Hualien, a beautiful city located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, is not only famous for the stunning Taroko National Park but also serves as one of Taiwan's premier hot spring destinations. Hualien's hot springs are distributed across multiple areas within the county, from Ruisui in the south to Antong in the north, each offering unique spring qualities and atmospheres that continuously attract visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
The most distinctive feature of Hualien's hot springs is their diverse array of spring waters. Ruisui Hot Spring is renowned for its iron-containing bicarbonate springs, with the water displaying a faint milky white hue, often described as a "milk bath," offering excellent moisturizing benefits for the skin. Antong Hot Spring, on the other hand, features sulfur springs with a subtle egg-like aroma, providing relief for joint discomfort. Additionally, most of Hualien's hot springs are situated along valley riversides, surrounded by serene environments and fresh air. Soaking in the springs while admiring the green mountains and clear waters provides a top-tier experience for both the eyes and body. Located in Ruisui Township, Hualien County, Ruisui Hot Spring is one of Hualien's most renowned hot spring areas. The springs here are bicarbonate springs containing high levels of iron. When the spring water emerges and contacts air, it oxidizes to a faint yellow-white color, resembling warm milk from a distance, earning it the beautiful name "Ruisui Milk Bath." The spring water is rich in minerals, offering moisturizing and hydrating benefits for the skin, making it particularly popular among female visitors. The hot spring area features numerous hot spring bed-and-breakfasts and hotels, ranging from affordable汤屋 (bathhouses) to high-end resorts, with a wide range of pricing options. Situated along the Antong Creek in Yuli Township, Hualien County, Antong Hot Spring is one of Hualien's oldest hot spring areas, originally developed by the Japanese during the early era and still retaining a strong nostalgic atmosphere. The spring here is sulfur-based with a subtle sulfur scent, and the water temperature is moderate. After soaking, the skin feels smooth and refined. The hot spring area offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for travelers wishing to escape the hustle and bustle and rest quietly. Nearby hiking trails are also available, making it ideal for combining hot spring relaxation with nature exploration. Blue Sapphire Hot Spring is located in Fengbin Township, Hualien County, and is a newly discovered natural hot spring in recent years. The spring water displays a dreamy blue-green color due to its rich mineral content, sparkling like a blue sapphire under sunlight refraction, which is how it earned its name. Being a natural flowing hot spring, water temperature varies with the seasons, reaching approximately 40 to 50 degrees Celsius in winter and more moderate during summer. Visiting this location requires hiking a mountain trail, but the scenic views along the way are beautiful. Upon arrival, you can soak in the springs surrounded by natural rock walls for a truly unique experience. Wenzhong Hot Spring is located in Zhuoxi Township, Hualien County, and is a natural hot spring within Taroko National Park. The water is clear and belongs to the bicarbonate spring category. Situated deep in the mountains, it requires a登山 route with a certain level of difficulty to reach, resulting in relatively fewer visitors. This allows for a more primitive and pure hot spring experience. The water temperature ranges from 45 to 55 degrees Celsius, making winter the ideal time to visit. It is recommended that only those with hiking experience attempt the journey, along with bringing adequate equipment and supplies.
Transportation options to Hualien's hot springs are diverse. Self-driving offers the most flexibility. Departing from Hualien City, traveling north along Provincial Highway 9 takes approximately 1 hour to reach Ruisui and about 1.5 hours to Antong. For Blue Sapphire Hot Spring or Wenzhong Hot Spring, one needs to transition onto mountain industrial roads and allow time for hiking. For public transportation, take the Taiwan Railway from Hualien Station to Ruisui Station or Yuli Station, then transfer to local taxis or buses to reach each hot spring area. Bathhouse fees at Ruisui Hot Spring area range from NT$200 to NT$500 per session, while accommodation starts from NT$1,500 depending on hotel rating. The Antong Hot Spring area offers more affordable options, with many bed-and-breakfasts including hot spring access for NT$800 to NT$1,500 per night. Natural hot springs are free, but safety precautions should be noted. Regarding business hours, hot spring bathhouses typically open from 10 AM to 10 PM, while accommodation hot springs operate around the clock.
The best time to visit Hualien Hot Springs is from autumn to spring, specifically from October to April of the following year. The weather during this period is cool and pleasant, making hot spring soaking most comfortable. During summer, the weather is hot, and natural hot spring water temperatures are higher, making the experience less convenient. When visiting natural hot springs, be sure to check road conditions and weather in advance, and bring waterproof shoes, mosquito repellent, and change of clothing. Mobile signals in mountain areas may be unstable, so it is recommended to travel with companions. Additionally, most Hualien hot spring areas are located near indigenous tribal communities. Please respect local culture and residents' livelihoods by avoiding loud noises or littering. It is recommended to rinse your body before soaking, and observe hot spring etiquette to ensure a pleasant hot spring experience.
