Taiwan Hot Spring Cycling Tours: Combining Riding with Soaking in Beitou, Wulai, and Zhiben

Introduction

Taiwan is one of the regions with the highest density of hot springs in the world, with hot spring resources spread across the island from Jinshan and Yeliu in the north to Zhiben in the south. For cyclists, being able to soak in a steaming hot spring after a strenuous climb or long ride is a double reward for both body and mind. Beitou’s sodium bicarbonate spring, Wulai’s sodium bicarbonate spring, and Zhiben’s sodium bicarbonate spring represent Taiwan’s three most iconic hot spring experiences, and the cycling routes leading to each of these destinations have their own distinct characteristics.

Overview of Three Hot Spring Cycling Routes

Beitou Hot Spring Cycling

Beitou is Taiwan’s most famous urban hot spring area, with a hot spring cultural heritage dating back to the Japanese colonial era. Starting from Taipei MRT Shipai Station, ride up Beitou Hot Spring Road toward the hills for about 8 km with roughly 100 m of elevation gain. The difficulty is low, and even beginners can complete it with ease.

Along the way, you can admire Beitou Creek (Taiwan’s only radioactive hot spring, containing trace amounts of radon), the Beitou Hot Spring Museum (a Japanese-style bathhouse building), Meiting (the former residence of Yu Dafu), and the Geothermal Valley (a cobalt-blue 98°C hot spring pool).

Hot Spring Recommendations

• Beitou Public Outdoor Hot Spring Bathhouse (separate facilities for men and women): Weekday tickets are affordable, and this is the best place to experience the public bathhouse culture
• Foot soaking facility next to the Geothermal Valley: Free to use, ideal for relaxing your feet after the ride

Beitou’s sodium bicarbonate spring is commonly known as “Beauty Water.” After soaking, your skin feels smooth and soft—a spring quality that has been renowned since the era of Emperor Meiji in Japan.

Wulai Hot Spring Cycling

Starting from Bitan in Xindian, New Taipei City, follow Xinwu Road (Provincial Highway 9A) toward Wulai for about 15 km with a cumulative elevation gain of roughly 300 m. This route runs alongside Nanshi Creek, where the canyon is lush with trees and the cool valley breeze makes summer riding quite comfortable.

Upon arriving in downtown Wulai, you can first visit Wulai Waterfall (one of Taiwan’s widest plunge waterfalls), then sample Atayal wild boar meat and bamboo tube rice at the old street, and finally choose an open-air hot spring bathhouse to soak in. Wulai’s hot springs are set beside the stream scenery of Nanshi Creek; sitting in an open-air pool while listening to the sound of the creek is a deeply healing experience.

Wulai Cycling Notes

• Xinwu Road has heavy traffic on weekends, so weekdays are recommended
• There are several sharp turns on the descent—please control your speed carefully
• Wulai’s hot spring peak season (winter) draws large crowds, so arriving early is advised

Zhiben Hot Spring Cycling

Zhiben is Taitung’s representative hot spring. Starting from Taitung City, follow Zhiben Road toward the mountain area for about 25 km with a gentle elevation gain, making it suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels. Zhiben Forest Trail is a great spot for spotting Taiwan’s endemic bird species; if you set out in the early morning, you can often hear the calls of the Taiwan blue magpie and the Taiwan barbet.

The Zhiben hot spring area offers a variety of options: indoor baths at upscale hot spring hotels, public open-air hot springs, and wild hot springs beside Zhiben Creek (some sections require walking in). Zhiben’s spring water is clear and clean, leaving your skin refreshed after soaking. Combined with Taitung’s fresh air, it is the ultimate combination for fully relaxing both body and mind.

Itinerary Suggestions for Hot Spring Cycling

The best model is “ride first, soak later”:

• Set out early in the morning to complete the climbs while your energy is at its peak
• Have a meal to replenish your energy upon arriving at the hot spring area
• Enter the hot spring bathhouse between 2–4 PM (crowds are usually smaller at this time)
• Rest thoroughly after soaking; it is not recommended to ride back down immediately after your bath

Practical Tips

• Soaking time: Do not soak immediately after riding; rest for 30 minutes first to let your heart rate return to normal
• Hydration: You will sweat heavily while soaking, so bring enough drinking water
• Bring a change of clothes: It is recommended to pack clean clothes in your saddlebag and change into them after soaking
• Valuables: Make sure to lock your bike securely while soaking, or leave it with the hotel

Conclusion

Hot spring cycling is a travel experience combination unique to Taiwan that is hard to replicate elsewhere. The sweat of cycling and the soothing relief of hot springs complete a cycle of physical exertion and mind-body recovery in a single day. Beitou’s urban hot springs, Wulai’s mountain wilderness charm, and Zhiben’s eastern tranquility each offer you different physical and sensory memories. The next time you head out for a ride, remember to add a hot spring to your itinerary.

Related Reading

• Taiwan’s Famous Hot Spring Town Cycling Routes: Wulai, Beitou, Jiaoxi, and Zhiben Hot Spring Ride Guide
• Taitung City to Zhiben Hot Spring Route: A Leisurely Route Plan for Southern Taiwan Hot Spring Cycling
• One-Day Taipei Basin Ride: A Connecting Route Through Yangmingshan, Beitou, and Tamsui
• The Travel Philosophy of Cyclists: 36 Ways to Explore Taiwan by Bike