Zhiben Hot Spring

22°41′35″N 121°00′47″E / 22.693°N 121.013°E / 22.693; 121.013

Zhiben Hot Spring

The Zhiben Hot Springs (Chinese: 知本溫泉; pinyin: Zhīběn Wēnquán; Wade–Giles: Chīh-pěn Wēn-ch'üán) are carbonic hot springs located in Beinan Township, Taitung County, Taiwan. The spring water is colorless and odorless, and its temperature can be higher than 100 degrees Celsius. The Zhiben Hot Springs are of high quality and among the most renowned in Taiwan.[1]

History

Zhiben were the earliest hot springs to be developed in Taitung County. They were first discovered by the Puyuma people, the earliest inhabitants of the area, who learned of its health benefits firsthand. The Puyuma dug trenches, filled them with spring water, and enjoyed a relaxing time after a day of hunting or hard work.[2] During Japanese rule, the government set up public bathhouses in Zhiben using spring water. After the Retrocession of Taiwan in 1945, several hot spring hotels were opened in the area and the beneficial effects of hot spring baths promoted, making Zhiben one of the most popular and well-known hot spring areas in Taiwan.[3]

On 8 August 2009, Zhiben was badly hit by Typhoon Morakot and made international news headlines when an eyewitness filmed the collapse of a riverside hotel undermined by flood waters.[4][5] However, Zhiben's infrastructure was very rapidly restored[6] and the main spas were once more operational and easiy accessible from Taitung City.

Transport

Zhiben can be reached by taking the train to the Zhiben Station of the Taiwan Railways.

References

  1. ^ Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan) (2008-04-30). "Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)-Taitung County". Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan). Retrieved 2025-08-13.
  2. ^ 屬於臺灣人的文化寶庫｜國家文化記憶庫2.0. "臺東知本溫泉｜國家文化記憶庫 2.0". 國家文化記憶庫 2.0 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 2025-08-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ 明潮 (2016-03-19). "台東百年溫泉物語》日治時期四大名泉之一的知本溫泉，見證台灣溫泉史". TNL The News Lens 關鍵評論網 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2025-08-13.
  4. ^ Photo of collapsed hotel
  5. ^ YouTube video of hotel's collapse. The Hoya Hotel which is seen behind the collapsing Jin Shuai Hotel remains in good condition
  6. ^ By October 15th 2009 there was already a Hot Springs Cuisine Festival held here
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