Introduction to Wulai hot springs and Its Unique Features
Located in Wulai District, New Taipei City, Wulai hot springs are surrounded by mountains, boasting exceptional terrain and water quality. This natural beauty, combined with the reputation of Wulai hot springs as the "Beauty Soup," attracts countless domestic and foreign tourists to enjoy the fun of soaking in the springs.
The name "Wulai" originates from the Atayal language, meaning "steaming hot water." According to legend, around 300 years ago, an Atayal warrior discovered this precious hot spring resource during a hunting expedition. The Atayal people have lived here for generations, coexisting in harmony with the hot springs, which has given Wulai its unique ecology. The area's buildings and cuisine reflect a strong indigenous Atayal cultural influence.
However, Wulai hot springs were truly developed during the Japanese colonial period, as the Japanese recognized the value of the spring water and began efforts to improve and develop the area. This helped Wulai hot springs become one of Taiwan’s most famous hot spring destinations.
Of course, visiting Wulai isn’t just about enjoying the Wulai hot springs. The nearby Wulai Old Street and authentic indigenous cuisine are also must-visit attractions when you're in the area.
Wulai hot springs Types and Benefits
You might be wondering, how do Wulai hot springs differ from other hot springs in Taiwan? What are its benefits?
Actually, the pH value of Wulai hot springs ranges between 7-8, and its temperature is approximately 60°C to 80°C. It is a weak alkaline sodium bicarbonate spring, clear, colorless, and odorless. The water contains minerals such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and carbonate ions, which help exfoliate the skin and promote metabolism, earning it the name "Beauty Soup." It is said that soaking in the water can make your skin soft and smooth. After proper treatment, the water is also drinkable, and is believed to have benefits for digestive issues.
Recommended Wulai hot springs Day Trips
Itinerary 1: Wulai Scenic Area → Wulai Atayal Museum → Wulai hot springs
Itinerary 2: Bitan Scenic Area → Wulai Scenic Area → Wulai Waterfall → Wulai hot springs
Itinerary 3: Wulai Atayal Museum → Wulai Waterfall → Wulai hot springs
Recommended Wulai hot springs
If you are simply looking to enjoy a hot spring bath at Wulai hot springs, here are some recommended hot spring bath houses for you to consider:
Wulai Lover’s Hot Spring
Source: Wulai Lover’s Hot Spring Official Website
This hot spring, with a Japanese-style design, is located at the source of the Nanshih River hot spring area in Xindian. The water quality is clear and transparent. It is conveniently located near the Wulai trolley and Wulai Waterfall. A scenic hot spring room with a massage bathtub and TV costs only NT$200 per person, allowing you to soak while enjoying the view. For those looking to save more, there’s also an affordable hot spring room available for NT$100 per person.
- Address: No. 83, Wenquan Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
Hoya Hot Spring Resort
Source: Hoya Hot Spring Resort Facebook
Located in the Wulai hot springs area, Hoya Hot Spring Resort offers beautiful mountain and stream views, allowing you to enjoy Wulai's natural scenery while soaking. It is also very close to Wulai Old Street, making it convenient to explore the local area and enjoy indigenous cuisine after your hot spring bath.
The resort offers a choice between "hot spring baths" and "private hot spring rooms." It is also a family-friendly option, with family hot spring sessions for four people priced at around NT$500. Overall, like Wulai Lover’s Hot Spring, it offers great value for money.
- Address: No. 89, Wenquan Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
Puti Lihzih Hot Spring Resort
Located in Wulai District and surrounded by mountains, Puti Lihzih Hot Spring Resort exudes a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The resort features a luxurious minimalist Japanese-style design, with a soothing fragrance filling the air as you step into the resort.
It offers various types of hot springs, including public baths, private hot spring rooms, and in-room hot spring baths. The six different themed private hot spring rooms are built with stone, creating a simple semi-outdoor ambiance that blends with the natural environment. This is a great choice for travelers seeking a more private and relaxing experience with a higher budget.
- Address: No. 88, Section 5, Xinwu Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Business hours: 08:00-21:00
Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort
Source: Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort Official Website
If privacy is your priority, Volando Urai offers not only separate public baths for men and women but also high-end "scenic hot spring rooms" and "luxury scenic hot spring rooms." The large floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to enjoy the beautiful mountain views of Wulai while soaking, creating a therapeutic experience for both body and mind. The hotel also provides afternoon tea services, allowing you to enjoy various delicate snacks and teas after your bath. Additionally, a professional spa center offers various massages and treatments, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious getaway and hot spring experience.
- Address: No. 176, Section 5, Xinwu Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
Tomboyuan Hot Spring Resort
Source: Tomboyuan Hot Spring Resort Official Website
Located on Wenquan Street in Wulai, Tomboyuan Hot Spring Resort blends indigenous Atayal culture with Japanese-style design. The spacious and bright environment offers various levels of hot spring rooms for guests to choose from, with the most affordable option being a two-person hot spring room.
The rooms are well-equipped with facilities such as massage showers and TVs, providing a comfortable hot spring experience. From the resort, you can enjoy mountain views, and the convenient location is just a 10-minute walk from Wulai Old Street, making it easy to explore the local attractions before or after your bath.
- Address: No. 85, Wenquan Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
Sanshuiyan Hot Spring Resort
Source: Sanshuiyan Hot Spring Resort Official Website
With a beige color scheme creating a cozy atmosphere, Sanshuiyan Hot Spring Resort offers both Chinese and Western-style room types. For groups of 6-8 people, the "Shanyan Suite" is a great option, perfect for those traveling with friends. If you want to enjoy Wulai's beautiful scenery while soaking, the "Scenic Suite" with a private balcony and a view of the surrounding mountains is the perfect choice for you.
- Address: No. 125, Huanshan Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
Special Feature: Must-Try Foods on Wulai Old Street
After soaking in Wulai hot springs, it would be a pity not to visit Wulai Old Street and try the local delicacies, especially the indigenous Atayal cuisine!
Gao’s Ice Hot Spring Eggs
Source: Gao’s Ice Hot Spring Eggs Facebook
One popular activity in hot spring towns is boiling eggs in the hot spring water. But if you prefer a ready-made option, you can buy Wulai hot springs eggs at Gao’s. The shop uses mountain spring water and a unique method to marinate the eggs, giving them a tender texture and perfectly cooked yolks that leave you wanting more. They also offer Shaoxing wine eggs and distinctive hot spring century eggs, which are highly recommended.
- Address: No. 135, Wulai Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Business hours: 08:00-18:00
Wulai Millet Mochi
Source: Wulai Millet Mochi Facebook
If you're in the mood for traditional flavors, Wulai Millet Mochi is a must-try! As soon as you walk into the shop, you’ll see the staff busily hand-making plump mochi, with a chewy texture and a light millet aroma. You can choose from four flavors: peanut, sesame, red bean, and taro. If you can't decide, they offer a mixed option. The taro flavor, in particular, is unique, with the mochi coated in coconut flakes. This is a rare flavor combination in Taiwan, where peanut or sugar coatings are more common. Be sure to try this local delicacy when you visit Wulai Old Street.
- Address: No. 139, Wulai Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Business hours: 10:00-17:30 (Closed on Wednesdays)
Jacob's Indigenous Wild Boar Sausage
There are several shops on Wulai Old Street selling indigenous wild boar sausage, but Jacob’s is the most popular and often has a long line. The sausage has a firm texture with a slightly charred flavor on the outside, and while it’s a bit fatty, it’s not too greasy. There’s garlic and a special house sauce you can add to enhance the flavor. If you don't eat pork, they also offer chicken skewers. The downside is that they only sell on weekends, and since the sausages are grilled to order, there can be a long wait. Many customers buy several sausages at once to enjoy as they walk around.
- Address: No. 84, Wulai Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Business hours: 10:00-20:00 (Weekends only)
Mashaou Rice Blood Cake
Mashaou Rice Blood Cake
Source: Mashaou Rice Blood Cake Facebook
Rice blood cake, also known as pork blood cake, is one of Taiwan’s iconic local delicacies, but authentic versions are rare. The preparation is simple: steamed pork blood cake is paired with peanut powder, cilantro, and garlic slices, making for a soft and chewy snack with layers of flavor from the condiments.
- Address: No. 123, Wulai Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Business hours: Saturday 12:30-21:00 / Sunday 14:00-21:00
Tayal Bale Cuisine (formerly Tayal Grandma's Restaurant)
Source: Tayal Bale Cuisine Facebook
If you want to taste authentic Atayal indigenous cuisine in Wulai, Tayal Bale Cuisine is the place to go! The owner claims that this is the only genuine Atayal-run traditional indigenous restaurant on Wulai Old Street. Signature dishes include bamboo rice, stir-fried wild boar, stone-grilled meat, and crispy intestines, all of which are savory and flavorful. Other popular items such as stir-fried noodles and traditional hot stir-fry dishes are also must-try. For larger groups, there are set meals available, so you don’t have to worry about what to order.
- Address: No. 139, Wulai Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
Ah Chun Cuisine
Source: Ah Chun Cuisine Facebook
Ah Chun Cuisine is another restaurant serving indigenous-style dishes, similar to Tayal Bale Cuisine. Both have their own loyal customer base and have been featured on TV food shows.
- Address: No. 109, Wulai Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Business hours: 11:00-20:00 (Closed on Thursdays)
Accommodations at Wulai hot springs
If you plan to stay overnight at Wulai hot springs, here are some highly recommended hotels to consider.
Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort (Five-star hot spring resort)
Source: Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort Official Website
Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort is a five-star hot spring resort known for its artistic design, with a lobby that exudes a soothing aroma. The scenic mountain and river views make it feel like you’ve stepped into a paradise, offering a truly healing experience.
One important thing to note is that on weekdays, the resort does not accommodate children under 8 years old, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to check this policy to avoid any disappointment.
In addition to private hot spring rooms, a spa, and open-air hot spring facilities, the resort’s restaurant offers exquisite cuisine, making it a top recommendation for those looking for an overnight stay at Wulai hot springs.
- Address: No. 176, Section 5, Xinwu Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Room rates: Deluxe rooms start at approximately NT$16,000 per night
Puti Lihzih Hot Spring Resort (Landscape hot spring)
Source: Puti Lihzih Hot Spring Resort Official Website
Cleverly integrating the mountain landscape into the resort's design, Puti Lihzih Hot Spring Resort also features an outdoor infinity hot spring pool, allowing you to soak while enjoying the scenic views.
The resort provides many amenities for babies, making it easy for families with young children to travel without the hassle of packing too much. This thoughtful consideration is a rare feature among Wulai hot springs accommodations.
- Address: No. 88, Section 5, Xinwu Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Room rates: Scenic rooms start at approximately NT$5,700-7,300 per night
Wulai hot springs Mountain Villa (Spring Spa Mountain Villa)
Source: Spring Spa Mountain Villa Official Website
Spring Spa Mountain Villa, one of the most popular accommodations in Wulai, is located right by the Nanshih River. Whether you're soaking in the public baths or the private hot spring rooms, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Wulai’s natural beauty.
The public baths feature gender-separated areas with multiple pools, including massage pools, water jet pools, and cold spring pools for alternating use.
The villa is within a 10-minute walk of nearby attractions such as Wulai Old Street, the Atayal Museum, the Wulai Trolley, and Wulai Waterfall, eliminating the hassle of parking. However, note that the villa has both old and new wings, and the styles of these wings differ, so pay attention when making reservations.
- Address: No. 66, Section 5, Xinwu Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Room rates: Double rooms start at approximately NT$6,000-9,600 per night
Wulai Waterfront Hot Springs
Source: Wulai Waterfront Hot Springs Official Website
Located on Wenquan Street, Wulai Waterfront Hot Springs welcomes you with its thoughtfully designed spacious lobby. The area offers plenty of seating for guests to relax while listening to soft music, with large windows that frame the lush green mountain and river views outside. Even doing nothing but sitting and relaxing feels great.
Some rooms even come with private balconies that offer scenic river views. The large bath area provides both hot and cold spring pools for alternating soaking, which is perfect for relieving stress and tension. However, note that the hotel does not provide parking, so you may want to consider the parking situation if you're driving.
- Address: No. 39, Wenquan Street, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Room rates: Double rooms start at approximately NT$3,800-4,400 per night
Yunding Hot Spring Resort
Source: Yunding Hot Spring Resort Official Website
Yunding Hot Spring Resort is inspired by Bali and Phuket, and is located at the highest point of the Wulai hot springs area. Here, the air is crisp and clean, and you can take in the serene beauty of the surrounding mountain landscape. The resort features a Balinese-style public bath area and a traditional relaxation pavilion, giving it a tropical vacation atmosphere.
- Address: No. 45, Xilu'ao Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Room rates: Double rooms start at approximately NT$3,150-4,150 per night
Yunxian Hotel
Source: Yunxian Hotel Official Website
Located near Yunxian Amusement Park, Yunxian Hotel is known for its retro architectural style. Guests booking through the hotel’s official website receive complimentary round-trip cable car tickets and a guided ecological tour of the park, making it a great choice for families. You can enjoy the scenic mountain and lake views on the cable car ride, adding to the charm of your stay.
Additionally, some websites offer special deals for a one-night stay at Yunxian Hotel, including two meals and park tickets. If you're looking to save money, be sure to check these offers.
- Address: No. 1-1, Pubu Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City
- Room rates: Double rooms start at approximately NT$3,580 per night
Getting to Wulai hot springs
- Private Car: As Wulai hot springs are located in the mountains and can be difficult to reach, those unfamiliar with the roads or not wanting to transfer between transport options may find it more convenient to use a private car service directly to the destination.
- High-Speed Rail: Take the HSR to "Taipei Main Station" and transfer to bus No. 849 (Xindian Bus) to reach the destination.
- MRT: Take the Taipei MRT Xindian Line to "Xindian Station," then transfer to bus No. 849 (Xindian Bus) to reach the destination.
- Bus: Take the Xindian Bus from Taipei to Wulai (via Roosevelt Road and Beixin Road) to reach the destination.
- Driving: Exit at Xindian Interchange → Zhongxing Road (Section 2 to Section 1) → Provincial Highway No. 9 → Provincial Highway No. 9A → Wulai Tourist Bridge → Wenquan Street to reach the destination.
More FAQs about Wulai hot springs?
Q: Are there any free wild hot springs in the Wulai hot springs area?
For safety reasons, wild hot springs in Wulai are currently prohibited. We recommend choosing legal hot spring facilities.
Q: What is the price range for accommodations in the Wulai hot springs area?
Prices vary greatly depending on the hotel or resort. Generally, weekday double rooms range from NT$2,000-5,000, with higher prices during weekends and peak seasons.
Q: Do I need to rinse off after soaking in Wulai hot springs?
It is recommended to rinse your body lightly after soaking, but avoid using soap or body wash to retain the benefits of the hot spring water.
Q: When is the peak and off-peak season for Wulai hot springs?
The peak season is usually during the winter (December to February) and the summer vacation period. Other times are considered off-peak, and prices tend to be lower.
Q: How long should I soak in Wulai hot springs?
It is generally recommended to soak for 15-20 minutes at a time and not too long. You can soak in intervals with breaks in between.
Q: What attractions are there near Wulai hot springs?
Popular attractions include Wulai Old Street, Wulai Waterfall, Wulai Trolley, and Neidong National Forest Recreation Area.
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