JIOUJHIHZE GEOTHERMAL SPRINGS
Forest bathing refers to the health benefits gained from strolling through a forest. A bath in a hot spring relaxes sore muscles and improves circulation. Jioujhihze Hot Spring and Jioujhihze Nature Trail, conveniently only a suspension bridge apart, are located within Yilan’s Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area.
Yilan’s Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, Chiayi’s Alishan National Scenic Area, and Taichung’s Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area were flourishing logging regions during the Japanese colonial period. To this day, they feature abundant natural resources, including Taiwan cypress and Taiwan beech. Logging in Taipingshan began in 1915, but overexploitation soon led to ecological imbalances and reduced output. Then, in 1978, a typhoon caused irreparable damage to the logging railway. Finally, in 1982, logging work ended and the region was converted to a forest recreation area.
Jioujhihze Hot Spring was discovered during the Japanese colonial period and was initially used as a bath by loggers working in the area. Often referred to as “bath of the beauties”, the calcium carbonate-rich waters soothe the skin and leave a slippery feeling after bathing. Thick columns of steam generated by excess geothermal energy surround the road as one enters this secluded valley paradise. Visitors should be sure to drive carefully as they occasionally affect road visibility.
The idyllic outdoor spa is particularly popular with park visitors. Dissolved minerals from the spring, mood-boosting phytoncides released by the surrounding forest, and the sounds of the valley stream combine to ensure a relaxing atmosphere regardless of the weather. Unique to Jioujhihze are special hot-spring-powered egg-boiling pools where families can enjoy cooking boiled eggs and corn on the cob.
Jioujhihze is also unique for its azure water that results from the refraction of sunlight through its calcium carbonate-rich waters. For those who enjoy eco-friendly travel and LOHAS, we recommend starting with a stroll through the subtropical broadleaf forest of Jioujhihze Nature Trail. While walking, be sure to search for ruins of old logging machinery. After a healthy hike, return across the bridge to Jioujhihze’s therapeutic spring pools to finish a day of fun and relaxation.
On your back to Yilan, depending on what you’re hungry for, consider stopping by Jiaoxi’s famous Weng-yao kiln-roasted chicken or heading to the night market in Luodong for some small eats made with locally grown Sanxing spring onions, Taiwan’s best tasting spring onions.
