Jiaoxi Hot Springs (Yilan): the easiest soak day trip from Taipei
A classic Taipei-area escape: train-accessible hot springs, a slower small-town pace, and the option to combine a soak with waterfalls or a night market in Yilan.
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A comfort-first day trip east of Taipei: combine a short nature walk (optional), a hot springs soak in Jiaoxi, and an evening snack crawl in Luodong—simple, satisfying, and very different from the city.
Best for
Trips 4+ days, rainy-season planning, slow travelers
Time to read
7–10 minutes
Core idea
One soak + one add-on
Highlights
- A ‘reset day’ that feels genuinely different from Taipei
- Flexible in bad weather (swap in Traditional Arts Center)
- Perfect for couples, families, and sore feet
Why Yilan works as a Taipei day trip
Yilan is one of the easiest ‘different Taiwan’ days from Taipei: greener scenery, a slower pace, and hot springs that make you feel human again after a lot of walking.
The key is simplicity. Choose one main anchor (Jiaoxi hot springs), then add at most one extra stop. Your day will feel spacious and relaxed instead of rushed.
Pick your add-on (don’t do three)
Choose one based on weather and mood.
- Nature: Wufengqi Waterfall scenic walk
- Culture: National Center for Traditional Arts (rain-friendly, family-friendly)
- Food: Luodong Night Market as your evening finish
A realistic day plan
This template keeps everything comfortable and makes the day feel like a mini vacation rather than a logistics exercise.
- Morning: Wufengqi (optional) or arrive and stroll Jiaoxi town
- Midday: hot springs soak (public or private—your comfort level)
- Evening: Luodong Night Market for snacks, then return to Taipei
Bad-weather version (still great)
If it’s raining hard, swap the waterfall for the Traditional Arts Center. You’ll still get a full, memorable day without fighting the weather.
FAQ
Quick answers to common planning questions.
Is Yilan doable without a car?
Yes. Many travelers do Yilan by train/bus plus walking and taxis for short hops. The main trick is keeping the day to one region (Jiaoxi + one add-on) rather than trying to cover all of Yilan in one go.
Should I do Beitou or Jiaoxi for hot springs?
Beitou is the easiest ‘inside Taipei’ hot-springs day. Jiaoxi is a bigger mood shift and feels more like a true day trip. If you have time for one, pick the one that fits your schedule and energy.
Helpful links
Official pages and references for planning details.
Keep exploring
Hand-picked next reads to make your Taipei plan smoother.
Ready to plan your next stop?
Start with a simple loop: one neighborhood stroll, one iconic sight, and one night market. Taipei rewards balance.
Tip: hours, prices, and seasonal schedules can change. When something matters (like a museum ticket or a special exhibition), check the official listing before you go.