Wondering how to spend a day in Beitou and plan your Beitou itinerary? Look no further. Welcome to Beitou, an enchanting district nestled within the heart of Taipei. This district is celebrated for its harmonious blend of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and captivating landscapes. Renowned as a haven for rejuvenation, Beitou is most famous for its therapeutic hot springs, where mineral-rich waters bubble forth from the Earth. Beyond the allure of its geothermal treasures, Beitou unveils a wide range of experiences catering to diverse tastes.
This guide encourages you to explore the multifaceted charm of Beitou through carefully curated itineraries. From immersive cultural encounters to architectural marvels and nature’s beauty, Beitou extends an invitation to craft a personalized adventure. We welcome you to blend elements from each Beitou itinerary to craft an unforgettable journey at your own pace and preference.
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Where things are in Beitou
To make the best itinerary for a nice trip to Beitou, it is important to plan the best route and know what is where. Planning is hard but do not sweat for this one. Beitou is not very complicated and most things are within walking distance. The main area is what we call the Beitou Hot Spring Strip, it starts from west to east, covering a series of fun attractions. We also provided the relative locations of other attractions.
Beitou Hot Spring Strip: Xinbeitou Historic Station -> Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch -> Beitou Hot Spring Museum -> Plum Garden -> Geothermal Valley -> Hot Spring Egg Boiling (West to east. Total strip is about 15 min walking distance)
East of Hot Spring Strip: Beitou Night Market (8 min from Xinbeitou MRT Station)
West of Hot Spring Strip: Beitou Museum (16 min from Geothermal Valley)
These places might sound unfamiliar to you right now, so we will start by introducing all the different attractions. At the end, we will then provide you with a guide to the best itinerary and how you can adjust it to fit your needs.
Must-See Attractions In Beitou, Taipei
1. Geothermal Valley
📍Maps | ⏱️ 9:00-17:00 | 🎫 Free
Source: trip.com
Begin your day by exploring the Geothermal Valley, where the bubbling hot springs create a mesmerizing natural spectacle. This area boasts the hottest springs within the Da Tun Shan region, with water temperatures ranging from 80°C to a scorching boiling point. Despite the dangerous heat, the valley remains a captivating sight, particularly on sunny days when sunlight dances upon the water’s surface, transforming the area into an enchanting realm.
Source: bunnyann.com
As you step into the Geothermal Valley Park, also known as the “鬼谷” (Ghost Valley) or “地獄谷” (Hell Valley), you’ll find a Taiwan-shaped hand bath at the entrance, offering warm spring water for a delightful and soothing experience. The tub is not only a thermal wonder but also a place where nature and art converge. At the heart of the tub lies a warm spring, surrounded by an interpretation of Taiwan’s mountainous terrain. After indulging in the hand bath, explore the souvenir shop and the recently opened riverside relaxation area. Additionally, another highly recommended feature is the “靈湯步道” (Spiritual Hot Spring Trail), a scenic path that encircles the lake. This trail, with its gentle undulations, offers a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the symbolism of the trail, mirroring the contours of Taiwan’s mountain ranges.
Whether you are captivated by the geological wonders, cultural symbolism, or the serene beauty of the landscape, Geothermal Valley is a must-visit destination in your Beitou itinerary. Fortunately, the park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and entrance is free throughout the day.
2. Hot Spring Egg boiling Experience
📍Maps | 🎫 NT$50
Source: bobby.tw
Next, prepare for a delightful egg-boiling experience just steps away from the Geothermal Valley at the Water Source Hot Spring Hotel. This is probably one of the most fun activity in our Beitou itinerary recommendation. Start by purchasing the eggs at the reception. Although two eggs are priced at NT$50, the cost is justified considering the upkeep and facilities. It is advisable not to bring your own eggs as the process is monitored by security cameras.
The instructions for boiling eggs are straightforward. 5 minutes for a runny yolk, 6 minutes for the classic semi-cooked hot spring egg, and 8 minutes for a fully-cooked yolk. In no time, you’ll be savoring the tender and uniquely aromatic hot spring eggs. The process is not only entertaining but also yields a delicious outcome, prompting you to capture the moment with multiple photos. In the past, the Geothermal Valley was a popular spot for cooking hot spring eggs. However, due to safety concerns arising from unexpected incidents, this practice is now prohibited. While Geothermal Valley may no longer allow egg boiling, the Water Source Hot Spring Hotel fulfills this simple yet charming desire.
3. Beitou Hot Spring Museum
📍Maps | ⏱️ 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Monday) | 🎫 Free | 🌐 Website
Source: travel.1111.com
Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the iconic Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a cornerstone attraction in Taipei’s Beitou district. Entrance to the museum is free, as is the guided tours. Once a public bathhouse during the Japanese colonial era, the museum preserves the ambiance of that time.
While today’s visitors can no longer indulge in a soak, the museum’s architecture showcases a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences. The first floor, constructed with bricks, was the bath area. While the second floor, a wooden structure, serves as a relaxation space. The entrance, located on the second floor, offers a picturesque scene perfect for Instagram-worthy shots, making it a favorite among social media influencers.
Source: travel.taipei
For those seeking a deeper understanding, visitors can reserve English or Japanese tours. The museum unveils the bygone era of hot spring bathing, providing a glimpse into the cramped space allocated for women and children. In contrast, men enjoyed a much more spacious Roman-style bathhouse. Adorning the outer walls of the bathhouse are intricately embedded stained glass windows, creating a radiant and opulent bathing atmosphere—a feature that once made it the largest hot spring bathhouse in East Asia.
Beitou, with its abundance of hot spring resorts, has often been the backdrop for over a hundred Taiwanese films. This earned it the nickname “Taiwanese Hollywood.” As you add the Hot Spring Museum into your Beitou Itinerary, you’re not just stepping into history but also immersing yourself in the vibrant culture that defines this remarkable district.
4. Beitou Plum Garden
📍Maps | ⏱️ 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Monday) ｜🌐 Website
Source: travel.taipei
If you visited Beitou Hot Spring Museum, you must not miss this gem. Discover the essence of romantic Japanese allure at Beitou Plum Garden! As you step into this enchanting haven, you’re instantly transported to a world reminiscent of the traditional aesthetics of Kyoto. The captivating wooden structures, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings, create an idyllic setting that evokes a sense of serene beauty. The garden’s design includes a delightful combination of Japanese architectural elements, a weekend artisan market, and tranquil traditional courtyards.
Beitou Plum Garden, with almost 90 years of history, was once the summer retreat of the “Grass Script Master” Mr. Yu You-ren. The architectural style follows a Japanese wooden construction design, and the garden is nestled beside the Beitou River. The characters “梅庭” (Plum Garden) at the entrance were personally inscribed by Mr. Yu You-ren, adding a personal touch to the historical charm of the place.
Source: travel.taipei
Situated conveniently next to the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, the garden welcomes visitors with open arms. The entrance is also free, making it an accessible and delightful attraction. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the garden hosts a weekend artisan market, infusing the atmosphere with vibrant energy. Sunday visits treat guests to the sights and sounds of street performers, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the visual.
Upon entering the garden, visitors are kindly asked to remove their shoes, contributing to the preservation of the pristine environment. The attention to cleanliness enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to wander freely and fully absorb the beauty of this retreat. As you explore the pathways and courtyards, the garden unfolds as a multifaceted haven, providing moments of tranquility, cultural richness, and artistic expression—a true embodiment of the romantic spirit of Japan in the heart of Taipei.
5. Beitou Museum
📍Maps | ⏱️ 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Monday) | 🎫 NT$120 ｜ 🌐 Website
Source: KKday
For a deeper understanding of Beitou’s cultural heritage, visit the Beitou Museum. Beitou Museum exudes a rich Japanese ambiance, hence is often referred to as “Taipei’s Little Kyoto.” Originally a luxurious hot spring resort during the Japanese colonial era, the museum bears witness to Beitou’s hot spring development and bathing culture. Preserving this century-old structure through restoration, it now serves as a private museum and heritage site to the public. Beyond being a static relic, Beitou Museum adopts a multifaceted approach, allowing visitors to explore through visual, gustatory, and hands-on experiences. You may also see beautiful blossoms if the season is appropriate.
Source: welcometw.com
Upon entering the museum, the first sight to behold is the charming Japanese-style garden, a favorite Instagram spot, The garden seamlessly blends topography, stones, ponds, and local features to create a serene landscape. The building then presents a large traditional Japanese tatami mat space. Housing around 5000 preserved Japanese artifacts, the museum also retains a large bath from the colonial era, where visitors can simulate a bathing experience with virtual reality.
Furthermore, the museum hosts unique events like the “Zhuozhou” ceremony. This a Chinese tradition predicting a child’s future by grasping various symbolic items. Additionally, the museum provides opportunities for visitors to experience crafting delicate Japanese sweets or partake in a traditional tea ceremony. Moreover, the museum has a restaurant that serves amazing kaiseki meals and Japanese afternoon tea. To summarize, history aficionados and art lovers will defintely find this museum enlightening. If you are an photographer or instagrammer, do not skip this in your Beitou itinerary.
6. Dharma Drum Mountain Nung Chan Monastery
📍Maps | ⏱️ 09:00-16:30 ｜ 🌐 Website
Source: eatlovephoto.com
Dharma Drum Mountain is a global Buddhist organization with a mission to promote the teachings of Buddhism. Established in 1989, the organization seeks to integrate traditional Buddhist wisdom with contemporary life. The name “Dharma Drum” reflects Master Sheng Yen’s aspiration to spread the Dharma, or Buddhist teachings, throughout the world like the sound of a drum. Dharma Drum Mountain aims to help individuals achieve inner peace, cultivate compassion, and lead more mindful lives.
Stepping into the serene embrace of Dharma Drum Mountain Nung Chan Monastery, you can immediately senses an extraordinary atmosphere. Nestled by the tranquil pond, visitors can’t help but sit quietly, feeling the gentle breeze alleviate the weariness and worries. You will feel as if every fiber of the being is cleansed by the soothing wind. The inspiration behind this design emanates from the words of Master Sheng Yen: “Flowers in the sky, moon in the water.” This philosophy gives birth to the name “Water-Moon Dharma Hall.”
Source: Dharma Drum Mountain FB page, gsctrip.com
Water-Moon Dharma Hall
Amidst the captivating Water-Moon Dharma Hall, the most striking feature is the expansive Diamond Sutra Wall. The architectural marvel of engraving the Diamond Sutra onto a long stone wall adds a dignified and majestic ambiance to the surroundings. Viewed from afar, the structure seemingly floats gently on the water’s surface, casting a mesmerizing reflection in the pond—an ethereal sight.
Beyond the impressive architectural elements, the monastery offers a spacious and tranquil environment, perfect for meditation and relaxation. The gentle breeze that wafts through the area is refreshing and invigorating. The presence of a lotus pond adds to the peaceful ambiance, creating a haven for those seeking solace. Despite its proximity slightly further from attractions in Beitou, the Nung Chan Monastery is a gem worth including in your itinerary. It could serve as the first or final stop to set a calm tone for the day. The monastery offers a serene retreat, inviting visitors to embrace a moment of peace within the exhilarating journey.
7. Xinbeitou Historic Station
📍Maps | ⏱️ 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Monday)｜ 🌐 Website
Source: bobowin.blog
Xinbeitou MRT station, also known as the New Beitou Train Station, stands as a historical gem. It marks the last remaining century-old station on the Tamsui Railway Line. After a period of closure due to the cessation of the Taipei-Tamsui Railway Line, the station has been revitalized. This expansion introduces additional platforms, railway tracks, and trains, bringing a renewed sense of vitality to the area. The delightful destination now offers attractions such as hot spring ramen, weekend markets, and complimentary hot spring hand baths.
Source: bobowin.blog
Step inside, and you’ll encounter a blend of nostalgia and modernity. The interiors feature meticulously restored elements such as the original train station office desks, wooden railings, and a traveler’s message board. Through the refurbishment, the station now boasts a model showcasing its historical appearance, capturing the essence of the trains that once traversed its tracks. With its convenient accessibility via the MRT, exiting the station opens the door to a world of exploration.
Adding to the allure is a complimentary hot spring hand bath area right in front of the station. It offers a taste of the natural spring you’ll encounter at the fascinating Geothermal Valley. Xinbeitou Station is more than a transportation hub. It is also a multifaceted experience that seamlessly weaves together history, culture, and contemporary Beitou. If you stopped by Xinbeitou Station, don’t forget to spend some time exploring the additional exhibitions and attractions around the station. They usually have handmade craft markets around the station on weekends as well.
8. Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch
📍Maps | ⏱️ 08:30-21:00 (Closed early Sun, Mon)｜ 🌐 Website
Source: travel.taipei
When embarking on a day trip to Taipei’s Beitou district, a visit to the Beitou Library is a must. To reach Beitou branch of Taipei Public Library, take the MRT to Xinbeitou Station. You will then discover one of the world’s coolest green buildings.
Designed by architect Zhang Qinghua, Beitou Library stands as Taiwan’s first green library. It has earned international acclaim as one of the world’s 25 most beautiful public libraries, according to Flavorwire.com in 2012. Recognized for its environmental sustainability, the library boasts a roof adorned with lightweight ecological materials and equipped with solar panels for energy generation. The sloping grass roofs facilitate natural drainage, contributing to rainwater harvesting for plant irrigation and toilet flushing. The structure also optimizes airflow such that even without air conditioning, it still feels nice and cool during Taiwan’s scorching summers.
Source: travel.taipei
The library comprises three floors, each offering unique sections. This includes the comprehensive service counter, periodicals and newspapers area, computer query zone and more. The library’s commitment to ecological conservation extends to its interior, making it a haven for literature enthusiasts and environmental advocates. If you are an environmentalist, definitely at this to your Beitou itinerary.
9. Beitou Night Market
Source: TVBS, ifoodie.tw
Tucked away in Beitou, this night market beckons with its myriad stalls, creating a captivating tableau of Taiwanese street food. Imagine navigating through lantern-lit lanes, each offering a diverse tapestry of flavors. From the sizzling dance of pancakes to the aromatic allure of braised pork rice bowls, every corner unfolds a unique gastronomic adventure. Immerse yourself in the energetic ambiance, where the clatter of woks and the cheerful chatter of locals compose a symphony of diverse street eats. They might have some tasty Taiwanese fruits too, best for the summer times.
Whether you’re an adventurous explorer keen on trying local specialties like stinky tofu or a dessert aficionado in search of the perfect bubble tea, Beitou Night Market invites you to an enchanting evening filled with unexpected tastes and the warmth of Taiwan’s street food culture. We will not go into details about the night market in this post. However, if you are interested in the best food, check out our post on what to eat in Beitou. We know how important it is for foodies to sort our their food options in their Beitou itinerary.
10. Sulfur Valley Recreation Area
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Source: bobowin.blog
If you are amazed by Geothermal Valley, Sulfur Valley will blow your mind away. The trail takes you from the mist-covered lake path at the source of Beitou’s hot springs to the uphill climb through the Sulfur Valley Trail and the Longfeng Valley Geothermal Landscape. The gradient lakes of Sulfur Valley present a dreamlike spectacle when illuminated by the autumn sun, showcasing the region’s hot, steaming springs. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous steam vents, sulfur fumaroles, and geothermal hot springs, creating a distinct sense of being in a foreign land.
Due to safety considerations, access to Sulfur Valley itself is restricted. However, you can still admire the captivating scenery from the safety of the surrounding barriers. The history of sulfur mining in Yangmingshan dates back to the Qing Dynasty, spanning several centuries until it ceased in the 1980s. The former mining site has transformed into the current Sulfur Valley, where you can witness the scalding hot springs flowing alongside the road. The exposed rock formations nearby serve as a testament to the awe-inspiring craftsmanship of nature. Areas with sulfur and hot spring can often look rather deserted and full of rocks, but Sulfur Valley is different. The lush green mountains with blue water along with white steam forms a truly magical scene.
Sulfur Valley Trail
Source: travel.yam.com, sci-tw.blogspot.com
Autumn is the most picturesque season to visit, with the trail adorned on both sides by fields of silver grass. The blackened or reddish-brown walls of Sulfur Valley’s rocks, eroded by sulfur gas, present a unique geological landscape not found elsewhere in Taiwan. In the distance, sulfur gas continues to emanate, creating an otherworldly ambiance. The trail through the Longfeng Valley exudes a nostalgic charm, revealing its age while maintaining its condition quite well. The accompanying Sulfur Creek flows towards Tianmu, offering a soothing companion to your journey. The entire trail is flat, easy and less than a mile. But there is so much to see along the path that it will take much longer than you think. If you need more challenging ones, our guide to Taiwan’s best trails definitely will not disappoint you.
The Sulfur Valley trail is situated in the mountains and can be quite out of the way. Therefore it is best if you have a car. For adventurers and outdoor lovers alike, the trip to the source of hot spring will definitely help you make a deeper connection to the district.
Tips for planning your Beitou Itinerary
Now that we get the idea what our options are, let us start putting things together!
Source: fupo.tw
Beitou Hot Spring Strip: Xinbeitou Historic Station -> Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch -> Beitou Hot Spring Museum -> Plum Garden -> Geothermal Valley -> Hot Spring Egg Boiling (Total strip is about 15 min)
East of Hot Spring Strip: Beitou Night Market (8 min from Xinbeitou MRT Station)
West of Hot Spring Strip: Beitou Museum (16 min from Geothermal Valley)
In general, most of the hot spring hotels and attractions are surrounded on the east of Xinbeitou MRT station. We will call this the Beitou Hot Spring Strip. You can feel free to follow along, spend as much or as little time at each spot, or skip it if it’s not interesting to you. We recommend using the strip as the basis of your itinerary. Start the strip by traveling to Xinbeitou MRT Station. If you are driving, you can park at Qixing Park Underground Parking Lot or nearby areas.
Now we have the base covered, we can then adjust as needed. If you want to do to Beitou Museum, once you are at the end of the strip (Geothermal Valley) walk another 16min along Youya Road. If you are interested in Dharma Drum Mountain Monastery or Sulfur Valley, we recommend doing them in the morning, before you start the Beitou Hot Spring Strip. As for Beitou Night Market, it is actually on the west side of the entire strip. Therefore, do some planning if you are looking forward to the night market experience around the area. Either take a bus, or plan to return to Xinbeitou Station, then move forward to the night market.
Source: bobowin.blog, margaret.tw
Finally, depending where your hot spring hotel is, whether your are staying for the night or not and when you want to do your hot soak, you can make some adjustments to your itinerary too. Almost all of them offer shuttles from Xinbeitou MRT Station, so remember to make use of that!
Example Beitou itineraries:
【Discover Beitou’s Roots】 Sulfur Valley -> Lunch at Beitou Night Market -> Beitou Hot Spring Strip -> Hot spring hotel experience
【Architecture Heritage Tour】 Dharma Drum Mountain -> Beitou Hot Spring Strip (skip some places) -> Lunch (around the area or at Beitou Museum) -> Beitou Museum -> Hot spring hotel experience -> Dinner at Beitou Night Market
Note that our itinerary all end with a wonderful hot spring hotel experience, because you just cannot skip that one out! We have a recommended list of the best hot spring hotels in Beitou, including different styles and budget.
And that’s a wrap! Hope you found everything you needed to plan your Beitou itinerary. For more to see around Taipei, check out our top spots part 1 and part2. Have a blast in Beitou!
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