Top 10 Small Tourist Towns in Taiwan - Beitou District

Beitou District (Chinese: 北投區) is the northernmost of the twelve districts of Taipei City, Taiwan. The historical spelling of the district is Peitou. The name originates from the Ketagalan word Kipatauw, meaning witch. Beitou is the most mountainous and highest of Taipei's districts, encompassing a meadow with rivers running through the valley which have abundant steam rising from them; the result of geothermal warming. The valley is often surrounded by mist shrouding the trees and grass.

Beitou is famous for its hot springs. In March 2012, it was named one of the Top 10 Small Tourist Towns by the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan.

Beitou is one of the largest concentrations of hot springs and spas in the world. Once a small park where locals used to relax in the hot springs, the Beitou Valley has evolved today to include over thirty resorts; A 20-minute train ride north of Taipei takes you to Beitou. The resorts and spas are regarded by many locals and international tourists as among the most relaxing and rejuvenating places in the country. The spas consist of different degree pools (from cool to very hot) and minerals. However, residents of this district note that sulfuric fumes from the hot springs do ruin their electric appliances in the long term.

Latterly the waters themselves were the first and comforts like pretty baths, meals and massages came a distant second. Today Beitou supplies dozens of bathing options, from simply soaking your feet in the roadside streams (cost: nothing) to fascinating private baths in swanky resorts (cost: prepare your credit card for an exercises). No matter how much they cost, you should choose a place to go.

Information

The resort area is a few minutes’ walk from Xinbeitou MRT station. Within the Beitou Park are the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and public hot springs. The park is bordered to the north by Zhongshan Rd, where you’ll find the Ketagalan Culture Centre and the route towards the Di-re Valley(地熱谷), the source of the many resorts’ hot springs. During the Taiwan Hot Spring & Fine Cuisine Carnival (台灣溫泉美食嘉年華) in October, Beitou’s resorts provide particular packages.

Sleeping

Whispering Pine Inn: More than 80 years old, this Japanese-style inn is a registered historic landmark but it’s closed until 2014/10/31.

SweetMeHot Spring Resort (水美溫泉會館, 224 Guangming Rd, Beitou; 台北市北投區光明路224號): Across from Beitou Park and a walk from Xinbeitou MRT station, the SweetMe has a weird name but beautiful facilities. It opened in 2003 as the latest incarnation of an older resort. There are indoor and outdoor baths, extensive spa and dining facilities and Japanese touches all over. Even standard guest rooms have beautiful bathtubs.

Shan-YueHotspring Hotel(山樂溫泉,No.17, Quanyuan Rd, Beitou Distri; 台北市北投區泉源路17號): For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Taipei, Shan-Yue Hotspring Hotel is the perfect choice. This modern hotel is in the vicinity of popular city attractions such as Beitou Park, Beitou Hot Springs Museum, and Taipei Children's Art Museum. At Shan-Yue Hotspring Hotel, every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable. While lodging at this wonderful property, guests can enjoy elevator, car park, valet parking, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, coffee shop. Many rooms even provide desk, hair dryer, complimentary bottled water, air conditioning, refrigerator to please the most discerning guest. The hotel's sauna, hot spring bath, steam room, garden are ideal places to relax and unwind after a busy day.

Getting There & Around

Beitou is easily reached by MRT. Take the Danshui (red) line to Beitou station and transfer to a spur train to Xinbeitou station. 

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About 工作達人

Hi, I'm Stephen Liu! A Taiwanese couchsurfer, backpacker, food lover and postcrosser. My wife and I challenged ourself to visit all the counties and cities in Taiwan! Read more here.

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