Relax in the Lush Green Mountains!
Spring and autumn, with their pleasantly mild weather, are the best seasons for hiking. Yilan County, facing the Pacific Ocean and flanked by the Central and Snow Mountain ranges, is renowned for its wealth of hiking spots offering breathtaking views. Located just a one-hour highway bus ride from Taipei, it is perfect for a day trip. In this article, we introduce three highlights: Taipingshan, Qingshui Geothermal Park, and the Wufengqi Scenic Area. Surround yourself with mountain greenery, enjoy a forest bath and hot springs, and let your body and mind unwind!
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1. Taipingshan
Located in southwestern Yilan County, Taipingshan was once known alongside Alishan and Baxianshan as one of Taiwan’s three major logging areas, boasting a flourishing forestry industry until logging ceased in 1982. Today, it is open to the public as the “Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area” and has become a popular hiking destination. The area is packed with highlights, including beautiful forests, natural walking trails, a historic forest train, and hot springs. Aside from the Kuo-Kuang Line 1750 bus (reservation required) operating one round trip daily on weekends and holidays from TRA Yilan Station to Taipingshan, there is no public transportation, making a private charter car or guided tour recommended.
Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area
Add: Datong Township, Yilan County
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Tickets for Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, Yilan
Taipingshan Villa
Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, “Taipingshan Villa” serves as the gateway to the forest train. Clustered along the main staircase next to the visitor center are accommodations, a café, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop, making it the central hub for sightseeing in Taipingshan.
Planted on both sides of the central staircase, the purple-leaf maples (Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum) display brilliant red foliage from the fresh spring leaves until they fall in October, making them a key highlight of the villa. Just above the café, midway up the central staircase, is Taipingshan Station for the forest train.
Taipingshan Villa
Add: No. 58-1, Taiping Ln., Datong Township, Yilan County
Bong Bong Train
Part of the former Maoxing Line—originally used to transport lumber between Taipingshan Station and Maoxing Station—has been reborn as a sightseeing logging train known affectionately as the “Bong Bong Train,” a signature attraction of Taipingshan. The operating section stretches 3 km long, with a travel time of about 20 minutes. Hop aboard the open-air passenger cars towed by a charming yellow locomotive and fully immerse yourself in Taipingshan’s great outdoors!
Taipingshan Station
Add: No. 95, Taiping Ln., Taiping Vil., Datong Township, Yilan County
Ticket: Adult NT180,Child(Ages3–12)NT120
Note: The train section is 3 km long with a travel time of approx. 20 minutes.
Note: Tickets are round-trip only, departing from Taipingshan Station.
Note: Please check the official website for timetables and maintenance closure days (available in Chinese and English).
https://tps.forest.gov.tw/TPSWeb/wSite/ct?xItem=2969&ctNode=282&mp=1
Maoxing Nostalgic Trail
Upon arriving at Maoxing Station (altitude 1,870 m), take a stroll along the “Maoxing Nostalgic Trail,” which loops around the station area. The trail measures about 900 meters in total, split into upper and lower routes from the station; whichever route you choose, you can return to the station within an hour. Take deep breaths and enjoy a rejuvenating forest bath as you walk through the lush green woods lined with conifers like Taiwan red cypress and Japanese cedar.
Jiuzhize Hot Spring
Located within the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area at an altitude of 520 meters, “Jiuzhize Hot Spring” is famous as a “beauty bath” that leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Featuring colorless and odorless sodium bicarbonate springs with temperatures exceeding 95°C, DIY egg boiling in the hot spring water is a hit among tourists. Equipped with public open-air spa pools, gender-separated public baths, and private bath cabins, it is especially bustling on weekends.
Jiuzhize Hot Spring
Add: No. 25, Shaoshui Ln., Taiping Vil., Datong Township, Yilan County
Note: Swimsuits and swimming caps are required for the public open-air spa pools.
Note: Please bring your own towels for the public baths.
2. Qingshui Geothermal Park
Located in the mountains of Datong Township—the same township as Taipingshan—”Qingshui Geothermal Park” is built around a geothermal zone along the Qingshui River stream. The emerging spring water boils at a high temperature of 95°C with a slightly yellowish hue and a faint scent of sulfur. Thick steam billowing across the landscape creates a truly magnificent sight.
At the park, visitors can enjoy free footbaths or purchase ingredients at the shop to experience DIY hot-spring egg boiling. Additionally, the Japanese-style “Qingshui Spring Bathhouse” offers paid facilities, including gender-separated public hot spring baths, doctor fish spa experiences, and yukata rentals, making it easy to enjoy a full day here. Strolling through the park or along the riverbed to soak in the celestial scenery is also highly recommended.
Qingshui Geothermal Park
Add: No. 150, Ln. 501, Sec. 8, Sanxing Rd., Datong Township, Yilan County
Access: As public transportation does not reach here, hiring a private charter car is recommended.
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Yilan Qingshui Geothermal Park | Hot Spring Cooking, Fish Foot Bath, and Yukata Experience
3. Wufengqi Scenic Area
Jiaoxi Township, famous as a hot spring resort in northern Yilan County, is also known for its abundance of popular hiking spots. Among them, Wufengqi Mountain is located just 3.5 km west of TRA Jiaoxi Station. The trailhead is easily accessible via the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Jiaoxi Line-A, making it a favorite among visitors. The hiking trail is short at only 1 km, with a gentle incline that is beginner-friendly.
The main highlight is the “Wufengqi Waterfall,” a three-tiered waterfall spanning a total height of about 100 meters. Climbing up from the trailhead, you first reach the lowest tier (approx. 20 m). The crystal-clear stream is refreshing, and many visitors enjoy wading in the shallow waters surrounded by trees in front of the falls.
Continuing up the path brings you to the middle tier (approx. 30 m), where the water cascading down the rock wall presents a spectacular view. Sitting down in the gazebo ahead to gaze at the waterfall feels like looking at a landscape painting. Stepping onto the viewing platform in front of the plunge pool lets you appreciate the falls up close.
The section from the middle tier to the highest tier (approx. 50 m) at the end of the trail is the steepest and requires the most stamina. When you finish the climb and the massive waterfall appears before your eyes, its sheer power leaves many in awe. Breathe in the abundant negative ions in front of the lush, beautiful waterfall and enjoy a thoroughly invigorating feeling!
If you still have energy, stopping by the “Wufengqi Marian Heritage Site” on your way back is highly recommended. Reached in less than 10 minutes from the lower waterfall, this Catholic church features striking architecture reminiscent of the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors prayed. The sweeping views of lush green mountains and plains from in front of the church are breathtaking.
Wufengqi Waterfall / Wufengqi Marian Heritage Site
Add: Wufeng Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County
Access: From TRA Jiaoxi Station, take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Jiaoxi Line-A and get off at the “Wufengchi Scenic Area” stop.
Jiaoxi Hot Spring
After enjoying your hike in the “Wufengqi Scenic Area,” get off the return bus at “Tangweigou Park” or “Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park.” Jiaoxi’s hot springs feature alkaline, colorless, and transparent water—another “beauty bath” that makes your skin smooth.
If you want a free and quick way to relieve fatigue, the park’s footbaths are very convenient. For affordable hot spring bathing, head to public bathhouses like “Tangwei Bathhouse” or “Forest Bath.” If privacy is your priority, private hot spring facilities or hotel bath cabins are recommended. Soak in the soothing waters and melt away your hiking tiredness!
Tangweigou Park
Add: No. 99-11, Deyang Rd., Deyang Vil., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County
Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park
Add: No. 60, Ln. 70, Gongyuan Rd., Yushi Vil., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County
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Private Charter Cars & Transfers
If you are concerned about navigating public transport or getting between your hotel or airport and the hiking spots, hiring a private charter car or transfer service offers seamless and convenient travel. With a private charter, you can also customize a personalized itinerary to drop by nearby attractions before or after your hike. Make sure to arrange your transport early if needed based on your travel plans.
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