Beichatian mountain II, Taoyuan County

Beichatian is in my opinion one of the best days hikes you can do in the north of Taiwan. It’s high, 1700m+, and a tough hike, especially if the weather is bad but the scenery and the challenge more than make up for it.

The last time I came to Beichatian was during the summer when I hiked from Manyueyuan 滿月圓.  It was really hard work in the heat but I enjoyed it immensely.  When we got near to the top a park ranger of sorts chatted with us and mentioned that the hike could also be done from Xiao Wulai 小烏來.

The forest near the beginning of the trail

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Ba Yan Wild Springs, Yangmingshan – 八煙野溪溫泉

NOTE – I’VE HEARD FROM A NUMBER OF PEOPLE RECENTLY THAT THE POLICE ARE CRACKING DOWN ON PEOPLE VISITING THESE HOT SPRINGS.  THE BRIDGE LEADING TO THE SPRINGS HAS BEEN DESTROYED (STILL PASSABLE) AND PEOPLE ARE BEING FINED FOR GOING TO THERE.

Sitting on the pacific ring of fire has many disadvantages, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes to name a few but as is often the case there’s always a  flip-side and Taiwan’s hotsprings are one.

The Ba Yan springs 八煙野溪溫泉, located in Yangmingshan national park, have to be one of the best wild hotsprings I’ve been to and with your own transport, they’re relatively easy to get to.

Relaxing at the Ba Yan springs

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