Old Trail Adventure: The Footprints of Beitou

Beitou is the northernmost of the Taipei City’s twelve districts. The area was an early settlement of the Ketagalan indigenous people. The name Beitou originates from the Ketagalan word for queen. Famous since the Japanese colonial period for its celebrated hot springs, Beitou is now one of the most widely visited hot spring destinations in northern Taiwan.

Hot springs in Beitou are the results of the eruption of the Datun Volcano Group in ancient times. These extinct volcanoes resulted in literally hundreds of natural hot springs scattered across Beitou.  

Besides being best known as a hotspring destination, Beitou is also famous for its natural resources and attractions such as Guandu Nature Park. Equally fascinating are the names of the roads in Beitou. Many are quite unique and can tell us a little bit about the stories behind them. Some examples are Wenquan (“Hot Spring”) Road, Youya (“Quiet and Beautiful”) Road, Yinguang (“Silver Light”) Lane and Tianzhu (“Holy Father”) Lane.  

You are invited to walk around Beitou following the suggested route:

Beitou Hot Spring Museum – Riverside Pavilion – Takinoyu Bathhouse – Thermal Valley – Puji Temple – Hoshinoyu Bathhouse – Villa 32 – Park Footpath – Beitou Community Activity Center – Ketagalan Culture Center – Beitou Branch of Taipei Public Library

Directions:

By MRT: Either Beitou Station or XinBeitou Station. Public buses also available.