Things To Do
in Jiaoxi
Jiaoxi is a small resort town on Taiwan’s northeastern coast famed for its natural hot springs and relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Located in Yilan County, it serves as a popular weekend escape for residents of Taipei and is easy to reach by train or car. The town mixes traditional public hot spring parks, ryokan-style inns, and a compact commercial street with food stalls and cafés.
Surrounding Jiaoxi are waterfalls, coastal viewpoints, cycling paths and accessible mountain trails, making it a good base for outdoor activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport and take a scenic train ride to Jiaoxi. Upon checking into your accommodation, enjoy a hearty Taiwanese breakfast at a local eatery. Later, unwind in one of the many hot springs to rejuvenate after your journey.
Explore the charming streets of Jiaoxi, stopping by the famous Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park. You can take a leisurely walk amidst the lush greenery and enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water. Visit the nearby Wufengchi Waterfall for a picturesque hiking experience.
As night falls, treat yourself to a traditional Taiwanese dinner at a local restaurant. Sample local specialties such as beef noodle soup and guabao. End your day with a relaxing soak in your hotel’s onsen as you enjoy the tranquil ambiance.
Start your day with a trip to the stunning Taroko National Park, which is a short drive from Jiaoxi. Marvel at the magnificent marble cliffs and the breathtaking Liwu River as you hike through the beautiful trails. Don't forget your camera to capture the incredible landscapes.
After hiking, have lunch at a nearby café offering local delicacies. Spend the afternoon exploring the Eternal Spring Shrine and taking in the panoramic views from various lookout points. You might even spot some wildlife native to the region!
Return to Jiaoxi and head to a night market for dinner, sampling various street foods like stinky tofu and bubble tea. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with shops and vendors. Conclude the night by relaxing in an onsen under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕️Cafe coffee | $2.50-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / ryokan room (per night) | $60-140 |
| 🚌Local bus or short train ride | $0.50-3 |
| ♨️Hot spring entrance / private bath (per person or short booking) | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access from Taipei and other parts of northern Taiwan
- Abundant hot springs and relaxed, restorative atmosphere
- Good base for coastal and mountain day trips
- Family-friendly and safe
- Can be crowded on holiday weekends with limited parking
- Weather can be wet and typhoon-prone in summer
- Limited late-night entertainment for those seeking vibrant nightlife
- Some smaller vendors accept cash only
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (xièxie)" - Thank you
- "請問…在哪裡？(qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me—where is ...?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I'm vegetarian
- "多少錢？(duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "溫泉在哪裡？(wēnquán zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the hot spring?
Places to Visit in Jiaoxi
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic public hot spring area with steaming pools, foot baths and riverside paths—very photogenic at sunrise or in the evening when steam rises.
Series of cascading waterfalls set in lush forest; offers easy-to-moderate trails and multiple vantage points for long-exposure waterfall shots.
Clifftop and harbor views of the Pacific and, on clear days, Guishan (Turtle) Island; great for sunrise and seascape photography.
Scenic agricultural landscapes with paddies, irrigation canals and mountains—excellent in golden hour and after planting/harvest seasons.
Striking modern architecture set against coastal plains; interior and exterior both offer strong composition opportunities.
Food in Jiaoxi
Jiaoxi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flaky, savory pancake made with abundant local Yilan scallions—commonly sold at street stalls and breakfast shops throughout Jiaoxi.
Must-Try!
Chewy rice cake often grilled and brushed with sweet soy or peanut powder; a popular quick snack near hot spring parks.
Locally caught fish, squid and shellfish prepared simply (steamed or pan-fried) in coastal restaurants—best found at harbor-side eateries in nearby towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small cluster of evening food vendors and stalls near the town center offering snacks like scallion pancakes, grilled mochi, braised pork rice and bubble tea.
Daytime markets and street vendors selling Yilan produce such as scallions, sweet potatoes and tropical fruits—good for sampling fresh ingredients and small bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Shower before entering public baths, remove shoes in certain areas, and avoid bringing towels into public pools. Many onsen-style facilities separate by gender—observe posted rules.
Taiwanese are generally polite and value modesty; greet shopkeepers with 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and be courteous when bargaining is attempted (rare in restaurants).
Line up at bus stops and train stations, keep voices moderate in public transport, and don’t eat on subway trains.
Safety
Tipping in Jiaoxi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is appreciated but not expected. Some international-style restaurants or hotels may include service charges—check your bill.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely used for small vendors and hot spring day-bath bookings. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops; contactless EasyCard and mobile payment are commonly used for transport and some merchants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, increasingly warm weather with occasional rain; blossoms and fresh greenery make hikes and cycling pleasant. Good time for fewer crowds than winter weekends.
Hot, humid and often rainy; typhoon season peaks here (July–September) so monitor forecasts. Early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities; beaches and coastal attractions are popular.
Comfortable temperatures and generally stable weather—one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities, clear coastal views and less humidity.
Cooler and damp, making hot springs especially appealing; expect domestic tourists on weekend getaways. Mornings can be chilly but daytime is usually comfortable.
Jiaoxi at Night
Hiking in Jiaoxi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate trails through forest to a series of waterfalls with several viewing platforms—suitable for most fitness levels and close to town.
A larger mountain area (requires a longer drive) offering well-maintained trails, old-growth forest, and seasonal attractions like cloud forests and alpine scenery—great for overnight stays or day trips.
Various smaller ridgeline and coastal trails around Yilan and Jiaoxi suitable for sunrise views and landscape photography—check local maps and trailhead access.
Gentle paths along rice paddies and rivers ideal for cycling or leisurely walks, especially photogenic around planting and harvest seasons.
Airports
How to reach Jiaoxi by plane.
Closest urban airport (domestic and limited international flights); about 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic and roughly 1–1.5 hours by train/bus combination—convenient for short transfers.
Main international gateway to Taiwan; about 1.5–2 hours by car or 1.5–2.5 hours by public transport (train/bus) to Jiaoxi—many travelers transfer via Taipei and TRA trains.
Yilan does not have a major commercial airport; travelers typically use Taipei’s airports and then take the train or bus to Jiaoxi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Han Taiwanese, including Hoklo (Taiwanese-speaking) and Hakka communities, contributing to local cultural practices and cuisine.
Yilan County is historically home to indigenous groups like the Kavalan; their cultural heritage influences local place names and traditions.
Significant numbers of weekend visitors from Taipei and northern Taiwan, especially on holidays and during colder months when hot springs are popular.
Smaller but steady presence of international visitors, often combining Jiaoxi with broader Yilan or Taipei itineraries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular thanks to scenic bike paths like the Dongshan River Bikeway—suitable for casual riders and families.
Surfing and bodyboarding are popular on the northeast coast near Toucheng and other beaches, particularly in summer and early autumn.
Local hiking and forest trails draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round, from short waterfall walks to longer mountain trails in Yilan County.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jiaoxi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (temple-style tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, noodle soups without meat). Inform staff with the phrase “我吃素” (wǒ chī sù) and many casual restaurants can adapt dishes, but strict vegans may need to double-check for fish-based broths and sauces.
Gluten-free options are limited—rice-based dishes and plain grilled seafood are safe bets. Clarify concerns about soy sauce and wheat when ordering.
Carry a translated allergy card for shellfish, peanuts or other serious allergens. Smaller stalls may not speak English well, so clear communication helps.