Jiaoxi Hot Springs: What It’s Really Like + Is It Worth Visiting?

When planning a trip to Taiwan, most people choose Beitou over Jiaoxi hot springs. It’s closer to Taipei, connected by MRT and far easier to fit into a short itinerary.

Jiaoxi sits a little further away in Yilan County, which means it often gets overlooked.

For us, the choice was made for us. Beitou was closed for renovations in May 2025 when we visited. It has since reopened, but at the time it wasn’t an option. I also tend to gravitate towards places that attract more local travellers than international tour groups.

I imagined Jiaoxi as a quiet Japanese-style onsen town tucked into the mountains. Instead, we arrived during the Dragon Boat Festival to find a lively spa village packed with families, neon-lit bathhouses and weekend energy.

And yet, we still had a brilliant time.

Jiaoxi feels more like a domestic getaway than a tourist hotspot. If it’s your first time in Taiwan and you know what to expect, how to get there and whether it’s worth staying overnight, it can be an easy and genuinely relaxing escape from Taipei.

I’ll help you decide whether Jiaoxi hot springs are worth your time, why I recommend staying overnight, and whether you should choose it over Beitou.

_{This post may contain affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for qualifying purchases. For more information, read our disclaimer.}   

No time to read this Jiaoxi hot spring guide now? PIN IT FOR LATER!

What makes Jiaoxi hot springs special 

​​Jiaoxi is a small town famous for its sodium bicarbonate hot springs. Unlike sulfur springs you’ll find in places like Beitou, these springs are odourless and clear, which makes them much more approachable if you’re new to hot springs.

The water is often called “beauty water” because it leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft. I didn’t believe that claim until we soaked for 20 minutes and I came out feeling like I’d used a fancy body scrub.

Some quick facts:

• Water temperature is typically 40–60°C at the source. I lasted about 20 minutes in the foot bath before needing to escape!
• Most baths regulate it to 38–42°C so it is very warm
• Some hot springs are gender-separated and require full nudity
• Some hotels in Jiaoxi offer private in-room baths

One thing that surprised me is that Jiaoxi feels more like a local weekend escape. Compared to the pace of Taipei and Jiufen, Jiaoxi is way more relaxed.

During the public holiday when we visited, it was packed with Taiwanese families. It had a lively vibe – but not exactly the quiet retreat I imagined.

Why Jiaoxi deserves a spot on your Taiwan itinerary

Taiwan has multiple hot spring areas, but Jiaoxi stands out for one reason: ease.

It’s just over an hour away from Taipei. 

It also doesn’t feel like a tourist hotspot, and that’s something I love – just how authentic our time there felt.

When we were planning our Taiwan itinerary, I wanted at least one traditional hot spring experience, and Jiaoxi was the easiest option to slot in. 

We balanced our time in northern Taiwan with cultural experiences in Taipei too, like learning how to participate in the fortune telling ritual at Longshan Temple.  Jiaoxi worked perfectly as the slower, restorative contrast.

Here’s what makes it appealing:

• Extremely accessible from Taipei
• Wide range of hot spring types (free, budget, luxury)
• Walkable town center
• Easy access to waterfalls, beaches and hiking

That said, it’s not packed with attractions. If you’re expecting endless “things to do in Jiaoxi,” you may feel underwhelmed after a day.

When is the best time to visit Jiaoxi?

One thing I wish I’d thought about more carefully before booking was timing.

We visited during a public holiday in May and it was busy. Not mildly busy. Properly packed with families, tour groups and queues for taxis. 

I personally love interacting with the locals in any country I visit, and we made friends with so many Taiwanese people over meals at our hotel. The public holiday didn’t ruin the experience, it made it feel so much more wholesome.

If you’re after a peaceful, spa-style retreat, I’d advise researching the public holidays before mapping out your itinerary.

Hotel prices had risen a lot during this period too, which wasn’t ideal.

Best time of year for hot springs

Jiaoxi hot springs are more enjoyable in cooler months.

Autumn and winter, roughly October to March, are ideal. Soaking in hot water when the air is crisp just feels right. Steam rising in cool weather is part of the experience.

In summer, it can feel quite humid and warm. You can still enjoy the baths, but it’s not quite as atmospheric.

Avoiding crowds

If you hate crowds, you should:

• Avoid Taiwanese public holidays
• Avoid long weekends
• Aim for midweek stays
• Arrive early in the day

Jiaoxi is a popular domestic weekend escape from Taipei. Friday evenings and Saturdays are the busiest.

If I were planning this trip again, I would visit midweek in winter and stay one night. That combination would give you the most relaxed version of Jiaoxi.

Typhoon season considerations

Taiwan’s typhoon season typically runs from July to September. Transport can be disrupted and outdoor activities like waterfalls and beaches may close temporarily.

If your main goal is purely soaking indoors, this may not affect you much. If you want to combine hot springs with hiking or a trip to Waiao Beach, keep the weather in mind.

How to get to Jiaoxi from Taipei

Getting to Jiaoxi is surprisingly easy – and that’s one of the biggest reasons it’s worth visiting.

When we were planning this trip, I didn’t want a complicated travel day involving multiple transfers and confusing stations. Jiaoxi ended up being one of the simplest legs of our entire Taiwan itinerary.

The town is just 60–90 minutes from Taipei, depending on your transport choice.

You have three main options:

Train (most reliable option) 

The easiest and most reliable way to reach Jiaoxi hot springs is by train from Taipei Main Station to Jiaoxi Station.

• Journey time: 75–90 minutes
• Direct route
• No traffic delays
• Jiaoxi Station is centrally located

If I were planning this again, I would choose the train. Highway traffic can be unpredictable, especially on weekends and public holidays. The train is consistent and stress-free.

Bus (budget-friendly and direct)

The Kamalan Bus departs from Taipei Bus Station and takes around 60–90 minutes.

It’s direct and affordable, making it a great option if you’re staying near Taipei Main Station.

The only downside is traffic. On long weekends or public holidays, travel time can stretch significantly.

If you’re travelling midweek though, this is pretty straightforward and a beginner-friendly choice.

Hiring a driver

If you’re travelling as a group or want to combine Jiaoxi with stops like Jiufen, Shifen or Yehliu, hiring a driver a driver makes sense.

We chose this option and used the transfer day to explore northern Taiwan before being dropped at our hotel in Jiaoxi.

It’s more expensive than public transport, but it adds a lot of flexibility. 

A driver can be especially helpful if you plan to visit places like Wai’ao Beach, Toucheng or multiple hiking spots in one day too. It will save you navigating public transport or waiting around for Ubers.

How to get around Jiaoxi

Jiaoxi’s town centre is compact and walkable. If your hotel is near the station or hot spring parks, you won’t need transport for most things.

That said, we didn’t realise how transport-dependent some areas are.

• Uber does operate in Jiaoxi, but drivers are limited
• Wait times can be long, especially during holidays
• Tourist shuttle buses run infrequently

We walked most places and took one Uber to Wai’ao Beach – but it took three attempts before a driver accepted our journey!

If you plan to explore beyond the town centre, hiring a driver or renting a car is the easiest option.

If you’re just visiting for a relaxed soak and one or two short excursions, you can comfortably manage without one.

What to pack for a day trip to Jiaoxi hot spring 

If you’re visiting the Jiaoxi hot springs for the day rather than staying overnight, a little preparation goes a long way.

Here’s what I recommend bringing:

• Swimsuit if you plan to visit a mixed-gender or public facility that requires one
• Your own towel, though some facilities rent them out
• Flip flops
• Water bottle
• Small bag for wet items

Many traditional hot spring baths are nude and gender separated. If you’re not comfortable with that, look for modern spa-style facilities or hotels that offer private baths.

If you are just planning to visit Jiaoxi hot spring park, then you don’t need to worry about bringing any clothes to change into. It’s a public hot spring that everybody rolls their trousers up to step into. With benches and seating dotted around, there is no room to fully immerse your whole body into the water.

We opted for a hotel stay so we could enjoy a private bath in our room too, which removed any stress about etiquette or nudity. 

If it’s your first time experiencing a hot spring in Asia, that might feel less intimidating.

Hot spring etiquette: how to use a hot spring in Jiaoxi

This was something I was mildly anxious about before arriving.

Hot spring etiquette is a thing in Taiwan. There are a few key rules:

1. Shower thoroughly before entering the bath
2. Do not wear swimwear in nude baths
3. Tie up long hair
4. No phones or photography
5. Keep voices low
6. Shower again before getting dressed
7. Ensure you drink plenty of water afterwards to replenish your body

Most facilities provide stools and handheld showers for washing before you enter the pools.

I remember walking into our first public bath area and feeling slightly awkward, unsure of where to stand or what to do. Within five minutes, though, you realise everyone is just quietly minding their own business.

If you’re respectful and follow the signs, you’ll be totally fine.

Choosing the best Jiaoxi hot spring experience

There isn’t one single best Jiaoxi hot spring because it depends on what you want.

If you’re after a free and casual experience, Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park has public foot baths and accessible soaking areas.

If you want something more polished, hotel spas offer private rooms, better facilities and a calmer atmosphere.

Personally, I preferred having a private bath in our hotel room. After a long day of travelling, being able to soak without worrying about time limits or crowds felt worth it.

If hot springs are your main reason for coming to Jiaoxi, these are the experiences that are actually worth your time:

Private in-room bath at Hotel PIN Jiaoxi

We chose Hotel PIN Jiaoxi specifically for the privacy of their in-room hot spring tubs. After seeing how busy the town was during the Dragon Boat Festival, being able to retreat to our own space in the evening made all the difference.

Most hotels in Jiaoxi offer private baths, but this was one of the more affordable options in a location away from the city centre. For us, it struck the right balance between comfort and cost.

If you’re nervous about public nudity or just want a quieter experience, booking a private bath is absolutely worth it.

Tangweigou Hot Spring Park 

Tangweigou is famous for its free outdoor foot baths and fish spa experiences, which cost around 80 TWD.

The atmosphere here feels lively rather than tranquil. It’s a place where families gather, people chat and children dip their feet in and out of the pools.

The fish spa looks like fun if you’re not completely grossed out by tiny fish nibbling at your feet. I personally couldn’t bring myself to try it.

Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park foot bath

Yes, it gets busy, but there is more space than you might expect in the foot baths. You don’t need to stay long either. The water is hot enough that fifteen minutes feels sufficient.

There is also an outdoor pool popular with locals. It was closed during our visit, but if you plan to use it, bring swimwear and your own towel.

Hot Spring Onion 

Hot Spring Onion is one of the more unusual private bath experiences in Jiaoxi. The decor is unique, playful and a little eccentric, with themed rooms designed for two people.

Sessions last 90 minutes (book them in advance), making it a good option for couples wanting privacy without booking an overnight stay.

Budget public bathhouses near the train station

If you want the most local experience, skip the hotel spas and try one of the small bathhouses near the train station. There are simple, low-cost bathhouses in Jiaoxi where locals go and are very different from polished hotel spas.

Things to do in Jiaoxi 

Jiaoxi is primarily about the hot springs, but there are a few additional attractions I actually think are worth it.

Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park

This is the heart of the town. There are foot baths, walking paths and open soaking areas.

It’s lively rather than serene, especially on weekends. When we visited, children were splashing in the foot baths and families were picnicking nearby.

If you’re expecting a quiet spa retreat, this might surprise you.

Tangweigou Hot Spring Park

This is another central soaking area with public baths and foot pools.

It’s well maintained and easy to access. Even if you don’t soak, it’s nice to walk through in the evening when the steam rises into the cool air.

Wufengqi Waterfall

This three-tiered waterfall was closed for construction when we visited in May 2025, which was disappointing because it had been one of the reasons we extended our stay.

It has since reopened as of January 2026.

If it had been open during our trip, I think our overall impression of Jiaoxi would have been more balanced. Nature activities definitely help break up the spa-heavy focus of the town.

Linmei Shipan Trail

This circular forest trail is a good option if you want some light hiking.

It’s shaded, peaceful and offers a completely different vibe from the busy town centre. If I were planning again, I would prioritise this earlier in the day before heading back to soak.

Wai’ao Beach

Located in nearby Toucheng, Wai’ao Beach is a black sand beach popular with surfers.

We took an Uber there and spent a couple of hours walking along the shore. It was windy, dramatic and far quieter than Jiaoxi itself as people were spread out all over.

If you want a break from the hot spring environment, this is a good half-day excursion.

How long to spend in Jiaoxi

For most travellers, one night in Jiaoxi is ideal.

We stayed two nights, partly because we planned to hike Wufengqi Waterfall and explore more of Yilan County. With the waterfall closed and limited transport options, we found ourselves revisiting the same areas twice.

Unless you’re renting a car and exploring widely, two nights can feel excessive.

Here’s how I’d plan it:

Day trip from Taipei

• Perfect if you’re short on time.
• Arrive in the morning, soak, wander the parks, maybe visit Wai’ao Beach and then return to Taipei in the evening.

One night (my recommendation)

• Arrive mid-afternoon.
• Soak in the evening when it’s cooler.
• Explore waterfalls or hiking trails the next morning.
• Return to Taipei before lunch.

This gives you the full hot spring experience without running out of things to do.

Two nights

Only worth it if:

• You have a car
• You’re travelling with children
• You plan to explore more of Yilan County
• You want a relaxed couple of days in between navigating busy cities

Jiaoxi is very family-focused, with entertainment geared towards kids. If you’re travelling as a couple or solo, one night is more than enough.

If I were planning this trip again, I would visit midweek in winter and stay one night. That would give you the most relaxed version of Jiaoxi.

Is Jiaoxi worth visiting?

Yes, Jiaoxi hot springs are absolutely worth visiting.

But not for the reasons you might expect.

If you’re imagining a hidden mountain onsen town with complete silence and misty solitude, Jiaoxi isn’t that. It’s a lively spa town built for Taiwanese weekenders, especially families – and it gets busy.

What makes Jiaoxi worth it is how easy and accessible the experience is.

It’s beginner-friendly.
The water is odourless and less intimidating than sulphur springs.
You can choose anything from free foot baths to private in-room hot spring tubs.
And it’s close enough to Taipei to fit into almost any itinerary.

If this is your first hot spring experience in Taiwan, Jiaoxi is one of the least overwhelming places to try it.

If you’re looking for a peaceful overnight escape from the city, it works beautifully, especially midweek in winter.

If you only have a few days in Taipei and don’t want to deal with extra travel time, Beitou is more convenient.

But if you want a short getaway that feels like a domestic Taiwanese experience rather than a tourist stop, Jiaoxi delivers.

The key is managing your expectations.

Go for:

• Easy access
• A relaxed soak
• A change of pace from Taipei
• And ideally, a hotel with a private bath

If you plan it right, Jiaoxi becomes less about ticking off attractions and more about slowing down – and that’s exactly what made it memorable for us.

Jiaoxi vs Beitou hot springs: which should you choose?

If you’re deciding between Jiaoxi hot springs and Beitou, you’re not alone. Both are popular hot spring destinations near Taipei, but they seem very different.

Location and Convenience

Beitou is technically in Taipei. You can reach it easily on the MRT in under 40 minutes.

Jiaoxi requires a train or bus journey of around 60 to 90 minutes.

If you want the absolute easiest option, Beitou wins.

Atmosphere

Beitou has a more historic, Japanese-era onsen atmosphere. The sulphur smell is strong, the architecture feels older and it has more of that traditional spa-town character.

Jiaoxi feels more like a lively spa town built for weekenders than a historic onsen village. It is cleaner and easier for first-timers who might be put off by the strong mineral smell.

When we walked around Jiaoxi, it felt like a weekend getaway town for locals. Beitou seems more integrated into a larger city.

Water type

Beitou’s hot springs are sulphur based and have a noticeable smell.

Jiaoxi hot springs are sodium bicarbonate and completely odourless. If you’re sensitive to smells or new to hot springs, Jiaoxi may feel more comfortable.

To me, Jiaoxi seems less intense and more approachable.

Things to do

Beitou has museums, thermal valley, hiking trails and is easier to combine with other Taipei attractions.

Jiaoxi has waterfalls, beaches and access to the Yilan countryside, but requires more effort to explore.

If you’re staying in Taipei for a short trip, Beitou makes more sense.

If you want a dedicated overnight spa break away from the city, Jiaoxi works better.

So which is better?

If you only have time for one and are based in Taipei, choose Beitou.

If you want a short getaway that feels removed from the city and you prefer odourless hot springs, choose Jiaoxi.

Neither is objectively better. It depends on how much time you have and what kind of experience you want.

Where to stay in Jiaoxi 

We stayed at Hotel PIN Jiaoxi, and in some ways, it was the right choice.

As I mentioned before, we didn’t realise it was a public holiday before we booked our stay. So when researching hotels, they all seemed extortionate compared to hotels elsewhere across the country.

At the time, Hotel PIN was the most affordable without compromising too much on how luxe it would be.

The biggest advantage for us was the private in-room hot spring tub. After seeing the crowds at public baths, I was glad we could retreat to our own space.

The hotel itself does feel like a basic resort geared towards children and families. Our room was modern, large, comfortable and within walking distance of the main attractions. There is a large games room on the top floor along with a mini library, and a small outdoor pool. 

The hotel, which is split across two buildings, was fully booked and so naturally the pool area was full throughout our entire stay – so we didn’t get to make use of it.

The location, happy hour at the restaurant and a private hot spring in our rooms were the highlights of our stay.

If you want privacy, book a hotel with a private bath. If you’re day-tripping, go straight to Tangweigou and the hot spring park.

Quick decision guide

• Short on time in Taipei? Choose Beitou.
• Want a relaxed overnight escape? Stay one night in Jiaoxi and book a hotel with a private hot spring tub.
• Visiting on a weekend or public holiday? Don’t skip the private bath experience, it makes all the difference.

Found this guide to Jiaoxi helpful? PIN IT!

Read more about planning a trip to Taiwan:

• 40+ Unique Things to Do in Taipei for First Time Visitors
• How To Participate in Secret Fortune Telling at Longshan Temple Taipei
• Day Trip to Jiufen: Is it Worth it & How to Plan the Perfect Day
• 3 Days in Taipei: The Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Jiaoxi Hot Springs: What It’s Really Like + Is It Worth Visiting?