Sichongxi Hot Springs

Sichongxi sits in a valley behind the Hengchun peninsula, far enough inland that the Kenting crowds mostly miss it. The water is alkaline sodium bicarbonate at around fifty degrees, clear and slightly soapy, developed for bathing in the Japanese period and now feeding a scatter of hotels and public baths along the stream. Butterflies are abundant in the valley and a small nature trail runs up behind the village.

Highlights

• The alkaline springs - clear sodium bicarbonate water in public and hotel baths.
• The valley - a quiet stream valley behind the Hengchun hills.
• The butterflies - large numbers through the valley in the warmer months.
• The nature trail - a short walk into the hills above the village.

When to go

October to April is the hot-spring season and also when the Kenting coast is quietest. Summer is hot and the springs less appealing. Weekends bring visitors from Kaohsiung.

Before you go

Bathhouse standards vary from good to very basic. The village is small with limited food. Public baths can be crowded at weekends.

Nearby

Kenting is south on the coast, and Hengchun is southwest.

Key facts