Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Dìrè Gǔ, Hell Valley; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun)
Throughout the Japanese era this geo-
thermal valley was considered one of Taiwan's great scenic wonders. The area has been
much altered since so it isn't quite that special any more, but the stone-lined basin filled
with near 100°C green sulphur waters is still a fascinating sight, especially on cool
winter days when a thick and sulphurous-smelling mist can be seen lifting off the waters.
Ketagalan Culture Centre
MUSEUM
(Kǎidágélán Wénhuàguǎn; 3-1 Zhongshan Rd; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun)
This multistorey
centre explores Taiwan's aboriginal culture with exhibits, performances, pictures and
artefacts.
Beitou Library
LIBRARY
(Túshūguǎn Běitóu; 251 Guangming Rd; admission free; 8.30am-9pm Tue-Sat, 9am-5pm Sun &
Mon; )
Opened in 2006, this beautiful wooden building was Taiwan's
first green construction project. You can go inside and wander about or just hang out on
the decks.
Activities
Beitou has three different types of spring water: green sulphur, white sulphur and iron
sulphur, all reportedly very good for the skin. Below are just a few options. For high-end
Former Residence of Marshal Zhang (Shann Garden)
HOT SPRING
(Shǎo Shuài Chán Yuán;
www.sgarden.com.tw
; 34 Youya Rd; per hour NT$1200-1500;
10am-10pm)
This gorgeous collection of old Japanese buildings was once the Xin Gao
Hotel, used to wine and dine kamikaze pilots before their last flight. It's now a hi-end
restaurant (set meals NT$1280) and a hot-spring spa with private rooms sporting black-
slate tubs, tatami floors and dreamy views over Beitou, all the way to volcanic Guanyin-
shan.
Marshall Zhang was a famous 20th-century Chinese commander who kidnapped Chi-
ang Kai-shek in 1936 to force him into a united front with the Communists against the
