When most people think of Kenting, they imagine azure seas and tropical vibes. But what many travelers don't know is that Sichongxi, just a 30-minute drive from Kenting, is southern Taiwan's most famous hot springs destination. With over a century of hot springs culture, combined with the Hengchun Peninsula's abundant seafood and diverse culinary traditions, it creates a unique "hot springs dining" experience. From delicate Japanese kaiseki cuisine at traditional hot springs inns to local street food on Hengchun's old street, and Southeast Asian-inspired restaurants along Kenting's coastline, this forms a rich and layered southern cuisine map.
Highlights
Sichongxi hot springs are bicarbonate springs with gentle water quality, known as the "Beauty Spring" for leaving skin smooth and silky after bathing. The hot springs dining culture here blends the refinement of the Japanese colonial era, the simplicity of Hakka traditions, and the热情 of Southeast Asian immigrants. Most uniquely, you can experience tranquil mountain hot springs in a single day, then head to the coast for fresh seafood—this mountain-meets-sea richness is quite rare among Taiwan's hot springs areas. The Sichongxi Hot Springs Season in winter adds romantic ambiance, with lighting art reflecting off warm waters, creating a unique winter festival in southern Taiwan.
Recommended Spots
Fennel Love Hot Springs Resort
Located within Sichongxi Hot Springs Park, Fennel Love is an excellent starting point for hot springs dining. Public pool tickets are NT$270, offering 8 themed SPA pools from hinoki wood to herbal baths. The resort's restaurant specializes in wellness cuisine, using local organic vegetables and hot springs eggs to present light and elegant Japanese-style flavors. A special recommendation is their hot springs shabu-shabu, cooked with Sichongxi hot springs water for a sweet, lingering broth, paired with Hengchun local wild vegetables—a perfect combination that warms both stomach and heart.
Sichongxi Qingquan Japanese Hot Springs Hall
Carrying forward the hot springs culture from the Japanese colonial era, Qingquan Hall preserves traditional Japanese architectural style. Their kaiseki cuisine incorporates local Taiwanese ingredients, creating a unique "Taiwanese-Japanese fusion" style. The chef expertly uses seasonal seafood and mountain produce from Pingtung, such as Hengchun onions and Fangshan mangoes, presenting layered, refined dishes. Average spending is approximately NT$1,200-2,000 per person, reservations required. Enjoying cuisine on tatami mats after a hot springs soak while gazing at distant mountains is a rare zen moment for urban dwellers.
Hengchun Chen Seafood Restaurant
Just a 15-minute drive from Sichongxi, Chen Seafood Restaurant on Hengchun Old Street is a locally certified seafood favorite. The owner personally purchases from Houbihu Fishing Port every early morning, ensuring ingredient freshness. Their signature steamed grouper has tender, sweet flesh; garlic chicken features crispy skin with succulent meat; fried rice is perfectly separated with aromatic fragrance. Average spending is approximately NT$400-600 per person, generous portions and affordable prices. Located next to Hengchun Ancient City Wall, you can visit historical sites after dining and experience the charm of the ancient city.
Mambo Thai Restaurant
Located on Kenting Street, Mambo Thai Restaurant serves as the Southeast Asian flavor ending to your hot springs journey. The chef from northern Thailand excels at combining Thai spices with Taiwanese seafood. Their signature coconut curry crab uses local three-spot crabs with rich coconut aroma and fresh meat; the sour and spicy shrimp soup is perfectly balanced, ideal for reviving tired taste buds after hot springs. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, with average spending around NT$350-500, an excellent choice for experiencing multicultural fusion.
Ah Xing Sashimi
Hengchun's hidden culinary gem—this small, unassuming shop has surprisingly amazing sashimi. 40 pieces of sashimi for just NT$200, freshness rivaling high-end Japanese restaurants. Owner Ah Xing has 30 years of sashimi expertise, precise knife skills, consistent thickness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Paired with the shop's special wasabi soy sauce, layers of flavor unfold. No fancy decor, but definitely a foodie's secret list—embodying the true essence of Taiwanese street food culture.
Practical Information
Transportation
The most convenient way to reach Sichongxi from Kenting is by self-driving, approximately 30 minutes. Public transit options: Take the THSR to Zuoying Station, then bus 9189 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Kenting Express to Hengchun Transfer Station, then transfer to bus 518 or shuttle. Bus 518 runs every 30-40 minutes, first bus at 08:40, last bus at 18:00, journey about 20 minutes. During Sichongxi Hot Springs Season (2025/11/21-2026/3/1), dedicated shuttles are available from Hengchun for just NT$50.
Cost Reference
Hot springs public pool tickets NT$270-400; upscale hot springs restaurants NT$1,200-2,000 per person; general seafood restaurants NT$300-800 per person; old street snacks NT$50-150; night market food NT$30-100. Parking recommended at Hengchun立体 parking garage or Longquan Temple free parking.
Opening Hours
Fennel Love Hot Springs Resort 08:00-21:00; Sichongxi Hot Springs Park Visitor Center 10:00-17:30; Hengchun Night Market open on Sundays; most restaurants 11:00-21:00, confirming in advance is recommended.
Travel Tips
Visiting Sichongxi on weekdays means fewer crowds and a more relaxed hot springs experience. Recommended itinerary: Two days and one night—hot springs in the morning of day one, explore Hengchun Ancient City and taste snacks in the afternoon; visit Kenting beaches on day two and experience different flavor restaurants. During hot springs season, the lighting is beautiful but crowds are large, so depart early. Houbihu Fishing Port offers fresher, cheaper seafood for direct purchase; restaurants can prepare it for you. Hengchun Old Street roads are narrow, so park at the立体 parking garage and explore on foot. Remember to bring sun protection—southern Taiwan sunshine is strong, even in winter. Finally, don't forget to try the local specialty onion ice cream to perfectly end your hot springs culinary journey.
