Beitou Thermal Valley: Walk Through Ethereal, Sulfuric Mist Here

 Trust us when we say that Beitou Thermal Valley's beauty imprints on you, clinging on to the fabric of your memory even when you’ve long left the place.

Imagine walking through a light veil of sulfuric clouds, naturally emitted from the hot spring nestled on the foothills of a national park in Taipei.

Herein lies the beauty of Beitou Thermal Valley that imprints its alluring charm, clinging on to the fabric of your memory even when you’ve long left the place.

Engulfed in a surreal atmosphere, it’s no wonder Beitou Thermal Valley is heralded as one of the 12 greatest hot spring sites in Taiwan since the Japanese Occupation.

If you like to know more, read on to discover what this natural attraction in Taipei is about and the nearby tourist hotspots worth visiting.

About Beitou Thermal Valley

The perpetual blanket of sulfuric mist that infiltrates its surrounding makes Beitou Thermal Valley breathtaking. 

Located at the foothills of Yangminshan National Park, Beitou Thermal Valley is an acidic sulfur hot spring situated in the Beitou district of Taipei.

At times, the water temperature of this natural hot sulfur spring can reach up to 100°C.

While the word “thermal valley” conjures images of sulfuric air capable of irritating our nasal passage, Beitou Thermal Valley is far from that.

Because of the perpetual blanket of sulfuric mist that infiltrates the atmosphere, Beitou Thermal Valley is nicknamed the Ghost Valley or Hell Valley. 

The water in the hot spring contains a concoction of minerals which include Plaster, Jarosite, AluniteRealgar, Sulfur, and Radium. 

With a pH value between 1.4 - 1.6, the water is considered uncomfortably acidic. In fact, it is potentially able to corrode pipes, leach toxic metal into the water, and is not safe for drinking or contact.

How to Get To Beitou Thermal Valley from Taipei

Beitou Thermal Valley is located 16km from Taipei and is accessible via train and car. Should you choose to take the train, hop on the Red Line heading to Beitou Station

From there, transfer to the pink line and stop at Xinbeitou which is 1 station away.

The friendly tourism officer at Beitou gave us this slip of paper as guidance on how to get to the main attractions within the district via public transport.

Once you disembark at Xinbeitou, you can explore many other nearby attractions such as Yangminshan National Park located on the mountainside. Beitou Hot Spring is a 5-minute walk from the Xinbeitou Station.

What to do at Beitou Thermal Valley

As it’s a natural attraction, find yourself surrounded by a rare atmosphere engulfed in warm air that air vaporizes upwards.

You’ll even feel the warm draft as you pass by covered drains!

As you walk pass covered drains and nearby rivers, you’ll feel the warm draft from the natural hot spring.

A meandering river lines the path around Thermal Valley. It makes a great place to whip out your camera for scenic shots while warm air caresses your face.

There’s a public area for you to sit on warm tiles, said to help improve blood circulation and relieve constipation. In fact, my son is a good testament to this as his bowel movements were restored the night after sitting on the tiles warmed by thermal valley!

There are 3 free pools at Beitou Fuxing Park where you can soak your weary lakes in the hot spring water.

Should you wish to soak your feet for free in a hot spring pond, make your way to Fuxing Hot Foot Bath at Fuxing Park. It’s a short distance within five minutes to the north of Xinbeitou MRT station and Beitou Hot Spring Park.

We did not stay in the Beitou district. But in hindsight, it makes a lot of sense to do so as it allows you to explore the northern parts of Taiwan, rather than returning to Taipei city every night. 

You can also visit other attractions a few train stops away like Tamsui Old Street and Fisherman’s Warf if Beitou is your travelling base.

If you’re looking to dip your weary muscles in a public or private hot spring bath, several Beitou hotels offer this facility, without having to stay the night.

Each of the rooms in hotels near Beitou Thermal Valley comes equipped with a personal hot spring bath.

The 5-star Spring City Resort Beitou is a sterling recommendation that offers both public and private hot spring options. For a small fee, you can access the private hot spring for a relaxing, one-hour soak. The warm granite stones are perfect for basking and have a knack for relaxing tight muscles.

Located just 10 10-minute’ walk from Xinbeitou MRT, this 5-star hotel traverses past beautiful old Japanese buildings, flanked by many eateries serving delicious food.

At a cheaper rate yet flaunting decent amenities, the public pool and private bathroom at Beitou Sweetme Hot Spring Hotel are highly recommended. This 3-star hotel’s public hot spring pool is located on the third floor and does not require guests to be clothed, just like in Japan.

Out of the 5 public hot spring pools at Beitou Sweetme Hotspring Hotel, 2 are filled with volcanic water of up to 40C and 43C respectively, and they come with sauna facilities too. 

Is the entrance to Thermal Valley free?

Some of the art exhibits on dslay at te Beitou Museum and Beitou Hot Spring Museum worth visiting.

There is no entrance fee charged to enter Beitou Thermal Valley or the nearby attractions including Beitou Museum, Beitou Hot Spring Museum, and Beitou Public Assembly Hall.

What to wear to Beitou Thermal Valley?

If you’re traveling between April and September, this is the best time to visit Beitou Thermal Valley as the weather is sunny and generally more predictable.

Out of that period, be sure to bring along an umbrella or raincoat as intermittent drizzle is common. The weather can change from sunny to cold in minutes. So be sure to dress in layers, wearing a T-shirt on the first layer and a thicker jacket on the outside. 

How hot is Beitou Thermal Valley in Taipei?

Don't be turned off by the green tinged water. The sulphate in this green sulfur hot spring lends a emerald hue that feels warm and comforting to touch. Dip your hands in this mini pool leading to Thermal Valley.

The water temperature at the hot spring at Beitou Thermal Valley ranges between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius. Many years back, visitors were given access to the hot spring water to boil eggs as part of experiential tourism. However, after a series of unforeseen mishaps resulting in severe burns and scalding, the hot spring is cordoned off for safety.

Today, visitors can marvel at its beautiful surroundings in an atmosphere that is perpetually engulfed with warm sulfuric air. Rest assured that the air’s sulfuric content is not high enough to corrode lungs or cause any difficulty breathing.

What times does Beitou Thermal Valley open and close?

Beitou Thermal Valley operates daily, except on Mondays. Opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.

Conclusion

Among the 12 hot springs in Taiwan, Beitou Thermal Valley boasts the highest temperatures, lending an ethereal feel of rising steam from the hot spring water.

Walking through Beitou Thermal Valley is a surreal experience. Heralded as one of the 12 greatest hot spring sites in Taiwan, Beitou Thermal Valley boasts the highest temperatures, lending an ethereal feel of rising steam from the hot spring water.

From the wading pools and touch ponds filled with spring water on the way to the valley, to the dreamlike surroundings that engulf Hell Valley.

This attraction in Taipei is a must-visit for its uniqueness, rarity, and beautiful surroundings.