Guanziling Hot Springs Taiwan: Mud Spa, Local Attractions & 7 Hot Spring Resorts Guide

Guanziling Hot Springs is located in Baihe District, Tainan City, Taiwan. It’s one of Taiwan’s four famous hot springs, renowned for its unique mud hot springs. The spring water is rich in minerals, appearing grayish-black, and is said to have excellent effects on skin care and relieving joint pain. This has earned it the nickname “beauty hot spring,” making it especially popular among female visitors. Many hot spring hotels offer mud baths, allowing guests to cover their entire body with mud for a unique therapeutic experience.

In its early years, Guanziling was an extremely prosperous hot spring area, with popularity rivaling that of Jiufen Old Street in Taipei. We can still see this heritage in the hot spring street today. Guanziling’s food is equally attractive, with the most iconic dish being barrel chicken, which is roasted over charcoal fire, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat. You can also sample bowl cake, shrimp rice, beef soup, and other Tainan snacks in the surrounding area.

For transportation, it takes about 40 minutes to drive from downtown Tainan to Guanziling along Highway 20. If taking public transportation, you can take the Xinying Bus directly from Tainan. Guanziling Hot Springs is ideal for visitors wanting to experience mud hot springs and skin care treatments, as well as those who love hot spring getaways and traditional cuisine.

πŸ”₯ Water and Fire Spring (Must-See Spectacle)

Water and Fire Spring is an unmissable natural wonder near Guanziling hot springs, about 3 kilometers away (just a 10-minute drive). It’s one of Taiwan’s rare natural phenomena where hot spring water and natural gas emerge simultaneously from the ground, creating the unusual sight of fire burning above water. The flame has been burning continuously for hundreds of years and is known as “Taiwan’s Hell Fire.” It’s recommended to visit at night when the flames appear more mysterious against the darkness – perfect for photos and experiencing the magical power of nature firsthand.

🏯 Huoshan Biyun Temple (Century-Old Temple)

Guanziling Lingquan Temple is about 2 kilometers from the hot spring area (a 5-minute drive). Built in 1715, it’s a famous historical temple in Tainan dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva. The temple sits on a hillside offering views of the Guanziling hot springs area and beautiful scenery. The temple fair on the 19th day of the 9th lunar month is particularly grand, attracting many pilgrims. This spot is suitable for travelers interested in cultural history, where you can admire the exquisite temple architecture and carvings while enjoying panoramic views, escaping the hustle and bustle to experience tranquility and peace.

🌸 Meiling Scenic Area (Must-Visit During Plum Blossom Season)

Meiling Scenic Area is about a 30-minute drive from Guanziling and is a famous plum blossom viewing destination in southern Taiwan. From December to January, the plum blossoms are in full bloom, covering the mountains in white like a fairyland. It’s great for hiking with several forest trails offering spectacular mountain views. The area also offers rich plum cuisine and plum tea, making it an excellent place to view flowers and taste local specialties in winter. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy eco-tourism and hiking.

King’s Garden Villa | Expansive Hot Spring Paradise

King’s Garden Villa features an enormous outdoor hot spring area spanning over 800 ping (2,640 square meters), offering more than 20 types of spa facilities including hot spring fish therapy, herbal pools, pulse hot springs, natural fruit and vegetable masks, hot spring mineral mud masks, mud spa and more. They also have separate men’s and women’s nude bathing areas and saunas. Visitors must wear swimwear and swim caps to enter these public pools, which hotel guests can use for free. In addition to public pools, some guest rooms also come equipped with pulse hot springs.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, from budget-friendly standard rooms to luxurious suites and even standalone lofts, suitable for travelers with different budgets – excellent value for money. If you’re not staying overnight and just want to enjoy the hot springs, you can choose between public pools or private hot spring rooms.

Address: No. 56, Guanziling, Baihe District, Tainan City, Taiwan 732
Price: πŸ’°πŸ’°πŸ’°
Official Website

  • Guanziling hot springs paradise

photo credited from official website

Guanziling Lin Kuei Yuan Hot Spring Resort | Elegant, Osmanthus-scented Experience

Guanziling Lin Kuei Yuan Hot Spring Resort offers unique mud hot springs and natural cold springs. All room types are equipped with hot spring facilities, but there are no public pools. If you’re not staying overnight but want to experience the hot springs, you can choose a double hot spring room (without bed) or a regular guest room with bed. The most attractive feature is its proximity to nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the fragrance of osmanthus flowers and phytoncides.

Note that there’s no elevator to the accommodation area and second-floor restaurant, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues – it’s best to bring light luggage. Also, since the resort is located in the mountains, there are more ants and mosquitoes, so it’s recommended to close doors promptly and keep bathroom screen doors closed to reduce pest disturbances.

Address: No. 53-18, Baihe District, Tainan City, Taiwan 732
Price: πŸ’°πŸ’°πŸ’°πŸ’°
Official Website

bathtub in guest room
photo credited from official website

Li Quan Hot Spring Resort | Simple Retro-style Hotel

Li Quan Hot Spring Resort is a hot spring hotel with a historical feel. The overall decoration style is nostalgic, mainly using wooden elements. While not trendy or modern, it’s full of warm traditional atmosphere. If you’re looking for a minimalist modern style, you might want to consider other options.

The resort is nestled in the mountains with beautiful scenery, especially in the early morning or after rain when the mountain mist creates a dreamy atmosphere, allowing guests to experience the serenity of nature. There are no public pools here, but all guest rooms come with mud hot springs. Alternatively, if you’re not staying overnight, you can choose a double hot spring room (without bed). This place is suitable for travelers who enjoy mountain forest scenery and retro-style hot spring accommodations.

Address: No. 43-3, Guanziling, Baihe, Taiwan 732
Price: πŸ’°πŸ’°
Official Facebook

bathtub in guest room
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Fu Yu Spring House | Warm, Homey Hospitality

Fu Yu Spring House is run by a friendly elderly couple who provide warm and attentive service, giving guests a homey feeling. The hot spring water quality is excellent, and guests can enjoy Guanziling’s special mud hot springs right in their rooms. However, there are no private hot spring rooms or public pools available – it’s suitable for travelers who prefer to relax and enjoy hot springs in their accommodation.

Breakfast isn’t made by the hotel but consists of traditional Taiwanese breakfast from nearby vendors, offering authentic local flavors and delivered directly to your room so you can enjoy it in comfort. This is a highlight for travelers tired of typical hotel breakfasts and wanting to experience local daily cuisine.

Address: No. 11, Baihe District, Tainan City, Taiwan 732
Price: πŸ’°πŸ’°πŸ’°
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Li Tang Holiday Villas | Affordable Prices

Although Li Tang Holiday Villas has a dated feel with relatively old facilities, its affordable price makes it suitable for budget-conscious travelers. All suites include hot spring and cold spring pools, providing a comfortable bathing experience. While there are no public pools, double hot spring rooms are available for those who just want to enjoy the hot springs without staying overnight. If you don’t mind modest accommodation, this is a cost-effective choice.

Address: No. 22, Baihe District, Tainan City, Taiwan 732
Price: πŸ’°πŸ’°
Official Website

Fungo Hotel | High-quality Mud Springs

Fungo Hotel offers excellent quality mud hot springs at affordable prices. The hotel has been recently renovated, so the facilities are new and complete, creating a comfortable overall environment. The rooms are a bit small, but considering the price and service, it feels very reasonable. If you’re not staying overnight but want to enjoy the hot springs, they offer private hot spring rooms (without beds) and suites (with beds), though no public pools. The hot spring vouchers available on Klook are for suite options. Additionally, the location is convenient and easily accessible by public bus.

Address: No. 24-11, Guan Zih Ling, Guanling Village, Baihe, Taiwan 732
Price: πŸ’°πŸ’°
Official Website

photo credited from official website

photo credited from official website

Hoya Hot Springs Resort, Guanziling | Japanese and Western Room Options

Hoya Hot Springs Resort in Guanziling offers public pools and sauna services. They provide Japanese-style and standard room options, but note that not all room types have hot spring baths – for rooms without baths, guests need to use the public pools. The overall decor is quite elegant and beautiful, suitable for travelers who enjoy comfortable environments and have sufficient budgets. The restaurant offers Chinese set meals, allowing guests to taste banquet-style cuisine and enriching their culinary experience.

Address: No. 28, Guanziling, Baihe, Taiwan 73255
Price: πŸ’°πŸ’°πŸ’°πŸ’°
Official Website

public pool
photo credited from official website

photo credited from official website

Summary for Guanziling Hot Springs

Guanziling is famous for its mud hot springs, which are definitely worth trying! Plus, with many natural and cultural attractions nearby, it’s perfect for planning a relaxing hot spring getaway! For a day trip, you can first visit nearby attractions like Water and Fire Spring and Huoshan Biyun Temple to enjoy the mountain scenery. Then experience Guanziling’s unique mud hot springs to relax your body and mind.

If you need accommodation, you can stay at hotels offering hot spring facilities. If you just want to enjoy the hot springs, you can choose public pools or private hot spring rooms. However, note that private hot spring rooms generally can’t be reserved in advance – you’ll need to wait on-site. If visiting during plum blossom season, it’s recommended to plan a two-day, one-night trip: spend the first day leisurely exploring attractions and enjoying hot springs, then visit Meiling Scenic Area on the second day to admire the plum blossoms.

One final reminder: since Tainan’s bus services are less frequent, it’s recommended to drive yourself or take a taxi!

Check this out for more Taiwan hot spring hotels:
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