A Day in Beitou and Yangmingshan: Taipei’s Natural Retreat

Travel guideTaiwan

May 20

A steaming hot spring pond in Beitou surrounded by lush green trees.

In this guide we'LL explain Everything you need to know to combine Beitou's hot springs with the stunning volcanic landscapes of Yangmingshan in one day! Discover key spots, transport options, and tips to make the most of your day trip from Taipei.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Taipei with a perfect day trip that blends adventure with relaxation. Start by exploring Yangmingshan National Park, where you’ll see the island’s volcanic power up close. Hike past steaming fumaroles, sulfur-rich springs, and unique volcanic terrain. After soaking in the stunning landscapes, head to Beitou for a tranquil retreat. Just a short ride away, Beitou offers the chance to unwind in natural hot spring baths, surrounded by lush greenery and serene nature, making it the ideal way to end your day trip.

✈︎ Itineraries, budgets, packing tips, and destination guides — it’s all in our Taiwan Travel Essentials. Start planning!

WHEN TO VISIT BEITOU?

The best time to visit is from October to May, when the temperatures are pleasant for hiking the trails in the hills and exploring the Thermal Valley. The summer heat and humidity can be overwhelming, especially when standing near the steaming springs. Hiking in Yangmingshan during summer is possible, but less enjoyable as many trails lack shade, intensifying the heat.

Yangmingshan is generally cooler than Taipei, with cold winters and hot summers. It’s common for the area to be cloudy or foggy, especially in winter, as we experienced firsthand. Checking the live webcams before heading out is a good idea, as you can still enjoy some sunny days during the colder months. Winter is also the perfect time to relax in the hot springs of Beitou.

The shoulder months (April, May, September, and October) offer warm weather, making it an ideal time to explore the thermal area and witness the thriving nature in the National Park.

READ | 11 Must-Do Activities in Taipei for First-Time Visitors

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YANGMINSHAN NATIONAL PARK

Yangmingshan is hands down one of the easiest national parks to visit from Taipei, which makes it perfect for a quick escape into nature. From cherry blossoms in spring to lush hiking trails and steaming hot springs, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. The park’s dormant volcano and bubbling sulfur vents add an extra layer of drama to the already stunning scenery. Whether you're here to hike, unwind, or just soak in the views, Yangmingshan delivers. Having an eSIM made the day even smoother—we could pull up trail maps, check routes, and get food tips on the go without missing a beat.

HOW TO GET TO YANGMINSHAN?

The easiest way to reach Yangmingshan is by car or taxi. Major attractions have large parking lots, making it convenient and flexible for visitors. You’ll save significant time and have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Check availability and prices of rental cars here.

The cheapest way is to take the public transport. Buses are available from Taipei Main Station, Jiantan, or Shilin MRT stations. Common routes include 260, R5, S15, and 1717. Some buses head directly to popular spots like Xiaoyoukeng or Qingtiangang, while others terminate at the Yangmingshan Bus Terminal, a small transit hub within the park. From there, hop on the 108 shuttle bus, which loops clockwise through the park, stopping at major attractions. Travel time from Taipei to your destination in the park typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours. You can swipe your EasyCard for all of the buses.

To get back (or go from) Beitou, take bus S9 from the Yangmingshan Visitor Center, which offers a direct 30-minute ride. Check the schedule to avoid long waits, especially in the evening.

BOOK | This sounds too complicated? Save time and nerves and book this guided tour on Klook.

TIP | The whole city and the buses smell like sulfur, if you are sensitive to smells it is better to bring a mask.

WHAT TO DO?

Explore Sulfurous Xiaoyoukeng

Xiaoyoukeng is a geothermal hotspot you won’t want to miss. This spot is alive with steaming fumaroles, vibrant yellow sulfur deposits, and bubbling hot springs, making it a striking reminder of Taiwan’s volcanic roots. Despite its name, which means "small sulfur hole," it's actually the largest and most accessible steam vent area in the country.

Be prepared for a strong sulfur smell, and note that on foggy days, visibility can be limited, as we experienced during our trip. It’s also the starting point for the hike up Qixingshan, the park’s tallest mountain—a perfect way to continue your visit!

Hike to the peak of Qixingshan

Qixingshan, the highest dormant volcanic peak in Taiwan, offers not only stunning views but also a chance to explore the island's unique ecological landscape. It stands as the tallest point in Taipei City and is home to a variety of protected species. The hike to the summit is about an hour, primarily consisting of steep stairways, but it rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Taipei Basin and breathtaking sunsets. For those seeking a different route down, you can descend the other side of the mountain and finish your hike at Lengshuikeng, a popular spot known for its hot springs.

APP | Download MAPS.ME for offline Trails (iOS / Android)

Dip into the Hot springs at Lengshuikeng

Lengshuikeng is a peaceful spot in Yangmingshan National Park, offering hiking trails, natural hot springs, and a chance to see local wildlife. Despite its name, meaning "cold water hole," the area is known for its warm, relaxing waters, including a public bathhouse and a foot dipping pool. You can also explore the waterfalls nearby or walk to the Milk Pond and the Jingshan Suspension Bridge, both offering scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Wander through the Grassland at Qingtiangang

Qingtiangang is a grassy area atop an old lava terrace in Yangmingshan National Park, famous for the grazing water buffalo. It's one of the park's top attractions, with several nearby hiking and historic trails. The 45-minute loop trail is easy and family-friendly, making it a popular spot in Taipei City for a scenic, relaxing visit.

Catch Beautiful Flowers in Bloom

Depending on the season, different plants and flowers bloom in Yangmingshan. In Zhuzihu, a small valley between Qixing and Datun Mountain, you can enjoy calla lilies from mid-March to mid-April and purple hydrangeas from mid-May to mid-June.

For cherry blossoms, the best spot is the Flower Clock, where they bloom from mid-February to early March. You can also catch azaleas in March. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends. We recommend skipping these spots if you visit outside of the bloom season.

BEITOU

The area is famous for its natural hot springs, offering public baths, private resorts, and outdoor pools. It’s a great place to relax and unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich waters. This city is a blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and cultural experiences—ideal for a rejuvenating day trip from Taipei!

HOW TO GET TO BEITOU?

Getting to the Hot Spring Area is easy. Simply take the Red MRT Line to Beitou Station, transfer to the Pink Line and ride one stop to Xinbeitou Station, where you can start your exploration right away—just 30 minutes from Taipei Main station.

TIP | Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds. However, keep in mind that several attractions are closed on Mondays.

WHAT TO DO IN BEITOU?

Visit Xinbeitou Historic Station

The Xinbeitou Line, opened in 1916 to connect Taipei with Beitou’s hot springs, is one of Taiwan’s shortest at just 1.2 kilometers. The original wooden train station was taken down in 1988 to make way for the MRT, but it was restored and moved to Qixing Park in 2017. Now, it’s a cool historical spot with exhibits showcasing its past, and you can even check out an old wagon for a peek into the history.

Take a Stroll at Beitou Park and visit the Beitou Library

Beitou Park offers a peaceful retreat with scenic walking paths, a serene pond, and lush greenery—an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature.

The library, designed like a wooden ship, pays homage to the area’s Japanese heritage and blends seamlessly into the park. Be sure to step inside, as the architecture is just as stunning as the exterior.

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Expand your Understanding at Beitou Hot Springs Museum

The Beitou Hot Springs Museum is housed in a beautiful historical Japanese-style building and offers a fascinating look at the history of the area’s hot springs. Exhibits cover the cultural and medicinal significance of hot spring bathing.

OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

ENTRANCE | Free

Admire the Plum Garden

Plum Garden in Beitou was once the summer retreat of famous calligrapher Yu Youren. Built in the late 1930s, the place mixes Japanese and Western styles and now serves as a museum displaying Yu's calligraphy and local architecture. Set in Beitou Park, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy art and nature.

OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

Watch the Steam Clouds of Hell Valley

Hell Valley (Beitou Thermal Valley) is an active geothermal area with steaming hot springs, and it’s definitely a must-see during your visit to Beitou. It's a popular spot to view the bubbling sulfuric waters and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The large pool of hot green sulfur water gives off mesmerizing steam, rising in soft clouds that can be seen from far away, creating a beautiful and captivating sight. There’s a walking path that offers views of the valley.

OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Go back in Time at Beitou Museum

A small but interesting museum dedicated to Beitou’s history and cultural heritage, featuring exhibitions about the area's development and traditional culture. It is located at one of Taiwan’s best-preserved wooden Japanese buildings, was originally built in 1921 as the Kazan Hot Spring Hotel.

OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

Relax at the Hot Springs

A lot of hot spring hotels and bath houses in Beitou. Most of them offer private hot spring rooms, only some offer shared (public) baths, which come in two varieties: gender-mixed or seggregated (nude). The are only two gender-mixed hot springs in Beitou, which we covered in details as follows:

Spring City Resort

This hot spring hotel offers both private hot spring rooms and a spacious public outdoor area featuring 8 hot pools, including soothing jets and waterfalls, a cold pool, a children’s section, and relaxing areas, all set in a tranquil environment perfect for unwinding.

When booking through Klook, you can choose between the public or private experience. Keep in mind that private room usage is typically limited to 60 minutes. Guests are provided with a basket of essentials, including a locker key, small and large towels, flip-flops, a robe, and a plastic shower cap. The showers are stocked with complimentary shampoo and soap, making it easy to freshen up after your soak.

RULES

Wearing a swimming cap is mandatory
Bring a swimsuit, any types are allowed

OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

BOOK | Get 35% discount with this offer on Klook!

Beitou Public Hot Spring

This budget-friendly open-air complex features three hot pools of varying temperatures and two cold ones. Due to its easy accessibility, it’s often quite crowded, especially during peak hours. Be sure to bring your own essentials, including a towel, flip-flops, and an appropriate bathing suit. Showers are basic, with hot water available for an additional NT$20.