Tai'an Hot Spring Area

The journey to Tai'an requires driving deep into the rural heart of Miaoli County, following the scenic Wenshui River valley along Provincial Highway 72 into the rugged central mountain range. As the road narrows, the low agricultural hills turn into dramatic, sheer limestone cliffs covered in dense, dark green jungle. Tai'an Hot Spring is a loosely connected cluster of mountain resorts tucked along the steep river canyon. When you arrive, the atmosphere feels isolated, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature, with the sound of the rushing river echoing through the gorge. Tai'an is widely celebrated for having some of the finest sodium bicarbonate water in Taiwan, completely clear, odorless, and so slippery that it feels like bathing in a light, nourishing lotion. Most visitors opt for a day pass to one of the public outdoor resort pools, which costs between four hundred and six hundred TWD. These outdoor areas are coed and require swimsuits and caps, making them highly accommodating for travelers with tattoos. However, if you prefer the traditional nude experience, several resorts offer exceptional gender segregated indoor baths where clothing is prohibited. You must bring your own towel and basic personal items, though upscale resorts provide them. The mountain air stays cool throughout the year, making the forty-two degree pools feel incredible. To experience the valley at its most peaceful, visit during mid week and avoid the autumn maple leaf viewing season when weekend traffic peaks. After drying off, drive ten minutes down the mountain to the Wenshui Old Street to try traditional stinky tofu and Hakka style rice cakes.