The name Jinshan, which means “Gold Mountain,” derives from the deposits of gold-colored sulfur found hereabouts. Like much of Taiwan – particularly the island’s east – this area seethes with geothermal energy.

Jinshan residents have been enjoying hot springs for well over a century, though the oldest hot springs establishment still operating is the 40-plus-year-old Huangjintang Spring (No. 2, Lane 2, Wencuan Road; tel; (02) 2498-2175).

The spring here is drinkable as well as suitable for bathing; it is claimed to be especially beneficial for those suffering from skin ailments, beriberi, or rheumatism. The sulfur content is moderate (and therefore appealing for people who don’t like the strong reek of sulfur you get at some other hot springs), and the site is a stone’s throw from Jinbaoli Street.

The pricing system is a little complex. There are pools for individuals, two people, and larger groups. If you come by yourself, you pay NT$100. Two adults together pay NT$150. Two adults and three children pay NT$600. There are additional charges if you want to hire a towel, and there are time limits of 40 minutes to two hours. The spring is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

More modern facilities are available at the Jinshan Youth Activity Center (No. 1, Cingnian Road), further from the downtown, but closer to the seashore.

There’s a public pool here where visitors can bath in swimming suits; admission is NT$10. With space for more than 500 people at any one time, this is said to be Southeast Asia’s largest hot spring facility.

Address: No. 1, Cingnian Road, Jinshan

TEL: (02) 2498-1190

Open Time 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Public Transit: Jinshan’s downtown is served by very frequent buses to both Danshuei and Keelung. All buses stop on Jhongshan Road.
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Personal Transit Jinshan Youth Activity Center is on the seaward side of Jinshan and Taiwan Highway 2. There is some parking around Huangjintang Spring, which is best accessed via Jinshan’s Minsheng Road.

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