Taiwan is a wonder of plate-tectonics as it lies on the very fault between the Euro-Asian and Philippine plates. This means that the island itself is situated among an an oceanic trench and a volcanic system. This result in a very unique environment and one that naturally produces high-temperature springs.

The first onsen or hot spring, hotel opened in March of 1896. It was called Tenguan and owned by Hirado Gengo who touted the wonderful and healthly benefits that would be attained by those who bathed in the naturally warm and crystal clear water. This would prove to herald in a new era of hot spring bathers and also served to pave the way for a whole new culture throughout Taiwan. Bathing in the mineral rich waters have shown to be benifical for those who suffer for skin disorders as well as help to increase your energy levels and are simply very relaxing and enjoyable.

Under Japanese rule there were four major hots springs in Taiwan. They were Yangmingshan, Guanziling, Sichogxi and Beitou. They thrived for sometime but after the ROC administration took rule the culture slowly lost momentum. It would not be until 1999 that the promotion of the hot springs began once more in earnest.

These past few years have seen a great rise once more in the popularity of the Taiwan hot springs spas and resort. Taiwan has over 100 hot springs and offer the greatest variety of thermal springs in the world, They have not only hot springs, but cold springs, mud springs and a sea-bed spring.

One of the most popular of the many Taiwanese is the spring at Hsin Peitou. This is also called the new Peitou. It is easily accessible via the commuter rail system. Other popular hot springs in the area include the springs at Wu Lai and the ones at Jun Shan. Today hot spring spas and restorts are perhaps more popular than ever. Most spa resorts offer packages and are prefect for families, the tired businessman or honeymooners alike.tenguan

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