Head up to the northern region of Taipei and discover all of the natural beauty that awaits you in the Beitou District. This district is home to fine restaurants, unique shopping opportunities, and plenty of outdoor recreation activities. Whether you are looking to soak up all of the nutrients in Beitou Hot Springs or would like to hike up to the top of Daiton Mountain in Yangmingshan National Park, great adventures await when you visit Beitou.
8 Relaxing Things to do in Beitou
1. Beitou Hot Springs
Take advantage of the healing powers of nature when you visit Beitou Hot Springs Resort. Featuring a Zen Room Soup House with 14 individual rooms and a Public Soup House, this resort promotes rest and relaxation to all who visit.
The bath water in each soup house is made up of natural white sulphur water that is indigenous to the area and is known for its healing and beauty properties. Men and women alike are invited to hop into the baths and enjoy a nice warm soak. Each soup house features natural wood decor that is temperature controlled to make the environment comfortable and relaxing.
While you are at Beitou Hot Springs Resort dine on some healthy selections at the onsite bakery and Asian food restaurant. You can also book a room and stay for a while in a classic, deluxe, or exquisite room.
Check In to Beitou Hot Springs Resort, Step Out to Beitou Hot Springs Museum
2. Puji Temple
Located at No. 112, Wenquan Road, Beitou District, Puji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple that was constructed by the Japanese in 1905 when the country occupied Taiwan. Puji Temple is adorned in classic Japanese design, and features a simplistic interior that is still used to this day for worship.
To get to Puji Temple, you will need to hike up the hillside and through the lush green wilderness. Once you arrive, you can take in all of the beauty of the area as you explore the structure. The temple is open all year long during the daylight hours.
3. Charm Villa Shop
Charm Villa Shop is a quintessential gift store and tea shop where you can purchase some of the best blends Taiwan has to offer. From Rose Oolong to fragrant herbal tea, this place has you covered.
Most tea blends come packaged in adorable fish packets and are boxed for easy gift giving. You can also find an assortment of other fun items in this store to commemorate your visit. Charm Villa Shop is nestled in a hillside at No. 137, Section 2, Fengnian Road.
4. Datun (Daiton) Mountain
Hike up to the peak of Datun Mountain, also known as Daiton Mountain, and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city of Taipei below; you will want to make sure you bring a camera to capture all of the beauty of this adventure.
To get to the peaks of Datun Mountain, you will to hike along the Mt. Datun Multi-Peak Trail. The entire trail distance from the Bailaka Saddle Trailhead to Qingtian Temple Trailhead will take approximately four hours to hike and you will travel about 3.3 miles. Some areas of the trail are rated as being more difficult than others, so you will want to take that into consideration before deciding to hike this trail. Plan your trip accordingly so you can take advantage of wildlife spotting opportunities, the mountain range sunset, or checking out the stars on a clear night.
5. Qixing Park
Located next to Xinbeitou Station in the Beitou District, Qixing Park is a great recreational spot for people of all ages. Qixing Park is approximately halfway up Qixing Mountain, sometimes called Qixingshan or Chihsing (Shichisei) Mountain, and provides a relaxing respite for travel-weary guests, as well as for those who want to take some time to play as a family. The park features several pavilions, hiking trails, grassy play areas, and lush trees as far as the eye can see. Refresh and take advantage of this park if you are headed up to the summit of Mount Qixing!
6. 168 Seafood Restaurant
Bursting with authentic Taiwanese flavors and fragrances, 168 Seafood Restaurant is a simplistic restaurant where all of the attention is directed toward the delicious food they serve. At 168 Seafood Restaurant, they believe in creating a relaxing family-friendly environment that is not overly decorated so you can focus your energy on savoring each bite on your plate. This restaurant serves up real seafood and other menu items that are made with fresh and natural ingredients. All food is offered at an affordable price.
7. Beitou Hot Springs Museum
If you are looking for something interesting to do and love to learn about the history of where you are at, head over to Beitou Hot Springs Museum and learn about the history of the hots springs and bath houses of the region. The museum was originally constructed in 1911 when Japan controlled Taiwan and is a two-story facility. The lower level was once home to a public bath house that has since closed down. The bath house is now part of the historical exhibits of the museum. The second floor of the museum features more historical exhibits, as well as a recreation space and an outdoor overlook area.
Beitou Hot Springs and the public bath houses have played an important role in the history of the Beitou District and serve as health and beauty sanctuaries.
8. Wu’s Shrine
Complete with breathtaking views of Taipei below and an overlook that provides a relaxing respite after a long day of sightseeing, Wu’s Shrine not only pays tribute to the history of the Wu family, but gives visitors a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the region. This attraction is best visited during the spring months when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. You will get treated to a magical experience filled with rich colors and and unforgettable fragrances.
Getting Around Beitou
Getting around Beitou is easy, thanks to all of the great transportation options available in this district. From Taipei Songshan Airport you can pick up a rental car and drive 27 miles up to the resorts and hot springs.
Beitou’s mass transit system is also a quick and convenient way to get to your destination. The Xinbeitou MRT Station is only a short distance from Beitou Hot Springs Resort. Catch the MRT Red Line and take a relaxing train ride up to where all hotels, shops, restaurants, and hot springs are located. Once you arrive, you can follow the nature trail the rest of the way up to the hot springs.
Taipei also offers several private transportation services to help tourists and business professionals get around the city. If you want to skip public transportation, arrange for a shuttle service or private driver to take you up the mountain. When reserving your hotel room, be sure to ask about free shuttle services they may provide.
Best Time to Travel to Beitou
Taiwan is a tropical island country off of the east coast of China and experiences warm and humid temperatures throughout most of the year. If you plan to visit the Beitou District during the summer months, expect the area to be buzzing with tourism. The local attractions and hot springs can be quite crowded during this time of year.
February, March, April, and December are the best months to visit if you have heat sensitivity or want to enjoy all the activities in Taipei without the crowds. The average temperature during these months ranges between 76°F and 85°F (25°C and 29°C). Be sure to pack plenty of shorts and light shirts as well as breathable shoes. For outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking around the trails of the mountain, consider packing a light jacket and appropriate footwear.
Hotels in Beitou
From community rooms and hostels to 5-star luxury resorts, the Beitou District has a complete line up of extraordinary lodging opportunities that fit in to every budget. In Taiwan, you can lodge like royalty for a fraction of the price, compared to many other regions of the world.
Aquabella Hotel is located less than 5 minutes from Xinbeitou MRT Station and features a modern Italian ambiance. Rooms at this hotel start at just $160 (USD) per night and feature amenities like plush bedding, private hot springs tubs, relaxing decor, and more. The address for this hotel is No. 63, Wenquan Road, Beitou District.
Royal Seasons Hotel is a luxury hotel that is located about a mile away from the city center. This hotel offers room services like grocery delivery, daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, and natural tone furnishings. Snag up a room at this lovely hotel for as little as $58 (USD) per night. The address for this hotel is No. 330, Nanjing West Road, Datong District.
Solo Singer Hotel is a fun local economy hotel that is free from all of the distractions of the modern world. This hotel is designed to showcase the simple life of Taiwanese culture and provide guests with somewhere quiet to retreat to after a long day. The furnishings are simple, and there is an onsite cafe to dine at. You can rent a room for under $81 (USD) per night. The address for this hotel is No. 7, Lane 21, Wenquan Road, Beitou District.
Phoenix Pavilion Hot Spring Hotel is a luxury oasis for the mind, body, and soul. This hotel is clad in Japanese style decor and offers in-room hot springs water access, free Wi-Fi, large screen TVs, plush furnishings, and more. Reserve a room for just $152 (USD) per night and enjoy quick access to the hot springs, hiking trails, restaurants, shops, and scenic vistas of the area. The address for this hotel is No.1, Tianjhu Lane, Wuncyuan Rd., Beitou District.
