Thermal Valley day trip from Taipei

Highlights

• The world’s first Urban Quiet Park certified by Quiet Park International
• Explore the wonders of nature in Yangmingshan National park can offer
• Rejuvenate your tired foot with hot spring foot bath
• Indulge your cravings after the long day at Shilin Night Market
• Guaranteed departure from 1 participant

All about the trip

Meet your tour guide and driver at MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (BL14 /O07) Exit 2, then take a 30-40 min ride to the nearest national park in Taipei.

On the way to Yangmingshan National Park you will stop-by at Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch. Located in Beitou Park and near Beitou Hot Spring Museum, this beautiful library was selected by famous travel website as one of the 10 Coolest Examples of “Green Buildings”, and the famous online culture magazine as one of The 25 Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the World.

The Beitou Hot Spring Museum was built during the Japanese colonial era. The Tudor-style building has a brick and wood facade and black tile roof, the 1st level is consisted with a small bath and a large bath. The 2nd level is consisted with a huge Tatami lobby and a balcony with a special exhibition area that has early Taiwanese film documents displayed. This is a good spot to learn about Beitou's rich hot spring culture and history.

Geothermal Valley is not far away from the library, it is one of the sources of sulfur that supply this area’s hot spring. Because of the high temperature, the sulfuric steam fog rises from the pool’s surface; hence it is also called Hell Valley or Ghost Lake.

The next stop is Yangmingshan Flower Clock, the centerpiece of the national park, near the bus station and visitor information center. The flower plants change by seasons, where visitors can enjoy the bloom all year round.

You will then visit Yangming Shu-Wu Mansion, also known as Zhongxing Guesthouse. It is the summer residence of the late president Chiang Kai-shek for reception of important foreign guests. Today the mansion has become an important site for Taiwan’s history and natural environments.

Home to Yangmingshan's Calla Lillies and Hydrangea, Zhuzihu is a farming area hidden away in the mountains. Originally a lava-dammed lake created by the surrounding volcanoes, the area's unique geology became suitable for farming. Besides the seasonal flowers, Zhuzihu is also well-known for the mountain vegetable cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try the local treats there!

After that you will visit the most popular spot in this national park – Xiaoyoukeng (literally means "little oil pit"), is a post-volcanic geological landscape area, where you can see and smell the steam coming from these cracks, and feel the breath of a dormant volcano.

Then you will visit Qingtiangang, a lava terrace formed when the lava flowed north after the eruption. The terrace was once a ranch for water buffalos grazing during the period under Japanese rules; even today you can still find those naturally bred water buffaloes there.

The last stop is Lengshuikeng(literally means “cold water pit”), a barrier lake formed by the volcanic lava flowing down from the mountain. The hot spring water is colder than the other areas’ (around 40 degree Celsius); hence its name was given Lengshuikeng.

Before the tour comes to the end, you will enjoy a hot spring foot bath that gives a relief to aching feet and release the tension of the muscle. After the tour you may choose to disembark at Shilin Night Market and enjoy the local street foods, or drop off at the MRT Zhogxiao Xinsheng Station.

What is included in the price

• Professional licensed tour guide (Mandarin/ English/ Japanese)
• Local transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
• Hot spring foot bath
• Local General Liabilities Insurance

What is not included in the price

• Food and beverage
• Gratuity

Instructions

Tour commentary will be provided in Mandarin, English and Japanese.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

This tour takes place in Yangmingshan National Park most of the time, which involves lots of walking and stairs; comfortable shoes and casual wear are recommended. As the temperature can drop dramatically in the mountain area, it's recommended to bring an extra coat.

The sequence and time of stay at tour stops may be adjusted according to the traffic/weather condition.

If the tour has to be cancelled due to bad weather, we will contact you no later than the evening before the excursion day by email or SMS.

Please arrive at the meeting point 5 minutes earlier than the pick-up time.

Each guest is allowed to bring one piece of carry-on baggage.

This tour is not accessible to wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities.

Yangmingshuwu is not open to public during Jan 21 (Lunar New Year 2023), therefore the visiting time at the other attractions will be prolonged.