GUANZILING
Guanziling, the island’s first developed hot spring, is a mud spring that is also known as the most spiritual geothermal spring in Taiwan. A mixture of shale and beneficial minerals causes the water to have a muddy, gray color. Along with Kagoshima in Japan and Sicily in Italy, Guanziling is one of the world’s top mud baths. It is also one of Taiwan’s four most famous hot springs along with Yangmingshan, Beitou, Sichong River.
Tucked away in the mountains on the border of Tainan and Chiayi, Guanziling was catapulted to fame when the spring was discovered to contain trace elements of the rare mineral, radium, in 1898. This event led to the development of the hot spring industry in Taiwan. The spring continues to bubble at Baoquan Park to this day.
A steaming hot spring pool. (right)
The Spiritual Spring is the second of Guanziling’s two spring sources. Cave-ins often occurred in this area due to the land’s geology (it sits on unconsolidated Pliocene shale). During the Japanese colonial era, locals worshiped the deity Acalanātha in what is now known as Huo Wangye Temple. The residents believe he aided them in escaping many calamities, and as a result, they have deemed him their savior. Reverence for him continues to this day, and there is even a yearly festival! Although this hot spring outcrop dried up in 1968, one can still smell the odors of minerals in the air.
Erjiewan, which is just a short climb via the New Hao Han Po Trail (The Hero’s Stairs), offers an enlightening view of the dramatic ridgelines surrounding Guanziling, as well as an expansive view of the Chianan Plain in the distance. Visitors can either drive or take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to arrive here. One can also walk from the Tourist Service Center towards the remaining hot spring outcrop, passing by the historic Hot Spring Street, the outcrop itself, and several temples.
The Guan Zih Ling Hotel was built over 100 years ago in 1905. While its aged demeanor might look a little spooky, its proximity to the spring source offers a mud bath of the highest quality. Those looking for something more modern can sample Guanziling’s selection of luxury hotels (King’s Garden Villa is particularly famous).
After bathing, consider visiting Guanziling’s famous selection of roast chicken restaurants. These restaurants continue the tradition of slow-roasting with longan wood to ensure a juicy and fragrant chicken. Options include kiln-roasted, urn-roasted, and bamboo-roasted chicken.
After dinner, a 10-minute drive into the mountains will take you to the natural wonder of local attraction Fire and Water Spring where natural gas coming from a crack in the rocks bursts into flame above water from a spring, thus giving the appearance of water and fire coexisting. Discovered in 1701, it is now popular with visitors looking for the perfect postcard or Instagram shot.
Just past the ridge above Guanziling is Taiwan’s most famous and highest output coffee production area, Dongshan. Those craving to taste a cup of local coffee can visit the Dachu Coffee Estate ecological farm. From September to December, the farms in this area also produce juicy green ponkans (a local variety of citrus fruit), which leave the air smelling sweet and tangy. With top-quality hot springs and accessible ecotourism, Guanziling is an attraction that has something for everyone.
