Emperor Hot Spring Spa (Huangchi) 皇池溫泉御膳館

Historical Background:

Huang Chi Hot Spring uses the famous Qinghuang (Green Sulfur) hot spring, a naturally emerging, unpolluted geothermal spring. The location sits where several Qinghuang hot spring veins converge and was historically a landmark hot spring site in the Shamao Mountain area.
Qinghuang Spring, also known as a radium spring, contains natural radium with mild radioactivity. Long-term research by Japanese scientists, medical experts, and the Tamagawa Hot Spring research team found that trace natural radium can penetrate the body and help activate cells and boost immunity, making this type of spring both rare and valuable. Chemical analysis by Dr. Huang Jin-Wang from the Chemistry Department at Chung Yuan University determined that Huang Chi’s spring water has the same composition as the famous Tamagawa Hot Spring in Japan. Currently, these are believed to be the only two places in the world with this type of spring.
The facility places great emphasis on quality—from architecture and hot spring water to cuisine and tableware. The buildings are constructed from mountain timber and palm bamboo, crafted by skilled artisans to blend with the surrounding forest scenery. The venue also features refined Taiwanese and Japanese dishes prepared by a five-star chef. Dining facilities include outdoor mountain-view seating, family dining areas, and private KTV rooms.

Hours:

Area 1 (Separate Male and Female nude hot spring spa): 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM the next day.
Restaurant: noon to 9:30 PM
Area 2 (Public swimming suit area and family hot spring rooms): 1 PM to 9:30 PM
Area 3 (Male nude spa area): 9 AM to 9:30 PM

Price:

Private hot spring spa room: A private room for two people is NT$750. Weekday 50 mins/ Weekend 40 mins Please bring towels by yourself.

Public Pools: Each person NT$250 (Under 120cm child is free) Summer special(Apr~Sep) Early bird $80/All day$125

The entrance ticket price can be used to offset food in the restaurant

Menu:

You can check out the full menu here: http://www.emperorspa.com.tw/menu.aspx

The entrance ticket price can be used to offset food in the restaurant

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, a hot spring coupon, and a coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou.

Where to Stay:

Wondering where to stay in the Beitou Hot Spring Area? There are so many hot spring hotels in this area that it may be hard to choose from.
Best Value for the money:
Spa Spring Resort 水都溫泉會館: (Agoda here or Booking.com here). Price: USD 40-130
Chyuan Du Spring Resort 泉都溫泉會館: (Agoda here or Booking.com here) Price: USD 50 – 150
Middle Tier:
Spring City Resort 春天酒店: (Agoda here or Booking.com here) Price: USD 100 – 300
Asia Pacific Hotel Beitou 亞太飯店: (Agoda here or Trip.com here) Price: USD 200 – 500
High End:
Radium Kagaya International 日勝生加賀屋國際溫泉飯店: (Agoda here or Booking.com here) Price: USD 300 – 800
Wellsping Silks Beitou 北投晶泉丰旅: (Trip.com or Booking.com here) Price: USD 300 – 1000
There are many more hotels to choose from in Beitou. You can check out our full Beitou Hotel Guide here or search on Agoda here or Booking.com here.

How to get there:

By MRT: 
Take the MRT to Xinbeitou MRT station. From there, you can also take the S25 bus further up the mountain to Dunxu High School of Industry and Commerce. Huangchi is about a 16-minute walk from the high school. 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 Tianmu, then turn onto Zhongshan North Road, and turn left on Tianmu Road. Go up the mountain until you see the turnoff to Huangchi. There is free car and scooter parking in front of the hot spring area, which may fill up during winter holidays and weekends. 
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 the map below:

Our Journey:

I have been to Huangchi three times now. Every time has been great, and it has been fun for the whole family. The three best parts about this place are:
1. It is a large hot spring in Taipei City
2. Free car parking
3. The price of admission can be used to offset food in the restaurant

The private hot spring rooms are a bit more expensive, and we have never been to the nude bathing areas. We have only been to the outdoor public clothed pools, which are awesome.

You first have to buy a ticket near the restaurant area. They will ask you what you want to eat and when you want to eat (after you are done soaking).

However, if you choose not to eat here, the tickets are a little cheaper. But if you only add 150 NT, you have a huge dinner, so it’s definitely worth it.

Photos of the different pools in the area.

One of the best things on the menu here is the porridge. I highly recommend the taro porridge.

Here is the full menu of main dishes for your reference.

After you order food, it is time to go soak in the hot springs.

Another photo of the different offerings available.

Another view of the ticket prices in Chinese.

Another view of some things you can buy. In my experience, swimming caps are not needed and not enforced.

At the entrance to the public pool you need to first take off your shoes.

You can also buy some swimming gear here if you forgot yours.

Here is a view of the main public pool. There are also five other pools, including a kiddie pool with a basketball hoop. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside.

The restaurant starts getting really busy after 5 PM.

There are also steamed buns and dumplings on the menu.

There is also this fountain in the middle of the restaurant.

Again, it can get pretty full, but they usually have enough space for everyone.

These were custard buns that were really good.

Steamed dumplings.

Taro porridge, which I highly recommend.

Shuilian, or crested floating-heart.

Live frogs for sale.

View from the entrance at night.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting this place if you want to experience hot springs in Beitou for a reasonable price and also get a great meal. I will only leave you with a warning that you may need another shower and a wash of clothes before the smell of sulfur leaves you.

Check out our full guide to Beitou here.

Check out our food guide to Beitou here.

Check out our full guide to Taiwan here.