Yilan Hot Springs

Taiwan is a densely populated country with much of the populace living on a limited amount of land, so weekend excursions to slower gentler activities are welcome. Ever the hikers and hot springs connoisseurs, John and Ching took us to Jiaoxi and Yilan, two towns east of Taipei with mountainous surroundings and a slower pace.

The waterfalls were worth the climb and the views felt so calming. After hiking in Jiaoxi, we headed into Yilan to a small hot springs. From what I've read, much of Taiwanese hot springs culture was inherited from the 50 year Japanese colonial rule.

As in an earlier post, we separated by men and women, showered and went from pool to pool sans swimsuit to hot, hotter, and even some kind of electrical pulses flowing through the water. The area of the pools themselves was probably less than a thousand square feet, simple and functional. There's a definite focus on health; this isn't the hot tubbing of your college days. (no pictures from INSIDE the hot springs...those would be x-rated, haha)

Outside the paid area, there were places to dip your toes in spring water and other places where hungry fish nibble dead skin off one's feet. And..fun to hop from rock to rock too!

As always, we have been so grateful to have guides that can give us a fuller picture of their home.