cultural centers
Thermal Valley and geothermal landscapes
A peaceful riverside park and forested trails
The Origins of Beitou’s Hot Springs
Beitou Hot Springs. Steeped in volcanic energy, rich in minerals, and surrounded by lush greenery and Japanese-style architecture, Beitou is a geothermal paradise that’s been soothing bodies and minds for over a century.
Beitou sits on the southern edge of the Yangmingshan volcanic system, one of the most geothermally active areas in Taiwan. The underground activity in the Datun Mountains fuels Beitou’s abundance of natural hot springs, which bubble to the surface carrying a rich mix of minerals—chief among them sulfur, iron, and radium.
Whether you’re a luxury traveler seeking a serene spa retreat, a backpacker wanting to try a public bath, or a curious explorer interested in geology and culture, Beitou offers a unique hot spring experience that combines wellness, history, and nature in one steamy package.
In fact, Beitou is one of only two places in the world where the rare mineral hokutolite naturally forms (the other is in Japan). This gave Beitou global fame during the early 20th century as a location for scientific research and therapeutic bathing.
Types of Hot Springs in Beitou
One thing that makes Beitou special is its variety of spring types, which provide different colors, smells, and mineral benefits.
1. Green Sulfur Springs
Found only in Beitou and one spot in Japan.
Pale green, slightly milky, and strongly sulfuric.
Slightly acidic, believed to help with skin and joint conditions.
Source: Thermal Valley
2. White Sulfur Springs
The most common type in Beitou.
Milky white in color, with a mild sulfur smell.
Gentler on the skin and popular for general relaxation.
Found in many mid-range and luxury spas.
3. Iron Sulfur Springs
Less common, with a yellow or reddish tint.
Iron-rich, great for circulation and fatigue.
Some older bathhouses may still use this spring type.
Where to Soak: Bathhouses, Spas & Resorts
Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge, there’s a hot spring in Beitou for you. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to soak:
Public Hot Springs
🔹 Millennium Hot Spring
Municipal bathhouse located near Beitou Park.
Multiple outdoor pools with different temperatures.
Very affordable: NT$40–80 (~$1–3 USD).
Must bring: swimsuit, swim cap, towel, and sandals.
🔹 Long Nice Hot Spring
Traditional bathhouse with gender-separated nude bathing.
One of Beitou’s oldest and most authentic experiences.
No frills, but rich in atmosphere.
Entry: ~NT$150
Mid-Range Private Baths
🔹 SweetMe Hot Spring Resort
Right next to Millennium Bathhouse.
Offers private bathing rooms and a public hot spring spa.
Great for couples or those wanting privacy at a reasonable price.
🔹 Spring City Resort
Larger hotel with indoor and outdoor pools.
Perfect for families or groups.
Shuttle available from MRT station.
Luxury Hot Spring Resorts
🔹 Grand View Resort Beitou
5-star hotel with a modern minimalist design.
Private spring baths in every room, plus a large spa area.
Fine dining and stunning mountain views.
🔹 Villa 32
Ultra-exclusive, adults-only hot spring retreat.
Japanese stone baths, full-service spa, gourmet meals.
Limited to guests or by advanced reservation.
What to Expect When Visiting Beitou Hot Springs
Hot Spring Etiquette
If you are visiting a public bath, it’s important to follow the local etiquette. This usually includes washing and rinsing your body thoroughly before entering the hot spring water. Many hot springs require visitors to be completely clean before entering to maintain water quality and hygiene.
Temperature of the Water
The temperature of the hot springs in Beitou can vary, typically ranging from around 38°C (100°F) to 42°C (108°F). It’s recommended to start with shorter soaks and gradually increase the time to avoid overheating.
Sulfur Smell
The characteristic smell of sulfur can be strong in some areas, though it’s a part of the hot spring experience. If you’re sensitive to the scent, you might prefer private baths where the smell is less noticeable.
Natural Surroundings
The hot springs in Beitou are set against beautiful natural landscapes, including lush mountains and tranquil parks. Many resorts and spas have designed their facilities to blend with the natural environment, offering a peaceful retreat.
Things to Do in Beitou
The Beitou Thermal Valley is only 850 meters away from the Xinbeitou MRT Station. It’s best to come here around 2pm. You only need about two hours at most to explore the area and take the Red Line MRT to Tamsui, just in time to watch the sunset and stroll through Tamsui Old Street before dinner.
What to Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
A light jacket if visiting in cooler weather—steam rises quickly and the area can be chilly in shade
Walking route (Zhongshan Road): Xinbeitou Historic Station → Beitou Park → Ketagalan Culture Center → Beitou Library → Beitou Hot Spring Museum → Beitou Public Hot Spring → Beitou Plum Garden → Beitou Thermal Valley
Xinbeitou Historic Station
Xinbeitou Historic Station is a beautifully restored wooden train station that once served as the original gateway to Beitou’s hot spring area. Built in 1916 during the Japanese colonial period, the station was designed to welcome travelers arriving to soak in Beitou’s famous thermal baths.
After decades of use, it was dismantled in 1988 but later restored and reopened in 2017 just steps away from its original location. Today, it serves not only as a charming photo spot but also as a mini-museum that showcases the history of Beitou’s rail and hot spring culture through exhibits, old photographs, and train artifacts.
Blending nostalgia with history, the Xinbeitou Historic Station is a must-visit for those who want to experience the timeless spirit of Taiwan’s hot spring heritage.
Beitou Park
Beitou Park is a peaceful, tree-lined public space that stretches from Xinbeitou MRT Station to Thermal Valley, serving as the central walkway through the Beitou hot spring area. Established in 1913 during the Japanese colonial era, it’s the oldest park in Taipei, designed to complement the surrounding hot spring culture with scenic paths, stone bridges, and bubbling thermal streams.
As you stroll through the park, you’ll pass by historic sites like the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, the Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, and natural steam vents emerging from the ground. With its calming atmosphere and cultural landmarks, Beitou Park is the perfect starting point for exploring the charm and history of the district.
Ketagalan Culture Center
The Ketagalan Culture Center, located in Beitou near the hot spring district, is a museum and cultural space dedicated to Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, with a special focus on the Ketagalan tribe, the original inhabitants of the Taipei Basin. Opened in 2002, it was the first center in Taiwan established to showcase and promote the island’s Aboriginal heritage.
The center features exhibitions, traditional art, and cultural artifacts from Taiwan’s 16 recognized indigenous groups. It also hosts events, performances, and educational programs to raise awareness of indigenous traditions, languages, and lifestyles. With its striking modern design and free admission, the Ketagalan Culture Center is a meaningful and accessible stop for anyone interested in exploring the deep cultural roots of Taiwan.
Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays)
Admission: Free
Beitou Library
Taiwan’s Eco-Friendly Architectural Gem
The Beitou Library, officially known as the Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, is Taiwan’s first certified green library and a model of sustainable architecture. Opened in 2006 and located in the heart of Beitou Park, the library was designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings and minimize environmental impact.
Built primarily from wood and equipped with solar panels, rainwater recycling systems, and natural ventilation, the building not only houses thousands of books but also serves as a peaceful, eco-conscious retreat for readers and visitors alike. With its treehouse-like design and large windows that welcome natural light, the Beitou Library is a must-visit for book lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a quiet escape near Taipei’s hot springs.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday and Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on the first Thursday of each month
Admission: Free
Beitou Hot Spring Museum
A Window into Taiwan’s Bathing Heritage
The Beitou Hot Spring Museum is a beautifully restored public bathhouse that offers a glimpse into the rich history of Beitou’s hot spring culture. Originally built in 1913 during the Japanese colonial era, it was once the largest public bathhouse in East Asia, inspired by classic European and Japanese architecture.
Today, the museum showcases exhibits on hot spring history, geology, and local culture, including a replica of the original Roman-style bathing pool. Set within a charming red-brick and wood structure overlooking Beitou Park, it’s both an architectural gem and a cultural landmark—perfect for anyone interested in the story behind Taiwan’s most famous hot spring district.
Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Closed Mondays)
Admission: Free
There is a shoe cabinet at the entrance, and you need to take off your shoes and change into slippers before entering. Drinks cannot be brought in and must be placed on the shoe cabinet.
Beitou Public Hot Spring (Closed until 2026)
The Beitou Public Hot Spring, also known as Millennium Hot Spring, is a popular and affordable open-air bathhouse located in Beitou Park, near Xinbeitou MRT Station. Opened in 1999, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy natural sulfuric hot spring water at a very low cost—making it a favorite among both locals and travelers.
Designed in a simple Japanese style, the facility features multiple pools with varying temperatures. Visitors are required to wear swimsuits and swim caps, and bathing is done in designated time slots throughout the day. Surrounded by greenery and geothermal steam, the Beitou Public Hot Spring is the perfect spot for a relaxing soak without breaking the bank.
Beitou Plum Garden (Closed until 2026)
The Beitou Plum Garden is a charming historical site located in the scenic Beitou District of Taipei. Originally built in the 1930s as a private residence for Yu Youren, a renowned calligrapher and political figure, it was named for the beautiful plum trees that surround the area. The garden is a peaceful retreat that reflects a blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles.
Yu Youren used the garden as a place for rest and inspiration, and today it stands as a cultural landmark. Visitors can explore the garden, admire the architecture, and learn about the life and works of one of Taiwan’s most famous calligraphers. The Beitou Plum Garden is a serene spot for those looking to experience both history and nature in the heart of Beitou.
Beitou Thermal Valley
Taiwan’s Steaming Crater of Legends
Nestled in the quiet hills of Beitou, a district just north of bustling Taipei, lies one of Taiwan’s most otherworldly natural wonders—Thermal Valley, also ominously referred to as Hell Valley. With its ghostly green waters and constant clouds of steam rising from a bubbling, sulfur-rich pool, this geothermal site feels like a window into the Earth’s fiery core.
But Thermal Valley is more than just a scenic stop—it’s a place steeped in natural science, cultural history, and eerie beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its photogenic landscapes, intrigued by its volcanic origins, or simply looking to soak in Beitou’s unique geothermal identity, Thermal Valley is a must-visit destination that anchors the entire Beitou hot spring experience.
What is Beitou Thermal Valley?
Thermal Valley is a geothermal hot spring lake formed by volcanic activity from the nearby Datun Mountains, part of the greater Yangmingshan volcanic range. The spring water here can reach temperatures of up to 90–100°C (194–212°F), making it far too hot to bathe in—though not for lack of trying in the past.
What makes this place truly special is the presence of green sulfur springs, rare even in global geothermal zones. The water has a milky turquoise hue, created by dissolved minerals like sulfur, radium, and carbonate, which contribute to its distinctive color and strong scent.
A Valley Shrouded in Steam & Legends
As you approach the valley, the first thing you’ll notice is the thick mist. On cooler days, the steam is so dense it clings to your skin and blurs your surroundings, giving the area an ethereal, almost haunted vibe. This is why the Japanese during the colonial period aptly named it Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley,” drawing comparisons to similar steamy valleys in Japan like the famous one in Beppu.
Over the centuries, the valley has inspired folktales, ghost stories, and even poetry, with some legends suggesting it was a portal to the underworld due to its sulfurous odor and bubbling pools. Today, it remains a sacred and symbolic part of Beitou’s identity as a hot spring town.
On cooler days, the steam is denser and more atmospheric, giving that “hellish” appearance the valley is known for.
A Living Geothermal Laboratory
Thermal Valley is not just beautiful—it’s also a natural science lesson in action. The rare minerals found here include hokutolite, a radioactive mineral named after Beitou (Hokuto in Japanese). It was once mined and studied by geologists during the early 20th century, leading to the establishment of Beitou as a world-recognized hot spring research site.
In fact, Beitou is one of only two places on Earth where hokutolite naturally occurs—the other being Tamagawa in Japan. Today, a preserved sample is on display at the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, just a few minutes away.
Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays)
Admission: Free
How to get to beitou
By MRT: The easiest way to get to Beitou is via the Taipei MRT (Metro). Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Beitou Station, then transfer to the Xinbeitou Branch Line, which takes you to the Xinbeitou station, right in the heart of the hot spring area.
Best Time to Visit Beitou
Beitou is a year-round destination, but it’s particularly pleasant to visit during cooler months, like autumn and winter, when soaking in the hot springs feels especially soothing. During the summer, it’s still enjoyable, but the heat can make hot spring baths less comfortable for some visitors.
Beitou Hot Springs is the perfect destination for those looking to relax, rejuvenate, and experience the therapeutic benefits of natural mineral waters in a scenic setting. Whether you’re soaking in a public bath, enjoying a private hot spring experience in a luxury resort, or exploring the rich history of the area, Beitou offers a unique and enriching experience for all visitors.
✅Hot Spring (klook)
■ Taipei (Beitou): Spring City Resort Hot Spring
■ Taipei (Beitou): Waterhouse: Hot Spring and Bathhouse Experience
■ Taipei (Beitou): SweetMe Hot Spring Resort
■ Taipei (Beitou): Hot Spring Resort
■ Taipei (Beitou): Taipei Hot Spring Experience and Dining at The Gaia Hotel Beitou
■ Taipei (Beitou): Private Hot Spring Room For 2 at JBG Hot Spring Resort Hotel
■ Taipei (Beitou): Hot Spring Experience at Phoenix Pavilion Hot Spring Hotel