Guanziling Hot Spring

Guanziling is one of Taiwan's four historically noted hot spring areas, alongside Yangmingshan, Beitou and Sichongxi, with a soaking tradition dating back to the Japanese colonial period. The spring here is unusual for its appearance: a weakly alkaline carbonate water that emerges grayish-black and mixed with mud, carrying sulfur and mineral salts. It's meant for bathing only, not drinking, and the area offers outdoor baths and a thermal pool for soaking.

The hot spring sits within a small scenic district in Baihe District rather than as a single standalone facility. A short suspension bridge, Baoquan Bridge, leads toward the spring source, which is fenced off and not open for direct access. Nearby, a century-old street invites a walk-through, and visitors can rent Japanese-style yukata at the local visitor center for photos against the quiet streetscape. The Fire Lord Temple (Huowangye Temple), built by local residents after a Japanese-era shrine was dismantled, is considered the guardian deity of the area's hot spring trade and hosts an annual lantern parade festival.

For those wanting more than a soak, wooden boardwalks connect the hot spring park to the old and new Haohan Slope trails, stepped paths originally built for Japanese soldiers recovering from injury. Lingding Park, above the spring area, holds remnants of Taiwan's first mini-golf course from 1932 and now houses a visitor information station. A small parking lot is available across from one of the local spring resorts, and the area is open to walk-in visitors daily.