Southern Taiwan - Taiwan - page 482

from the 7-Eleven in the lower village and look for a wooden arch to the left about 200m
along. The stairs lead directly to the park.
Water & Fire Mix NATURAL SITE
(Shǔihuǒ Tóng Yuán) Five kilometres southwest of the hot-spring area is this natural oddity,
a small grotto where fire and water really do mix - natural gas from underground bubbles
up through a pool of water and ignites spontaneously on the surface. The result is a sur-
real dance of flames atop pure water.
Activities
Hot-springing is de rigueur in Guanziling. The mud hot-spring water isn't really muddy
but is rather a light grey colour, owing to the heavy concentration of minerals it picks up
on the way to the surface. The Japanese built the first hot-spring resort in Guanziling and
considered the muddy waters (found elsewhere only in Japan and Sicily) particularly
therapeutic. If you are staying overnight, look for bargains in the lower village hotels.
King's Garden Villa HOT SPRING
(Jǐngdà Dùjià Zhuāngyuán; 682 2500; www.myspa.com.tw ; admission NT$450; 9am-10pm)
King's Garden Villa has a set of stone and wood pools, as well as a swimming pool and
mud-bath room for you to while away the time. Look for the English signs as you drive
up the main road in the upper village.
Eating & Drinking
There are plenty of eateries around Guanziling. Across from the bus stop sits a row of
barbecue stalls that serve group-sized portions. Most of the hotels have restaurants, and
decent tǎocān (set meals) can be had for around NT$250.
Getting There & Around
You can catch a train from Tainan or Chiayi to Xinying, and then a bus to Guanziling.
The bus station is opposite the railway station in Xinying. But since the sights are so
spread out, it's best to take your own transport. Consider hiring a scooter in Chiayi
(NT$300 to NT$400 per day).
WORTH A TRIP