When you think about hot springs in Taiwan, your mind probably jumps to northern spots like Beitou or Jiaoxi, or maybe central Taiwan’s Guguan. But did you know that Taiwan’s southernmost tip in Pingtung hides a peaceful, warm treasure called “Sichongxi Hot Springs”? With over a century of history, blending natural mountain forests with indigenous culture, it’s the ultimate southern hot spring secret you can’t miss during fall and winter. This place doesn’t just offer toasty spring water, it delivers a natural atmosphere and travel experience that northern Taiwan’s hot springs simply can’t match!
While Taiwan’s winter temperatures aren’t super cold, northern Taiwan’s humid climate can make it feel way chillier than it actually is. Sichongxi is Taiwan’s southernmost hot spring area, so even during cold snaps in winter, daytime temps often stay above 20°C (68°F). You won’t be shivering while soaking， instead, you can stroll in the sunshine, sip tea, and enjoy mountain views. It’s one of winter’s most comfortable hot spring experiences.
Plus, unlike the bustling commercialized vibes of Beitou or Jiaoxi, this place has that raw, natural tranquility. Perfect for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Even during peak hot spring season, there are way fewer people here than up north. Most hot spring hotels offer independent bath houses or villa-style accommodations at reasonable prices with high privacy which is ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a quiet getaway.
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Table of Contents
What Makes Sichongxi Hot Springs Special
Sichongxi Hot Springs sits in Mudan Township, Pingtung County. The spring water comes from deep within the southern section of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range. The water quality is mildly alkaline sodium bicarbonate spring with clear, slightly smooth-feeling water that’s earned the nickname “beauty spring.” Water temperatures range from 45-60°C (113-140°F). When you step into the warm, mineral-rich water, you’ll catch subtle mineral scents while your skin feels silky smooth, like being gently embraced.
Compared to sulfur springs, it’s much gentler and less irritating which is perfect for sensitive skin, elderly folks, or kids. Beyond relaxing muscles, boosting circulation, and improving skin, soaking here means listening to birds chirping and insects singing while gazing at green mountain forests. You’re truly getting both physical relaxation and mental peace, far from the hustle and bustle.
Indigenous Culture & Local Character
Sichongxi hot springs were already designated as “one of Pingtung’s eight scenic spots” during the Japanese colonial period and served as a Japanese military recuperation base. Today, after comprehensive planning and local revitalization, Sichongxi combines hot spring hotels, park trails, lantern festivals, and indigenous culture to become southern Taiwan’s new hot spring highlight. Yes, Sichongxi sits near Paiwan tribal settlements. Walking through villages, you’ll see totems, tribal markets, and traditional foods. The annual winter “Sichongxi Hot Spring Festival” blends lighting displays, music, and cultural experiences for way more depth than just soaking.
Perfect Combo with Kenting & Hengchun
It’s about a 40-minute drive from Sichongxi to Kenting. Hmm! hot springs in the morning, ocean views in the afternoon, night markets in the evening. One trip gets you dual healing from mountain springs and seaside scenery with super flexible itinerary planning. It’s one of Taiwan’s perfect combination hot spring destinations.
Must-Visit Spots & Activities
Sichongxi Hot Spring Park
Covering about 6 hectares, the park features foot bath areas, foot soaking pools, walking trails, Japanese lantern decorations, and hot spring culture exhibition spaces. Perfect for families or friends to stroll and snap photos, especially at night when the lights create amazing and Instragrammable atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Capybara encounters
- Free foot soaking pools
Sichongxi Hot Spring Festival (November – February)
This winter-only event transforms the entire hot spring park with illuminated displays, combining nighttime performances, cultural markets, and foot soaking experiences for a super romantic vibe. Definitely plan your hot spring getaway during this season.
Check official website for festival info.
Getting There
Driving: From Kaohsiung, take Provincial Highway 1 or National Highway 3 south, then connect to Pingtung-Eluanbi Highway (Provincial Highway 26) – about 2 hours total.
Public Transport: Take TRA to “Fangliao Station” or “Chaozhou Station,” then transfer to Pingtung Bus Route 8232 to Sichongxi Station (about 1.5-hour journey).
Recommendation: Driving or chartered transport is most convenient. Some hot spring hotels also offer shuttle services, try to ask when booking.
Recommended Hotels
Qingquan Japanese Hot Spring Resort
This hot spring hotel is the most historic accommodation in Sichongxi, originally called “Yamaguchi Inn” during the Japanese colonial period when it served as an exclusive retreat for Japanese military officers and generals. The entire property from garden landscapes to public spaces is filled with strong Japanese atmosphere, letting visitors experience authentic Japanese hot spring culture. While rooms show some age, they’re maintained very cleanly, and renovation projects continue regularly.
The hotel offers room types from doubles to six-person rooms, each equipped with independent hot spring baths. Room rates include Chinese-Western buffet breakfast and outdoor hot spring tickets. There’s also a Japanese restaurant for dining. Public facilities include outdoor hot spring pools, SPA massage pools, and private bath houses. The outdoor hot spring pools offer various water temperatures with SPA jet equipment. Please bring your own swimsuit, swim cap, and bath towel when using outdoor hot springs.
Besides accommodation, the hotel welcomes day-use visitors for pure soaking. Outdoor hot spring fees are NT$300/person for adults, NT$260/person for children (under 120cm). Refined and Japanese-style private bath houses start at NT$1000 for 1.5 hours on weekdays, NT$1000 per hour on weekends and peak seasons for more private, comfortable soaking experiences. (Check official website for latest prices)
Address: No. 5, Wenhua Rd., Wunquan Village, Checheng Township, Pingtung County
Price: 💰💰💰💰
Official Website
photo credited from official website
Samiling Resort (Changyu Hot Spring Hotel)
This hot spring hotel opened brand new in 2022, being the first large-scale hot spring hotel in the Sichongxi area. The hotel sits in prime location at the front row of Sichongxi Hot Spring Park with expansive grounds surrounded by mountain ranges, offering comfortable, sweeping mountain scenery. The English name “Samiling” comes from Paiwan language meaning “elegance and beauty.” The hotel primarily uses slate and wood materials for decoration, expressing this spirit through the lobby’s simple, elegant design. Guest rooms feature modern Japanese-style interiors with spacious, bright design that feels comfortable and relaxing.
Hotel rooms are divided into three areas: main building, second building, and third building. Each room in the main and second buildings comes with independent, spacious hot spring pools that won’t feel crowded even with 2-3 people soaking together. Third building guests receive complimentary double bath house vouchers. Beyond in-room facilities, the hotel has eight premium bath houses for guest use plus outdoor play pools and other leisure facilities. They also provide Mini Bar and welcome snacks for travelers.
The hotel has comprehensive service facilities including wheelchairs, nursing rooms, cribs, baby strollers, and various service equipment, fully considering different guest needs. Particularly worth mentioning: the hotel provides shuttle bus service to and from Kenting No.1 Mall and Kenting Main Street!
Address: No. 27, Yuquan Lane, Wenquan Rd., Checheng 944
Price: 💰💰💰💰💰💰
Official Website
photo credited from official website
Fennel Resort
The resort features diverse soaking facilities including hydrotherapy SPA, health wellness pools, hot spring fish therapy pools, and semi-outdoor scenic public nude baths. Special features include cold, warm, and hot spring pools, children’s play pools, herbal aromatherapy pools, and herbal steam rooms are all available for unlimited use during your stay. They also offer independent bath houses without overnight stays, including semi-outdoor natural stone hot spring double bath houses (NT$600/45 minutes) and indoor skylight Greek-style double bath houses (NT$1200/80 minutes). Additional person over 90cm adds NT$300.
All room types come with dedicated hot spring baths for total relaxation in private spaces. Besides scenic double and quad rooms, there are stylish independent wooden cabins and Greek-style villas to choose from. Cabins come in double, quad, and six-person layouts with independent gardens, scenic hot spring pools, and massage hot spring pools. Villas offer three different themed styles in double and quad room types, each with unique indoor and outdoor soaking facilities. Throughout the resort, you’ll see artistic touches from the Paiwan hostess owner, creating culturally rich spatial design.
Beyond soaking and accommodation facilities, they provide complimentary Mini Bar, welcome fruit, and beverages for a truly hospitable experience. Service facilities are comprehensive, including wheelchairs, nursing rooms, cribs, baby strollers, etc., caring for guests of different ages and needs which is perfect for family trips and elders relaxation.
Address: No. 1-16, Damei Rd, Mudan Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 945
Price: 💰💰💰
Official Website
photo credited from official website
N22 Hot Spring & Resort
The hotel provides in-room independent hot spring baths and private bath houses, letting travelers fully relax and enjoy Sichongxi hot springs in comfortable private spaces. Day-use soaking available without overnight stays for NT$1,000 per 1.5 hours, including two coffee or ice cream vouchers.
Rooms feature warm wood elements with spacious, comfortable spaces and complete facilities for high-quality accommodation experiences. Each guest room includes French Omnisens bath amenities, double hot spring baths, TOTO washlets, and dry-wet separation shower facilities with thoughtful details throughout. Entertainment and convenience facilities include LCD TV, cable channels, wireless internet, Mini Bar cabinet, safe, and teak table-chair sets. The complimentary Mini Bar offers juice, cookies, and instant noodles, plus drip coffee packets for leisurely moments anytime.
The hotel’s location is excellent, just a 5-minute walk to Sichongxi Hot Spring Park with convenient transportation and nearby attractions. N22 Hot Spring has outstanding guest reviews with extremely high return rates. Beyond complete facilities and comfortable spaces, the large in-room hot spring baths feature air conditioning and ventilation systems for easy soaking enjoyment regardless of season.
Address: No. 4-2, Wenhua Rd., Wunquan Village, Checheng Township, Pingtung County
Price: 💰💰💰💰💰
Official Website
photo credited from official website
The Mudan (Mudan Style Hot Spring Inn)
The Mudan Style Hot Spring Inn offers diverse soaking experiences including indoor and outdoor dual pools in rooms, public outdoor gender-separated baths, dual-pool themed bath houses, and single-pool elegant bath houses, plus steam rooms and saunas. Day-use soaking available without overnight stays: public pools cost NT$300 for adults (over 150cm), NT$220 for children (over 90cm); dual-pool themed bath houses cost NT$1200 for 1.5 hours on weekdays, NT$1200 per hour on weekends; single-pool elegant bath houses cost NT$1000 for 1.5 hours on weekdays, NT$1000 per hour on weekends. (Check official website for latest prices)
Each guest room comes with indoor and outdoor dual pools for two different soaking experiences in private spaces. The Mudan Style Hot Spring Inn is a popular family-friendly hot spring hotel in Sichongxi offering three-meal packages including afternoon tea, breakfast, and dinner for complete relaxing holidays. The public outdoor pools feature up to 12 varieties including hot spring pools, cold pools, essential oil pools, SPA pools, and children’s play pools.
Note: public pool soaking requires swimwear and swim caps and bring your own towels and slippers.
Address: No. 251-68, Wenquan Rd., Wunquan Village, Checheng 944, Taiwan
Price: 💰💰💰💰💰
Official Website
photo credited from official website
Conclusion: Hot Springs in Southern Taiwan
Sichongxi Hot Springs sits quietly in Pingtung’s mountain forests, a healing sanctuary away from noise where you can return to inner peace. Whether it’s warm soaking in cold winter or quiet moments during spring and fall, this place lets you shed fatigue, slow down, and feel both the temperature of spring water and life’s rhythm. November through February is Sichongxi’s golden season, not only is the climate most comfortable (daytime temps 18-25°C), but you can also join hot spring festival activities. Avoid summer heat; spring and fall have fewer crowds for peaceful soaking.
If you’re just planning a day trip without overnight stays, it’s a pretty budget-friendly option with about NT$1,000-2,000 per person. But if you want the complete experience of hot springs, great food, and accommodation, go for a two-day, one-night stay with about NT$3,000-5,000 per person budget.
More Taiwan hot spring info:
Taiwan’s Hot Springs Culture: Etiquette, Health Benefits, and 11 Top Locations
Guanziling Hot Springs Taiwan: Mud Spa, Local Attractions & 7 Hot Spring Resorts Guide
