Beitou Public Hotspring — Attraction in Taipei

I went for an hour from 9-10am. I think the sun was too strong to be soaking in hot thermal waters in late spring or summer months. I would highly recommend going either in the very early hours - before 8am or in the evening after 6pm. During these summer months, it's nicer to soak while the sun isn't out and the temperature outside is cooler.

It was majority local senior citizens from the area. I think i was the only foreigner and only person under 40 yrs old😆 With that being said, most of the people bathing lean more on the conservative side. I didn't see any women in two piece swim suits. Some of the older ladies were even wearing long or short sleeve rash guards and leggings or biker shorts to bathe in. For men, they were all wearing speedos or boy-shorts type of swim wear - no boardshorts. they were pretty strict with the type of swim wear you wore. they check at the entrance.

I paid $60 TWD per hour swiping with my easy card at the entrance. After the first set of stairs, there are restrooms where u can change into ur swimsuit. After the second set of stairs, there are showers for after u bathe (cold water or pay $20 TWD for warm water. most people just rinse, they didn't have a full-on washing your hair and body kind of shower since there's such a long cue). You can put ur things in the lockers that are right in front of the hot springs for better security. U can pay to lock it - or not. Many people just put their bags inside the locker without paying to lock it ($20 TWD) or they put their things on top of the lockers. I found the atmosphere safe enough and didn't pay to lock my locker. I didn't have any of my belongings missing. Recommend wearing flip flops or shoes u don't mind getting wet or just go barefoot after u change into ur swimsuit - there's an area next to the lockers to keep your shoes.

when u enter the hot springs area - on the right side - there are 4-5 hoses w cold water u can use to rinse ur body down before entering the hot springs. (U can also use these to rinse off after ur done w the hot springs instead of cue-ing up for the normal showers) there are two cold pools on the right side which require swim cap for your hair ($50 TWD - can be purchased on site)

Then there are 4 hot springs that go from scalding hot to warm - the two on top are 44⁰c and 42⁰c. I didn't buy the swim cap (just to not be wasteful being one time use) instead i would rinse my skin with cold water from the hose in between switching from different temperatures of the hot springs just to shock my nervous system and get blood flow going

Overall, it was a decent experience if u are on a budget. However, if u can afford to splurge, i would recommend staying one night in one of the hotels in the area that have their own hot springs. Or going there to pay to use their hot spring. I think it would be a nicer experience than the public hot spring! Beitou area is really pleasant. There are some hikes u can do and the library exterior is beautiful. There's a museum and a park in the area and lots of greenery. Seems like a nice area to relax and unwind if u were exploring for the day or staying only one night.

(Photo is in front of beitou public library...

I have been coming to this hot spring almost regularly for the past 9 years. I come here to fix my body, tired and broken from too much work. The water here is a real blessing for the body. However, during the course of the past 9 years, the management of the hot spring has gotten worse and worse, with the place now resembling a dump, full of ever changing rules, and very dirty water. Every time I come here, in fact, something has drastically changed, and not for the better. It looks like if the Management of this hot spring has got no clue of what he/she’s doing, with no idea or plan on how to manage the spring in the future. It has really gotten so bad, that there are not anymore working lockers on the floor of the pools, whereas in the past there were plenty. From one week to another, things seem to appear or disappear (carpets, buckets, ..) with no apparent idea of why yes, or why no. One time the buckets to clean your feet while entering the pool are there, another time they are full of holes like colanders, yet another time they disappear altogether. One time the entrance ticket is paid one way, another time it is paid another way .. With such a high amount of rules to follow, the locals are still allowed to shout their lungs out, like the hot spring was not a communal public place, where all deserve to relax in silence. At the same time, a persistent racism (persistent because it has been going on for years!) ask to divide people between those who are free to enter (locals) and those (foreigners) who are asked to open their bags (!!) and show their intimate swimsuit attire. Like if the Management of the hot spring had suddenly received the authority to act as Police, and was free to search inside the personal bags of customers. Foreign customers, of course, as to highlight the blatant racism.

What a pity, for a public hot spring, which was visited, in the past (it is said) by the Emperor of Japan in person! The Emperor should have a good shower after bathing, nowadays though, as the water is so dirty it reeks of disgusting and itch your skin.

What a pity, for a hot spring that was so beautiful just 9 years ago! With no filth and no racism. With no constantly changing absurd rules. With proper lockers in place. With no hidden sharp steps inside the water. With no sliding carpets. With proper buckets to wash feet. .. Maybe to achieve this old glorious hot spring again, the current Management should be revoked its license, and the license given back to the Council, or to some proper,...

Recent updates, Oct 2023. Payment is by Easycard at the entrance, no more payment by cash. They will check your swim wear before you enter. If you wish to soak in the cold pool, you have to wear a swim cap. They have installed a new water dispenser. That's a huge plus. I work in Taipei and come here every Friday.

What to bring: Towel, swim cap Swim wear, no beach shorts Slippers for the toilet. Easycard for payment. A bottle of water .

Summer 2021 - They have upgraded their shower cubicles and added a shade for the lower level pools as it would get really sunny in the summer. Toilets used to be smell of urine a mile away- now it's much cleaner -no more smells.

Other than that, everything remains very much the same. 60NTD for adult, students and elderly half price.Entrance fee is minimal compared to what you'll have to pay at the resorts nearby. that fee is for a session of 2.5 hrs. Check schedule (photo uploaded) to plan your trip. You can pay cash or with easycard.

I'll always drop by each time I'm in Taipei. It's a short walk from the Xinbeitou Metro station. There is a clear map in the station and along the way. It's well signposted and you can always ask someone on the street. Show a photo of the place if you can't speak Mandarin.

They have four pools of hot springs of different temperature and 2 cold water pool. Always shower and wash your feet before getting into any pools. They are quite particular about cleanliness. If you have hair touch your shoulder you must tie it up or risk being shouted at.

There is a locker for your stuff. The lockers only works with coins you can change with the person selling tickets. Oh you must bring your own swim suit or buy from them. Bikinis are allowed Beach shorts for men aren't allowed. You'll need tight fighting spandex shorts or Speedo. You also need to swim cap now. They sell swim wear for men and ladies. Their selection might not suit your taste. And you don't want to waste your time and trip there. There are shower cubicles, bring your own toiletries.

Go early and avoid weekends Its a tourist attraction it gets too crowded. After the dip you can walk around the area lots to see and eat. Tryout Taiwanese beef noodles - most stalls do it well. Most restaurants in Taiwan are good I haven't had any bad experiences eating there for the...