Jiaoxi Hot Springs Guide: Everything You Need to Know [2026]

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Visiting Jiaoxi during our trip to Taiwan was easily one of our favorite experiences. Since it was our first time trying hot springs in Taiwan, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but it completely blew us away.

I put together this Jiaoxi hot springs guide to help you plan your itinerary and hopefully inspire you to add this spa town to your route.

Jiaoxi (pronounced ‘Jiaosi’) is located at the north end of Yilan County in Northeastern Taiwan, and it’s a charming town packed with hot spring facilities within easy reach of Taipei. Unlike many volcanic sulfur springs, Jiaoxi’s crystal-clear waters are rich in sodium bicarbonate, meaning zero sulfur smell and a silky texture that leaves your skin feeling incredible.

We visited Jiaoxi as part of a longer weekend route covering Jiufen and Shifen, but it makes for an effortless day trip or overnight escape straight from Taipei.

Best Time to Visit Jiaoxi

The best time to visit Jiaoxi’s hot springs is during the cooler winter months between October and March.

We visited it at the end of October, and the timing was perfect. The rainy and cloudy weather created a misty, atmospheric setting that made soaking in the warm pools feel magical. I’d strongly advise against visiting during the hot, humid summer months unless you enjoy melting while you soak.

A quick tip on crowds: Try to visit mid-week if possible. Weekends and public holidays get heavily packed as locals flock to the area to relax.

How to Get to Jiaoxi From Taipei

While we arrived from Ruifang as part of our wider regional trip (Jiufen – Shifen – Jiaoxi), most travelers will head straight from Taipei. You have 2 main public transport options:

By Train

Taking the train from Taipei to Jiaoxi is straightforward, with services departing regularly from Taipei Main Station and taking roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Once you arrive at Jiaoxi Train Station (or the bus station), almost all of the town’s parks, foot baths, and eateries are within easy walking distance and easily explored on foot.

If you are arriving from Ruifang like we did, the train to Jiaoxi cost us 234.00 NTD / approx. €6.53 for 2 people.

💡Note: You can conveniently swipe your EasyCard (we bought ours at the airport) for regular local trains, though you’ll need a reserved ticket if you go for the faster express services. You can top-up your EasyCard at convenient stores but only with cash. No international cards accepted.

By Bus

Taking the highway bus is typically the fastest and most efficient way to get there, taking just 50 to 60 minutes under normal conditions. The route cuts straight through the impressive Xueshan Tunnel on National Highway 5 rather than winding around the coast (what we did with the train from Ruifang).

Although we took a train to Jiaoxi, on the way back we chose the bus as it was faster and more affordable. We booked the ticket directly at the bus station, and there are buses running regularly so we didn’t have to wait long.

Kamalan Bus 1915: Departs from the main Taipei Bus Station.

Capital Bus 1572: Departs from Taipei City Hall Bus Station and drops you off right at Jiaoxi Transfer Station.

Both options cost around TWD 150, and you can use your EasyCard to pay.

What to Bring With You to Jiaoxi

Here are a few important things you need to carry with you to Jiaoxi if you’re visiting for a day or planning an overnight stay:

• Bathing suit if you want to use the public outdoor hot springs or swimming pool.
• Small towel for bathing in the public hot springs.
• Bath towel as most public springs do not provide towels, and to avoid paying for one at the non-public baths.
• Shower cap for the public hot springs especially if you have long hair like me.
• Slippers in case you want to have a shower before or after the bath (not all places have showers though).

Things to Do in Jiaoxi

Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park

One of the most popular things to do in Jiaoxi is visit the Hot Springs Park, a public green space with natural hot spring foot baths reaching temperatures of 44–45°C (113°F). It’s the ultimate remedy for tired feet after a day of walking.

If you’re staying overnight, many local hotels and apartments provide in-room bathtubs supplied with the same natural spring water. If you prefer a private soak after a long day of exploring or just don’t feel comfortable with the nudity of the onsen (see Forest Bath section below), then this is the perfect alternative. We tried and enjoyed both equally.

Jiaoxi Forest Bath

The Forest Bath is located in the same park as the Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park, but it’s a private open-air facility that feels very much like a traditional Japanese onsen. We paid 530 TWD (approx. €14.80 / $17) for two people, with no time limit on how long you can stay.

At the entrance, you check in, head into separate gendered locker rooms, strip down completely (clothing is not allowed in the pools), and store your belongings. It’s well-organized, making it easy to navigate even if it’s your first time or you don’t speak the language.

The facility has 3 to 4 gorgeous outdoor pools set among lush greenery with varying water temperatures. Some pools are covered, some are open to the sky so you can watch the mist roll in if it rains. You can check images of the baths here where you can also book your ticket.

When Alessandro and I met back up outside, he had already made friends with some Taiwanese guys in the male section with whom we went out for dinner later. Have I said enough how much I love Taiwanese people?

They also shared a neat tip: the male side doesn’t have as many pools as the female one so the sections get swapped weekly so regular visitors get to experience both layouts.

Tangweigou Hot Spring Park

Situated right in the city center, Tangweigou Hot Spring Park is famous for its open-air foot baths and popular fish foot spas. You can sit on the benches while tiny fish gently nibble away dead skin from your feet which can feel ticklish, and unique.

Note: Because it’s right in the center surrounded by food stalls and families, it tends to be quite loud and busy. If you’re looking for a quiet, natural retreat, you might find it a bit too bustling compared to the Forest Bath or the Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park.

Paoma Historic Trail

If you want to balance your spa time with nature, head up the Paoma Historic Trail. It is located on the western hills of Jiaoxi, and it offers stunning views of the city from above.

We walked it right after the rain cleared, and the mountain atmosphere felt very peaceful and lush which made it an unforgettable addition to our trip. We ended the day of light hiking with visiting the hot spring baths which felt amazing.

Conclusion: Jiaoxi Hot Springs Guide

For us, this was our favourite escape from Taipei as we got to explore one of the popular hot spring sources in Taiwan without much crowds around. The combination of easy transport from Taipei, multiple central foot baths, and deeply relaxing traditional bathhouses makes it one of the most rewarding stops in Yilan County.

Hopefully this Jiaoxi hot springs guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your relaxing escape. Pack your favorite swimwear, grab your EasyCard, and get ready to experience some of the best hot springs Taiwan has to offer!