Hot Spring Route
Must visit hot spring spots in Maolin
Besides the numerous commercially operated springs, the Maolin National Scenic Area also boasts the most extensive distribution of natural stream springs in Taiwan. Within the region there are Lakusih Stream (Gold Stream) and Fusing Hot Springs of Taoyuan District, Laolao Hot Springs of Gaojhong, Baolai Hot Springs, Bulao Hot Springs, Shihdong Hot Springs and Cikeng Hot Springs of Liouguei District, and finally, Hongchen Gorge Hot Springs of Maolin District.
The minerals of Taiwan’s springs can be divided into three types: volcanic rock, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock. The water is also said to promote general blood circulation, improve circulation in the extremities and help conditions such as joint pain or neuropathy. Many tourists consider Hongchen Gorge Hot Springs, where the water is a sodium bicarbonate solution, the best springs they’ve ever been to. Sodium bicarbonate helps to moisturize and whiten the skin, softens cuticles and treats inflammation. It’s also great for conditioning the hair.
Recommended hot spring tourism routes
Route 1
Baolai Hot Springs
There are many hot spring villas within the Baolai Hot Springs area. In the morning, head towards Shenwei Tiantai Mountain, Shihba Luohanshan, Liouguei Tunnel and the Liouguei Visitor Center. In the afternoon, head over towards Pulai Sitoushe Walkway to catch a panoramic view of Baolai Village and Laonong Stream. At night, enjoy dishes such as “golden chicken” and “plum sauce bean curd” on the streets of Baolai. Additionally, enjoy different flavors of “wild jelly fig” (coffee, millet and red beans). After dinner, stay at one of the hot spring villas, each with their distinctive features and enjoy a bath or spa.
Related LinksBaolai Hot Springs
Route 2
Bulao Hot Springs and Tengjhih National Forest Recreational Area
The Bulao Hot Springs are named for the Chinese meaning of its name, which is ‘hot springs that grant you immortality’. Tengjhih is the area around a small riverhead in the south, which begins at 1850 meters above sea level and ends at 1550 meters above sea level. It used to be divided into two hiking routes, A and B, going upstream on A and downstream on B in a test of endurance. They are now known as the Wax Begonia Path (formerly A) and the Dragon Spruce Path (formerly B). The local culinary specialties include monkey head mushrooms, bamboo shoots, peanuts, oyster mushrooms, pumpkin cookies, mountain tea, peaches, and a bounty of other treats. These all serve as delicious snacks or gifts for friends at home to let them know you were thinking of them.
Route 3
Baolai Hot Springs and Shanping Forest Ecological Science Park
Shan-Ping Forest Ecological Garden has a rich natural ecology, including various animals, plants, and seasonal flowers. It is an excellent place to observe the beauty of nature up close.
After hiking in Shan-Ping Forest Ecological Garden, go to the nearby Baolai Hot Springs to relieve your fatigue and enjoy the fun of going for a hot spring bath.
Travel reminders
- Persons with infectious diseases should not enter the bath(s).
- Persons suffering from chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other obstructions of the circulatory system should only enter the baths after consulting a doctor.
- Women who are menstruating should not enter the bath(s).
- Do not bath too long within hot springs or cold springs. There is no fixed time for bathing; rather, bathers should decide according to the temperature of the spring that day. Before entering a hot pool please enter slowly and allow time for the skin to adapt.
- While bathing drink more water to prevent dehydration. Remember: Safety First.
- 溫泉浸泡高度不宜超過心臟。
- 酒醉、空腹及飽食後，不宜泡湯。
- 孕婦、行動不便老人及未滿三歲之幼兒，不宜泡湯。
- 年歲較高、健康欠佳者，應避免單獨一人入浴，以免發生意外。
- 長途跋涉、疲勞過度或劇烈運動後，宜稍作休息再入浴，以免引發腦部貧血或休克現象。
- 禁止攜帶寵物入浴。