Beitou Park, which features a diverse range of ecological plant life from warm temperate, temperate, subtropical, to tropical zones, was established in 1913, during the late Meiji to early Taisho period in Japan. In the early days, the park had several stone bridges, but over the years, they were repeatedly rebuilt. Today, only one remains. The original stone arch bridges were later replaced by bridges built using reinforced concrete construction techniques. The technique of building stone arch bridges can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. After being introduced to Japan, it became particularly prominent in the Kyushu region, where many stone arch bridges were built—most notably the double-arched bridges known in Japan as meganebashi, or “spectacle bridges.” This old bridge in Beitou Park exudes a sense of timeless simplicity amid the park’s tranquil surroundings. To date, no other historic bridge of the same design has been found in Taiwan. (Address: No. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City)
Beitou isn’t just known for its hot springs—it also boasts Taiwan’s first green building library. This unique library is located within the lush, ecologically rich Beitou Park, right next to the Beitou Hot Springs Museum.
This library has received a candidate certificate for the nine major indicators of green building. The entire structure features large floor-to-ceiling windows, making extensive use of natural light and skillfully incorporating views of the surrounding nature. Built mainly from wood and steel, the library resembles a large elevated treehouse, blending harmoniously with nature. (Address: No. 251, Guangming Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City)
Thermal Valley is located within Beitou Public Hot Spring in Taipei’s Beitou District. It is one of the primary sources of Beitou’s hot springs and a natural hot spring pool, situated about a 15-minute walk from Xinbeitou Station on the MRT Tamsui Line. Covering an area of approximately 3,500 square meters, the spring water temperature ranges between 80°C and 100°C. It is classified as an acidic hydrochloric hot spring, known for its high acidity and corrosiveness. Locally, it is commonly referred to as Green Sulfur Spring or Source of Sulfur Spring.
Thermal Valley is the hottest hot spring in the Datun Mountain Range area. Its misty sulfuric vapors create a scenic atmosphere often described as “Mineral Hot Spring Mist.” During the Japanese colonial period, it was considered one of Taiwan’s “Eight Great Sights and Twelve Scenic Spots.” With its slightly greenish water that resembles the luster of jade, it has also earned the nickname Jade Spring Valley. (Address: No. 30-10, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City)
Beitou is one of the earliest areas in northern Taiwan where Indigenous peoples lived. To preserve and promote Indigenous culture and art, the government established the Ketagalan Culture Center in Beitou, Taipei. The center showcases traditional Indigenous artifacts and plays multimedia films themed around Indigenous culture. (Address: No. 3-1, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City)
Upon entering the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, visitors must first remove their shoes and wear indoor slippers provided by the museum. Walking on the wooden floors adds a nostalgic and welcoming touch. As you explore the exhibits, it’s easy to sense the grandeur of the hot spring culture from earlier times.
Since the Japanese colonial era, Beitou has been renowned as a hot spring destination. On June 17, 1913, the Taipei Prefectural Government invested in building the Beitou Public Bathhouse to provide high-quality hot spring facilities for the general public. According to historical records, it was the largest hot spring bathhouse in East Asia at the time. The facility included hot spring baths, lounges, a restaurant, and entertainment rooms, and was often featured in Taiwanese films of the era. It is considered a landmark building in the history of Beitou’s hot spring development. (Address: No. 2, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City)
