In Yilan County in northeastern Taiwan, Jiaoxi is unusual for having hot springs that emerge directly on flat lowland, and it's known as the only place in Taiwan with colorless, odorless sodium bicarbonate spring water. Unlike the strongly sulfurous water at Beitou, Jiaoxi's water is clear and silky-smooth, earning it the nickname "beauty spring" (mei ren tang). Free or low-cost public foot baths dot the streets of the town's Hot Spring District night market, making it easy to sample the local bathing culture without commitment. It's about 40 minutes to an hour from Taipei via the Xueshan Tunnel highway or by train, making it a popular day-trip hot spring destination.
