Taiwan’s volcanic landscapes & spas make wonderful day trips near Taipei offering wellness travel and eco-tourism. First, I explored the steamy crater of Mt. Qixing at Yangmingshan National Park. Then, I rejuvenated for an interlude at Tien Lai Spa and lastly visited the intriguing Yehliu Geopark. So, read on to learn about these stunning destinations’ highlights.
Yangmingshan National Park
With 9 volcanic areas in Taiwan, there are diverse geothermal areas to explore for adventure and well-being. Yangmingshan National Park is renowned for its hot springs, fumeroles, hiking trails and venomous snakes. Our first stop was at Mt. Qixing the highest peak at this park, rising to 1,120 meters, alongside a visitor’s center for Yangmingshan National Park. I witnessed up close and personal the crater and landslide area on the flank of the mountain. From this crater, hisses fumeroles and vents, emitting steam high into the atmosphere. Also, the walking path gets close to the vents, with some hot springs bubbling alongside. The mountain’s name, Qixing, means “7 Stars” named after the 7 small peaks around the crater.
I walked the Arrow Bamboo Loop trail for a 360-degree view of the dramatic landscape surrounding the trail. This trail is a 600-meter, 20-minute walk up to 2 different observatories of the crater and other mountains. The arrow bamboo is the predominant plant, crowding out other plants. This vantage point put the magnitude in perspective about the massive crater blown outside of the mountain.
Enthralled, I watched the infernal fumeroles and steam vents smoldering into the azure sky. At the visitor’s center, I read about a more extensive trail called Mt. Qixing Main Peak-East Peak Trail. It goes from the southern to northern ridgeline. with different ecosystems. The southern is covered with dense, broadleaf forests and diverse wildlife. In contrast, monsoons affect the northern ridgeline. As a result, it is mostly grasslands.
Tien Lai Resort and Spa
After visiting the Mt. Qixing area, I savored a 3-hour rejuvenation timeout at the Tien Lai Resort and Spa. We independently spend the time as we want soaking in the hot springs. Afterwards, I savored a delicious and healthy buffet of fresh seafood, rice, fruits, vegetables and desserts. These hot springs originate from His-Huan-Ping Hot spring, with a semi-transparent milky-white or gray color rich in minerals. Tien Lai Resort is reputed as one of best in northern Taiwan. Its mineral-rich hot springs are therapeutic for many conditions, such as, pain, digestion, fatigue and skin disorders.
This beautiful resort aligns with a healthy balance of the elements and feng shui. In a valley, lush green mountains with gardens and flowers surround it. When I was there, the cherry blossoms were beginning to fall like snow. The spa offers many outdoor selections for hot springs at varied temperatures. It’s recommended to take breaks between 15-minute soaks in the different pools. I soaked in a medium heat and then rested before soaking in the very hot pool. There’s also a dry sauna and fish spa, to nibble off your dead skin from lower legs and feet.
Finally, after hours of lounging in the fresh air, in and out of 2 pools and spending time in the dry sauna, I sat in some nice loungers to just take in the scenic surroundings. Then, I showered and savored a delicious and healthy lunch. It was the perfect blend of being light, yet filling from vegetarian rice dishes with tempura and ending with my Sakura (cherry blossom) custard dessert. Yum!!! Understandably, many visitors stay for days to rejuvenate, enjoying the hot springs, gym and beautiful surroundings.
Yehliu Geopark
Taiwan’s Volcanic Landscapes
Lastly, I enjoy a group walking tour at the Yehliu Geopark. This geological marvel goes along a cape with thousands of interesting rock formations. Overall, it comprises of eclectic animism in limestone shapes, vulnerable to marine erosion, weathering and earth movements. At admission, visitors get a map of the named rocks. to see throughout the beaches and along ridges with panoramic views and fresh air at every angle.
I saw many seawaters eroded holes with rocks in shapes, such as, mushroom, candle, ginger, chessboard, ice cream, fairy’s shoe, gorilla, cougar, queen’s head and elephant. There are also sea-eroded caves and fossils in rock beds, with the most popular, sea urchin having petal shapes. Overall, it’s a geological extravaganza with ancient strata of time to stimulate the imagination.
Overall…
This day was a nice flow of exploration, activity and rejuvenation. Because all these sites are near each other and just an hour from Taipei, this makes for a good day trip from Taipei. Taiwan’s volcanic landscapes and spas, along with the Yehliu Geopark offer wonderful opportunities for wellness travel and adventure.
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