Taiwan’s largest lake is a place of tranquil beauty, where forested hills frame turquoise waters that shift with the light. Cycling paths and boat cruises reveal its curves, while temples and pagodas dot the shoreline. Spa hotels and bathhouses draw on local springs, offering soaks with lake views. Between indigenous culture, tea plantations, and sunrise walks, Sun Moon Lake carries a meditative rhythm — a balance of water, mountain, and tradition.

Just south of Taipei, Wulai is a riverside village where steaming hot springs meet Atayal indigenous culture. Bathhouses and outdoor pools line the river, while waterfalls cascade through forested hills. Wooden bridges, cable cars, and local craft stalls give the town a traditional feel, while the mineral waters remain the main draw. Wulai is both close to the capital and deeply rooted in its own heritage — a retreat shaped by water and forest.

High in the central mountains, Alishan is famed for misty forests, sunrise views, and ancient cypress groves. The Alishan Forest Railway winds through tea plantations and towering trees, creating one of Taiwan’s most scenic journeys. While not a spa town, the wellness here comes from crisp air, tea culture, and mountain calm. Alishan feels timeless and mythic — a retreat where nature itself is the restorative force.

In the hills east of Taichung, Guguan has been a hot spring retreat for over a century. The waters are silky and clear, piped into riverside pools, hotels, and public baths. Surrounded by forested slopes, it’s a favourite escape for city dwellers seeking rest in nature. Local legend says the springs bring fertility, adding a touch of folklore to the experience. Guguan is intimate, relaxed, and closely tied to the mountain landscape around it.

On Taiwan’s northeast coast, Jiaoxi is famed for hot springs that bubble up in hotels, parks, and even footbath corners along the streets. The waters are gentle and clear, perfect after exploring nearby waterfalls or cycling the coastal roads. Local delicacies — from green onion pancakes to spring-water poached eggs — tie food into the bathing experience. Jiaoxi feels welcoming and easy-going, a town where hot springs are simply part of everyday rhythm.

Taroko Gorge is Taiwan’s most dramatic landscape, a marble canyon where turquoise rivers cut between soaring cliffs. Trails wind past shrines, tunnels, and suspension bridges, offering endless views of rock, water, and forest. Bathing comes in the form of natural riverside pools and mountain hot springs, often reached by short hikes. The gorge blends raw spectacle with moments of calm, a place where nature itself feels like a temple.

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Taitung carries a slower rhythm — coastal hot springs, surf beaches, and indigenous culture shaping its identity. Outdoor baths overlook the sea, while inland valleys brim with rice paddies and forests. The city hosts festivals of music and balloons, while the coast reveals hidden coves and island ferries. Taitung is restorative and authentic, a meeting point of ocean horizons and mountain traditions.