When it comes to Kaohsiung, most people think of the Love River night scenery, the Pier-2 Art Center, or fresh seafood at Cijin Island. But few know that this largest city in southern Taiwan also harbors precious hot springs resources. Located in Liugui District, Kaohsiung, the hot springs area is hidden nestled among the mountains and forests along the Laonong River. Not only does it feature high-quality sodium bicarbonate springs, but it has also developed specialty restaurants that combine local ingredients with hot springs culture, offering visitors a brand-new "soup spring gourmet" experience.
Unique Charm and Highlights
Restaurants in the Liugui hot springs area of Kaohsiung differ from northern Taiwan's hot springs destinations. Here, hot springs restaurants blend the warmth of southern Taiwan with the simplicity of the mountain town, creating a distinctive dining atmosphere. First and foremost is the excellent hot springs water quality. It is a mild alkaline sodium bicarbonate spring that is gentle on the skin and can be used for cooking, adding a sweet flavor to ingredients. Secondly, the Liugui region abounds in local produce such as plums, bamboo shoots, and African wild greens. Hot springs restaurants skillfully use these mountain ingredients, paired with specialty dishes like hot springs eggs and hot springs vegetables, creating mountain flavors that are hard to taste in the city.
Additionally, many of these hot springs restaurants adopt indigenous cooking styles, incorporating Bunun culinary wisdom and using local wild greens and river fish to present the most authentic natural flavors. The dining environment is also quite distinctive, with most restaurants built beside mountains and rivers, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while listening to the gentle flow of water, experiencing the tranquility and lofty atmosphere of the mountain town.
Recommended Places
Baolai Hot Springs Manor Restaurant
Baolai is the core area of the Liugui hot springs district. This manor restaurant is renowned for its authentic mountain cuisine. Signature dishes include Hot Springs Bamboo Shoot Soup, using natural hot springs water to cook locally abundant bamboo shoots, with a sweet and refreshing broth; and Plum Chicken, made with Liugui green plums and free-range indigenous chicken, tangy and appetizing. The restaurant environment is tranquil, and you can soak your feet while dining, making it the perfect choice for experiencing hot springs gourmet cuisine.
Ageless Hot Springs Yuanya Restaurant
The poetic place name "Ageless" (Bulao) appropriately reflects the concept of hot springs wellness. The restaurant here specializes in healthy养生 cuisine, using organically grown vegetables free from pesticides, paired with hot springs water to cook nourishing hot pots. Particularly recommended are Hot Springs Steamed Eggs and Stir-fried Wild Boar with African Wild Greens—the former has a silky smooth texture, while the latter showcases the bold flavors of indigenous cuisine. The restaurant also offers hot springs bathing services, allowing you to enjoy the therapeutic effects of the springs after your meal.
Laonong River Indigenous Flavor Restaurant
Located beside the Laonong River, this restaurant is the best spot to experience Bunun culture. The restaurant owner is of Bunun descent and insists on using traditional cooking methods, featuring indigenous dishes such as stone-grilled meat and bamboo tube rice. Specialty dishes include River Shrimp Salad and Grilled Taiwan Mullet, both using fresh catches from the Laonong River. The dining space is filled with indigenous art decorations, and you can also enjoy scenic river views, as if being transported to a hidden paradise.
Liugui Manor Hot Springs Resort
This is a larger hot springs resort in the area, offering refined Kaiseki-style hot springs cuisine. The head chef skillfully uses hot springs water for cooking, with each dish meticulously designed, such as Hot Springs Tofu and Steamed Fresh Fish with Spring Water. The restaurant features Japanese-style decor, creating an elegant dining atmosphere, suitable for family gatherings or business entertaining.
Practical Travel Information
How to Get There:
By Car: From Kaohsiung city center, take National Highway No. 10 to Qishan, then transfer to Provincial Highway 21 to reach Liugui. Driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Public Transportation: You can take Kaohsiung Bus Route 8032 (Kaohsiung - Liugui). Departures are limited, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance.
Cost Reference:
Hot Springs Restaurant Set Menu: NT$400-1,200/person
Individual Dishes: NT$150-500/dish
Hot Springs Soaking: NT$150-300/person (some restaurant dining can be offset)
Business Hours:
Most restaurants are open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially on weekends and holidays. Some manors offer accommodation services, allowing you to plan a two-day-one-night hot springs gourmet trip.
Travel Tips
When dining in the Liugui hot springs area, it is recommended to plan a day trip. In the morning, you can visit the nearby Eighteen Arhat Mountain Scenic Area or Colorful Butterfly Valley, then enjoy hot springs cuisine and soak in the afternoon to relax. Since the mountain weather changes greatly, it is recommended to bring a light jacket. Additionally, local plum products here are quite famous, so you can purchase local specialties after your meal. If visiting during the rainy season, pay attention to road conditions to ensure driving safety. Most importantly, remember to bring a relaxed state of mind, so you can fully experience the hot springs gourmet charm of Liugui mountain town.
