Wulai

Soak in heavenly hot springs
Noteworthy for: Visit during the spring to see the Japanese Cherry or Sakura trees in bloom.
Word to the wise: Around 20km from Taipei, you can get here on public bus. Take the subway to Xindian and transfer to bus 1601 (NTD 40).
The beautiful rural mountain village of Wulai is famous for its bountiful hot springs and thriving aboriginal culture. The northernmost settlement for the Atayal, Taiwan’s second largest aboriginal group, the name of the area derives from their word for hot springs, kirofu ulai.
Upon arrival, peruse the map opposite the bus stop to plan your day. While the cobblestone Wulai Street is quite touristy, lined with souvenir shops selling chewy mochi, wooden trinkets and Atayal food like mountain boar and zhutong fan (rice steamed in bamboo tubes), the real pleasures are in nature. Cross the Nanshih River to ride a former logging train to the nearby Wulai Waterfall (Daily: 8am - 5pm, NTD 50). Take the cable car to the top for great views or just explore the surrounding hiking trails.

The area is dotted with free, albeit rustic, hot springs, such as off Wenquan Road. Enveloped by smooth rocks along the river’s edge, these are some of the most pleasant in Taiwan, though if you want something more upmarket, there are a selection of resort spas here too.

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