Beitou, Taiwan (part 2)

The main highlight of this Beitou day trip (January 16, 2025) was the green sulfur hot spring in Geothermal Valley. From the Beitou Hot Spring museum keep walking straight along the Beitou stream walk way. 

There is a bit of an incline until you reach this hotel which will be at your left side. We were using Google maps on our phone to guide us because there were no signs, or maybe we missed it. You cross the road and there will be a few shops on your left. The strong scent of sulfur hits you as you look up to see faint white sulfur steam hovering over the trees.

The Thermal Valley occupies an area of about 3,500 square meters and it's a deep valley created before the eruption of a volcano. The water temperature of the hot spring is over 90 degrees Celsius.

It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Free entrance.

The hot water comes from deep inside the volcano and is acidified by the infiltration of volcanic gas and mixed with water when it pours out of the surface.

Popularly known as "Jade Sulfur Springs" due to its green color. It contains large amount of sulfate and trace amounts of a radioactive substance called Radium.

After long period of precipitation, the crystallized surface of rocks along the Beitou river bed became the only rare mineral in the world to be named after a place in Taiwan, known as Beitou Stone. Green sulfur hot springs is also present in the Tamagawa onsen in Akita, Japan.

The design of this hand washing bowl is inspired by the shape of Taiwan and its different mountain ranges.

The spring water can strengthen your immunity, heal and beautify your skin and is good for your muscles and bones.

According to legends, when the indigenous Plains Aborigines discovered Thermal Valley, they believed that the area was haunted by ghosts and demons so they prayed to the Witch to protect the area with her magical powers.

She turned the mountain mists and smoke into a protective boundary and the water into a healing spring thus endowing the Thermal Valley with her blessings.

Soak your hands into this hot spring bowl but be warned it is really hot. Quite refreshing and relaxing since it was winter time. 

We stayed for about an hour then made our way uphill to the Puji Temple. One of the well preserved Buddhist temples in Taiwan, dating back to the Japanese era.

In 1905, the Railway department employees raised funds to construct a shrine dedicated to the statue of  the Goddess of Hot Springs, Kannon or "Guanyin of Hot Springs". 

Construction of the temple was completed in January 1916 and served mainly as the place of worship of the Railway department employees in Beitou.

After World War II, the temple was renamed "Lingquan Mountain Puji Temple".

In 1998, it was listed as a historical monument. 

In 2000, it was renovated and restored after it suffered damage from the September 1999 earthquake and heavy rains.

It is open from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M

Entrance is free but there is an uphill climb of small steps to reach this serene place of worship nestled among a forested area with a stunning overlooking view of Beitou.