Taipei’s Ultimate Fall & Winter Escape: Hot Springs, Ancient Wonders & Soul-Soothing Culture!

#1

Beitou: A Volcanic Hot Spring Paradise

The Beitou Hot Spring area shines as the crown jewel of the Datun volcanic system. Ever since its first hot spring hotel opened its doors in 1895, it’s been a cornerstone of Taiwan’s hot spring culture, even being dubbed “Taiwan’s Hot Spring Paradise” by international media. The spring water here boasts three main types, each unique due to varying volcanic gas and mineral content: the milky white “White Sulfur Spring” (Bai Huang Quan), which is mildly acidic and mineral-rich, often called the “Beauty Spring” for its skin-nourishing properties;

then there’s the “Green Sulfur Spring” (Qing Huang Quan), sourced from Hell Valley, whose clear, slightly greenish waters contain rare radioactive elements like radium—a unique find shared only with Japan’s Tamagawa Onsen;

finally, the “Iron Sulfur Spring” (Tie Huang Quan) gets its reddish-brown hue from high iron content, also beneficial for the skin. Nowadays, most Beitou hot spring resorts blend spa treatments and aromatherapy, primarily using the White Sulfur Spring to offer guests the ultimate relaxing escape.

Just a stone’s throw away, the serene “Meiting” is another must-visit. This Japanese-style wooden villa, built into the hillside, was once the former summer retreat of calligraphy master Yu You-ren. Its humble wooden windows and towering ancient trees create a tranquil setting, while inside, his precious calligraphy works are on display, offering a rich sense of cultural heritage.

#2

The National Palace Museum:

 Taipei’s Treasure Trove of Chinese Civilization

Nestled in the Shilin District, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is home to a mind-blowing collection of nearly 700,000 Chinese artifacts, making it one of the world’s leading repositories of Chinese art and history. Among its countless treasures, the Mao Gong Ding from the Western Zhou Dynasty, the San Family Plate, and Wang Xizhi’s ‘Timely Clearing After Snowfall’ are true crown jewels, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe eager to witness these masterpieces.

Mao Gong Ding (Western Zhou)

San Family Plate (Late Western Zhou Dynasty): A Masterpiece of Epigraphy and Calligraphy

The inner base of the San Family Plate features a 357-character inscription, detailing a land transfer contract. Its robust, distinctive calligraphy is truly one-of-a-kind, securing its supreme place in the history of both epigraphy and Chinese calligraphy.

San Family Plate (Late Western Zhou)

Wang Xizhi’s ‘Timely Clearing After Snowfall’

#3

Recommended Itinerary

**Day 1:** Beitou Riverside Park Area → Beitou Library → Beitou Hot Spring Museum → Meiting → Beitou Hot Spring Experience

 **Day 2:** National Palace Museum → Shilin Night Market

#4

Attraction Info

**Beitou Hot Springs:** Beitou District, Taipei City (near Xinbeitou MRT Station)

**Beitou Library:** No. 251, Guangming Rd, Beitou District, Taipei City

**Beitou Hot Spring Museum:** No. 2, Zhongshan Rd, Beitou District, Taipei City

**Meiting:** No. 6, Zhongshan Rd, Beitou District, Taipei City

**National Palace Museum:** No. 221, Sec 2, Zhishan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City

**Shilin Night Market:** No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City (5-10 min walk from Jiantan MRT Station)