When I arrived in Jiaoxi, I initially intended to focus on the annual Hot Spring and Lantern Festival, but what left the deepest impression on me was the unique local landscape. Foot baths were scattered around every few streets, and nearly a hundred hot spring hotels shaped the area within a 2-kilometer radius of Jiaoxi Station.
A friend who lives in Jiaoxi told me that they don't even have a water heater at home. When they turn the tap to the left, steaming hot spring water flows out. For them, soaking in hot springs to relax is just an ordinary part of daily life.
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◦ History of Jiaoxi
The origin of Jiaoxi's name is intriguing, especially considering the town's abundant water resources. Over four hundred years ago, Jiaoxi was the home of the Kavalan people. In 1796, Han Chinese settlers from Fujian arrived to cultivate the area and noticed a dry riverbed. They casually referred to it as "Hankeng," which sounds similar to "Jiaoxi" in the Minnan dialect. According to legend, this is how the name "Jiaoxi" came to be. Who would have thought that the development of "Hankeng" would become inseparably linked to hot springs? The settlers discovered hot springs during their cultivation and built enclosures for bathing, calling them "Tangwei."
During the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese, well aware of the allure of hot springs, began developing public baths and inns, laying a solid foundation for the commercial use of hot springs.
In recent years, under the vigorous transformation led by the Yilan County Government, the mineral-rich sodium bicarbonate springs have not only become a prime spot for relaxation and wellness but have also enhanced local agriculture and aquaculture. The result is the cultivation of uniquely flavored Jiaoxi hot spring vegetables.
◦ Hot Spring and Lantern Festival
From November to March, the Hot Spring and Lantern Festival, which covers nearly half of Jiaoxi, is a creative initiative by the Jiaoxi Township Office to blend local culture with visual art. However, the success of this endeavor is subjective. For me, the true beauty of Jiaoxi lies in its mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs. The creatively designed but somewhat out-of-place light installations disrupt the serene tranquility that comes after enjoying nature's gifts. However, that's just my personal perspective; for many, capturing memories amidst the sea of lights is a unique and cherished experience.
◦ Attractions in Jiaoxi
01｜Wufengqi Scenic Area
Wufengqi is one of Jiaoxi's most popular attractions. A few years ago, a typhoon caused significant damage, leading to the closure of the trail to the third waterfall for an extended period. After extensive repairs, the Wufengqi Scenic Area has once again become a must-visit spot for travelers to Jiaoxi.
The trails to the first and second waterfalls are quite easy, taking only about 15 minutes to reach the second waterfall. The more challenging part is the path to the third waterfall, which involves a steady climb up a series of steps and takes around 20 minutes. However, the awe-inspiring 50-meter drop of the third waterfall makes the effort well worth it!
Wufengqi Scenic Area No. 6, Ln. 81, Wufeng Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan
02｜Tangweigou Hot Spring Park
Tangweigou Hot Spring Park is located between Deyang Road and Ren'ai Road. It is formed by natural hot spring water that flows up from underground. The steam rising from the hot springs earned it the old nickname "Boiling Water Ditch." To establish a relaxing and comfortable ambiance, the Yilan County Government developed the park. Its cypress wood bathhouses and semi-outdoor foot baths have become popular among locals and visitors.
Tangweigou Hot Spring Park Opening Hours: 0800-1220, 1300-2130 No. 99-11, Deyang Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan
03｜Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park
After the establishment of Tangweigou Hot Spring Park, the Yilan County Government further developed the Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park at the site of the Jiaoxi Hot Spring Visitor Center.
Compared to Tangweigou, Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park feels more immersed in nature and has a stronger Japanese onsen atmosphere.
Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park Opening Hours: 0800-2400 No. 16, Gongyuan Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan
04｜Longtan Lake
Jiaoxi's Longtan Lake is the largest natural lake among the five major lakes in Yilan. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it offers stunning scenery. The lake is located a bit farther from the city center, allowing local residents to enjoy a peaceful environment even during peak tourist seasons. It's an ideal spot for a tranquil stroll.
Longtan Lake No. 1, Huanhu Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Jiaoxi
01｜Yih Shun Shiuan
Yih Shun Shiuan is a renowned bakery and gift shop in Yilan, originating in Jiaoxi with branches in Yilan City and Luodong.
Apart from the blancmange roll, the shelves are stocked with a variety of aromatic breads that are irresistible. The pineapple buns and scallion bread, in particular, are highly favored. With their quality and affordable prices, you will surely regret not purchasing more!
Yih Shun Shiuan Opening Hours: 0930-2130 No. 96, Sec. 5, Jiaoxi Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan
02｜Sanmin Grand Hotel
Despite its grand name, Sanmin "Grand Hotel" began as a small noodle stand in the Sanmin community. Due to its overwhelming popularity, it moved into a standalone building in 2021, complete with its own parking lot and a much-improved dining environment. After parking, you can register at the entrance and receive a menu along with your number, saving you time on deciding what to order.
In addition to the main dishes, the braised dishes at Sanmin Grand Hotel are a must-try. The rich, sweet, and savory flavors of the braised dishes make them the best I've had in the past two years!
Sanmin Grand Hotel Opening Hours: 1000-1500, closed on Monday and Tuesday. No. 22, Sec. 3, Jiaoxi Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan
03｜Kong Pizza Cafe
The last time I was captivated by a night view like this was in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Surprisingly, Jiaoxi also has a spot with a stunning night view that rivals those views. Kong Pizza Cafe is located halfway up the mountain. Due to the winding and narrow roads, it's not accessible by car, so you’ll need to take a shuttle to get there. We arrived at Kong Pizza Cafe around 5:30 PM, and even on a weekday, the place was already 80% full, indicating its immense popularity.
Besides the breathtaking panoramic view of Jiaoxi at night, their wood-fired pizzas are also a highlight. The aroma and texture of their handmade pizzas are quite impressive.
Kong Pizza Café Opening Hours: 1500-2300 No. 31, Ln. 157, Baishijiao Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan
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