Thermal Valley (aka Geothermal Valley, Ghost Lake, Jade Spring Valley, or Hell Valley 地熱谷) is a bubbling and steaming turquoise pool, that is one of the sources of Beitou’s hot springs and one of only two green sulfur hot springs in the world. Here you can take a walk around the entire pool, enjoy the scenery, and understand more about the history and geology of the area. With convenient transportation from the MRT and free entrance, it is a popular tourist destination in Beitou. It is definitely a must-see spot if you visit Beitou.
Historical Background:
Thermal Valley is called Ghost Lake or Hell Valley because the constant steam and rising heat evoke an eerie image of hell. In the past, some visitors have accidentally fallen into the scalding hot springs and were tragically burned to death, which is why it is also known as “Hell Valley.”
The narrow definition of Beitou Hot Springs categorizes the springs by their composition: the geothermal springs of Thermal Valley (green sulfur springs, 50–90°C and highly acidic), the white sulfur springs of Sulfur Valley (pH of 3–5, and a temperature of about 45°C), and iron-sulfur springs located in Upper Beitou (neutral carbonate hot springs, with a lower temperature of about 40–60°C).
During the Japanese occupation period, Geothermal Valley was rated as one of Taiwan’s eight scenic spots and twelve landscapes, renowned as “Sulfur Spring Jade Mist.” This is due to the mesmerizing play of light and steam in the morning when the sunlight hits the rising steam, creating an enchanting, dream-like scene. The water’s faintly green, jade-like clarity led some to call it “Jade Spring Valley.”
The spring contains trace amounts of radium, which is said to have health benefits, and supplies hot springs to nearby public bathhouses or hotels near Beitou Park.
In earlier times, locals would bring eggs to Geothermal Valley to cook “hot spring eggs.” However, due to scalding incidents and environmental concerns, this practice was stopped. The Taipei Water Department, responsible for maintenance, also noted that the hot springs are sulfate and sulfate chloride springs with heavy metals, which pose health risks and are not recommended for cooking eggs.
The government renovated Thermal Valley in 2023, channeling the spring water into a lake surrounded by pathways and railings. There are pavilions along the walkways where visitors can enjoy the view, and shallow stone and concrete water channels that were previously available for free foot soaking, but that are now closed off. The city government has incorporated Thermal Valley into Beitou Hot Spring Park, now designated as the Beitou Hot Springs Water Park.
The area is usually popular, especially on weekends and holidays.
Hours:
9 AM to 5 PM
Activities:
Besides soaking in hot springs, there are many activities available in Beitou such as Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Kani Kimono Rental, Escape Experience, Beitou Museum, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
Tours:
You can check out tours to Beitou such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou.
Where to Stay:
High end: We recommend Wellsping Silks Beitou, which is perhaps the fanciest hotel in Beitou is the Wellspring Silks Beitou and towers like a behemoth over the cityscape. Here you can probably find the best quality and services in all of Beitou.
Budget Hotels: We also recommend Water House which seems like perhaps the best deal for the money in Beitou. Breakfast and private baths are included. There are also public bathing areas. The hotel is across from Beitou Park.
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality accommodation selection in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Beitou Hot Spring Hotel Guide here, our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT to Xinbeitou MRT station. From there you can walk about ten minutes to Thermal Valley. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter:
From downtown Taipei, take Provincial Highway 2 north to New Beitou MRT Station. There is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out Klook here, or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By Bicycle:
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here.
Map:
Please see a list of places we will cover in the map below:
