Yangmingshan National Park ➔ Cold Water Pit ➔Qingtiangang Grassland ➔Beitou Geothermal Valley➔Beitou Library
Updated: Jun 26
Yangmingshan National Park.
Yangmingshan National Park is situated adjacent to the Taipei metropolitan area. Centered around the Datun Volcano Group, the park covers an area of approximately 11,338 hectares and is managed by the Yangmingshan National Park Administration under the National Parks Administration, Ministry of the Interior. The park features cone-shaped and bell-shaped volcanic bodies, crater lakes, sulfur vents, geothermal activity, and hot springs formed by volcanic forces, making it highly valuable for both research and recreation. Influenced by monsoons, the vegetation consists of a rich diversity of landscapes, including tall grasslands, short grasslands, broad-leaved forests, subtropical rainforests, and aquatic plant communities. It nurtures unique species such as the Taiwan quillwort, Datun azalea, as well as various butterflies and birds. Additionally, the cherry blossoms and azaleas planted throughout the park make this area the most attractive flower-viewing destination in the suburbs of Taipei.
Influenced by its latitude and altitude, the climate of Yangmingshan National Park is divided into subtropical and temperate climate zones. Spring, particularly February and March, marks the traditional flower festival season of Yangmingshan Park. Vibrant azaleas of various kinds and Taiwan cherry blossoms blanket the mountains, drawing massive crowds of flower enthusiasts and bringing a vibrant energy to Yangmingshan in early spring. In summer, influenced by the southwest monsoon and afternoon thunderstorms, one can often catch the breathtaking sight of a "rainbow bridge spanning across the valleys" just as the mist and rain clear up. When autumn arrives, silvergrass forms a swaying sea of flowers in the wind, while reddening maples dot the treetops, weaving together with golden leaves into the renowned scenery known as "Datun Autumn Colors." In winter, affected by the northeast monsoon, the mountainous areas are frequently chilled by cold winds and drizzling rain, resulting in low temperatures, high humidity, and dense fog. If a strong cold surge strikes, light snowfall can occasionally be seen around Mt. Qixing, Mt. Zhuzi, and Mt. Datun, transforming the landscape into a silver world covered in pristine snow.
Cold Water Pit
Lengshuikeng sits in a peaceful valley tucked between Qixing Mountain and Qigu Mountain. It actually used to be a volcanic crater! Over time, nature and human farming have softened the landscape, so now it just looks like a shallow, gentle valley. Geologically, it’s mostly made of tuff breccia and andesite. If you look closely at the rocks near the spring source, you’ll see they’ve turned into clay due to geothermal alteration—a cool little reminder of its volcanic past.
Even though it’s a hot spring, the water here is only around 40°C (104°F). That’s way cooler than other hot springs in the area, which is exactly how it got the name "Cold Water Pit" (Lengshuikeng). It’s also home to Taiwan's only sedimentary sulfur deposit. Because the water is packed with minerals, it has this gorgeous, milky-white color, earning it the nickname "Milk Lake." The spring is indirectly heated by groundwater and features a really unique mix of both neutral bicarbonate and weakly acidic sulfate spring waters.
Qingtiangang Grassland.
With its rolling green hills stretching along the mountain ridges and wooden boardwalks cutting through the lush landscape, Qingtiangang is one of the most iconic grassland spots in Yangmingshan National Park. Nestled right between the peaks of the Datun Volcano Group, it’s a wide, flat plateau. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the surrounding mountains and the Taipei area, offering a rare, open view just outside the bustling city.
The terrain here is actually a terrace formed by lava from Zhugao Mountain. Back in the day, this place was heavily tied to cattle ranching and farming, which is why the vast fields and water buffaloes have become such a signature part of the scenery. Visiting Qingtiangang today is more than just a mountain stroll—it’s a chance to connect with the nature and history of Yangmingshan, and see how the landscape has changed over time.
Every season here has its own vibe. In spring and summer, the hills are vibrant and green, and you can spot all kinds of butterflies, birds, and wildflowers along the trails. Autumn brings swaying silvergrass and yellow Taiwan leopardflowers along the paths, with the sun setting over the grassy waves—definitely a crowd favorite. In the winter, the rolling mists and chilly mountain breezes take over, giving the high plateau a quiet, moody, and absolutely beautiful charm.
Beitou Geothermal Valley.
Right next to Beitou Hot Spring Park, Thermal Valley is one of the main sources of Beitou's famous hot springs. Because it's constantly wrapped in thick, sulfurous steam, it used to give people creepy vibes, earning it nicknames like "Hell Valley" or "Ghost Lake." The water here is the hottest in the entire Datun Volcano Group. Watching the steam drift over the water actually feels super dreamy—almost like a fairytale scene—which is why it was named one of Taiwan's top scenic spots back during the Japanese colonial era.
The water temperature here sits between a scorching 80°C and 100°C. It's a highly acidic sulfate chloride spring, meaning it's super acidic and corrosive, commonly known as "Green Sulfur" or the "head of the sulfur springs." People used to love boiling "hot spring eggs" in the bubbling water, but to protect the water quality and keep visitors from slipping and getting hurt, boiling eggs is completely banned now!
Beitou Hot Spring Museum.
The predecessor of the Beitou Hot Spring Museum was the Beitou Public Bathhouse. Its planning was ordered by Yimura Daikichi, the Prefect of Taipei during the Japanese colonial period, and its construction was supervised by Matsunosuke Moriyama, an architect for the Governor-General's Office. Completed on June 17, 1913 (the 2nd year of the Taisho era), the bathhouse featured a two-story design blending Japanese and Western architectural styles, making it the largest public hot spring bathhouse in East Asia at the time. The first floor, housing the bathing area, was built of brick, while the second floor, designed for relaxation, was constructed of wood. The main entrance was located on the second floor.
Funded by the public health budget of the Taipei Prefectural Government of that era, the bathhouse was modeled after the Izusan Hot Spring Bathhouse in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The second-floor relaxation area featured a pavilion, a shoe-changing foyer, and a spacious tatami lobby where visitors could cool off after soaking in the hot springs. Adjacent to the lobby was an extended platform called the "Wanglou" (Observatory), which offered scenic views of Beitou’s mountains and waters. Additionally, refreshments and beverages were sold indoors, and cultural performances were occasionally arranged.
In 1923 (the 12th year of the Taisho era), the Japanese Crown Prince Hirohito visited Taiwan for an inspection tour. During his trip, he visited the Beitou Public Bathhouse and inspected the Hokutolite (Beitou stone) in the local creek. To accommodate him, a dedicated rest area called "Gyoshusho" (Imperial Rest Room) was added to the second floor; this space serves as the museum's audio-visual room today.
The Bathing Experience: Past and Present
During the Japanese colonial period, bathers would walk downstairs to the first-floor bathing area to change and soak (please note that as a museum today, it no longer offers bathing services).
The Roman-Style Grand Baths: The defining feature of the first floor was the Roman-style grand bath, enclosed by circular arched columns and designed primarily for male guests.
Stained Glass Windows: The stained-glass windows embedded in the walls of the outer corridor surrounding the pool worked in tandem with the grand bath to create an exceptionally bright, elegant, and magnificent bathing ambiance.
The Small Baths & VIP Rooms: On the other side of the grand bath was a smaller pool, which served as a bathing area for women and children at the time. In addition, independent bathrooms and rest areas were available for VIP guests.
Overall, the Beitou Public Bathhouse can be considered an incredibly vital public leisure and entertainment landmark in the history of Beitou's hot spring development.
Post-War Transition and Community Preservation
Following World War II, the public bathhouse served various purposes, transforming successively into the Zhongshan Hall, the Taipei County Council Guesthouse, the Public Service Center, the Civil Defense Command Post, and the Guangming Police Station. Due to frequent changes in management, the building was eventually abandoned.
The Turning Point (1994): A group of teachers and students from Beitou Elementary School discovered the dilapidated, ruin-like Beitou Public Bathhouse during a local field trip.
To preserve the historic site and repurpose the space, these children, along with local residents and cultural historians, launched a joint petition requesting the preservation of the bathhouse. Following continuous communication and coordination, the Beitou Public Bathhouse was officially designated as a Class 3 Historic Site by the Ministry of the Interior in 1997 (it is now classified as a City-Designated Historic Site).
On October 31, 1998, after extensive renovations funded by enthusiastic local residents and the Taipei City Government, the site officially reopened to the public under its current name, the "Beitou Hot Spring Museum."
Beitou Library.
The Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch is Taiwan’s very first green library. Nestled within the lush, ecologically diverse Beitou Park and located right next to the Hot Spring Museum, this library spans one underground floor and two stories above ground, covering a total area of 650 pings (approximately 23,130 square feet). Here, the aroma of books indoors perfectly complements the singing of birds outdoors, turning reading into a thoroughly pleasant and relaxing experience.
The library boasts a collection of tens of thousands of books, with "ecological conservation" as its featured specialty. This dazzling treasure trove of knowledge makes book lovers feel as though they have stepped into a literary paradise. The indoor reading areas feature meticulously designed tables and chairs that echo the building's architecture. Outside, wooden decks with seating and reading platforms allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of books alongside nature, all while feeling a gentle breeze. When you need a break, you can step outside to gaze at the sprawling, vibrant green forest and the ecological lotus pond—not only soothing your tired eyes but also rejuvenating your mind and body.
The building features a lightweight ecological roof equipped with solar photovoltaic panels capable of generating 16 kilowatts of electricity. It also incorporates deep balcony shading and vertical wooden grilles to block thermal radiation, reducing energy consumption and achieving high energy efficiency. Furthermore, the green roof and sloping lawn design naturally retain moisture and drain rainwater into reclamation tanks. This recycled water is then used to nurture the surrounding plants and flush toilets, successfully achieving both greening and water conservation goals.
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