Jiaoxi (礁溪) travel guide
How to spend a day in Jiaoxi: hot springs, trails or the lakeside
First-time visitors can begin around Jiaoxi Station. For a waterfall, a trail or a family outing to Longtan Lake, choose one out-of-town area after checking transport, weather and current access.
Last updated: July 26, 2026
How would you like to explore?
Choose by travel time and companions, then decide whether to stay in town or add one nature area.
First visit / no car
Start at either station and walk between the hot-spring park, Tangweigou and the town, then choose one bathing experience.
Allow about three to four hours; most central stops are walkable
See the town half-day planWaterfalls or hiking
Choose one of Wufengqi, Paoma Historic Trail or Linmei Shipan Trail—never several mountain routes in one day.
Check after heavy rain, typhoons and during works
Check trail accessFamily or slow travel
Make Longtan Lake the only out-of-town stop, then return to Jiaoxi for bathing, food or a rest.
Suited to families, older travelers or a two-day stay
See the family itineraryWhere Jiaoxi’s main sights are
Jiaoxi Station, the bus station and the hot-spring parks cluster in town and can mostly be linked on foot. Wufengqi, Paoma, Linmei Shipan, Longtan Lake and Houdongkeng each need a separate transport plan.
The map compares real-world direction and distance. Use the linked maps for roads, entrances and walking directions.
- 1Jiaoxi town centre and hot-spring district
The rail and bus stations and the main hot-spring parks cluster here, with most stops reachable on foot.
Walk in town
- 2Wufengqi Scenic Area / waterfall trail entrance
West of town; choose the current bus option, a taxi or a car.
Bus / taxi / drive
- 3Paoma Historic Trail south entrance (Jiaoxi side)
Northwest of town; a through-hike requires transport from the far end.
Plan the return trip
- 4Linmei Shipan Trail entrance
In the Linmei hills west of Jiaoxi; arrange transport beyond the town centre.
Plan separate transport
- 5Longtan Lake Scenic Area
Southwest of town; a taxi or car is usually the simplest option.
Taxi / drive
- 6Houdongkeng Waterfall
Northeast of town towards Toucheng; arrange separate transport.
Plan separate transport
Numbers match markers to the list; they are not a fixed visiting order. Trail markers lead to identifiable arrival points.
Walking points in central Jiaoxi
Train passengers can start at Jiaoxi Station, while intercity-bus passengers can start at Jiaoxi Bus Station, then choose among the Traveler Corridor, Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park, Tangweigou and the Tangwei Creek banks.
These town points sit close together, so this closer view makes them easier to compare. Use live navigation for the route you actually walk.
- 1Jiaoxi Station (TRA)
The TRA arrival point on the south side of town, with the hot-spring district to the west and north.
Arrive by TRA train
- 2Jiaoxi Bus Station
The intercity-bus arrival point on the northeast side of town, close to the corridor and park.
Arrive by intercity bus
- 3
- 4Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park
On the north side of town, near the bus station and Traveler Corridor.
Walk in town
- 5Tangweigou Hot Spring Park
West of the railway station, in the central hot-spring district.
Walk in town
- 6Tangwei Creek banks
Between the northern park cluster and Tangweigou, suitable for a shorter town stroll.
Walk in town
Jiaoxi Station (TRA)
Rail passengers: start at Jiaoxi Station
Jiaoxi Bus Station
Coach passengers: start at Jiaoxi Bus Station
Suggested itineraries
Choose only one outlying nature area per day and leave room for transport and weather changes.
A
Three to four hours in central Jiaoxi
Link the station area, waterside parks and one bath without rushing.
- Best for
- First-time visitors, car-free travelers, afternoon arrivals and rainy-day plans
- Time needed
- About three to four hours
- Start
- Jiaoxi Railway Station or Jiaoxi Bus Station
- Main transport
- Walking
Show the detailed plan
- 1Begin at Jiaoxi Railway Station or Jiaoxi Bus Station
- 2Walk through the Traveler Corridor near the railway station
- 3Continue to Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park
- 4Walk to Tangweigou Hot Spring Park
- 5Follow the Tangwei Creek banks back through town
- 6Finish with one option: a footbath, public bath, private room or hotel bath
Planning noteDo not add two mountain sights; transfers will consume the half day.
Backup planIn heavy rain, shorten the waterside walk and spend more time dining, bathing or resting in town.
B
Hot springs plus Wufengqi or Paoma
Choose one mountain route in the morning and return to town in the afternoon.
- Best for
- Travelers who want one morning walk followed by a hot-spring visit
- Time needed
- One day
- Start
- Central Jiaoxi
- Main transport
- Bus, taxi or car, plus walking
Show the detailed plan
- 1Leave central Jiaoxi with enough time for the out-of-town connection
- 2Check access first, then visit either Wufengqi Waterfall or Paoma Historic Trail—not both
- 3Return to central Jiaoxi for lunch and a rest
- 4End the day with one hot-spring experience
Planning noteDo not combine Wufengqi, Paoma and another trail in a single day.
Backup planIf the mountains close or rain strengthens, use the town half-day route and allow a longer indoor soak.
C
Hot springs and Longtan Lake family day
Make Longtan Lake the only out-of-town stop, then return to Jiaoxi for bathing, food or a rest.
- Best for
- Families, older travellers and anyone wanting an easy-paced walk
- Time needed
- About one day
- Start
- Jiaoxi town centre or your accommodation
- Main transport
- Taxi or driving is simplest; check current routes, stops and times before taking a bus
Show the detailed plan
- 1Leave from central Jiaoxi or your accommodation
- 2Walk at Longtan Lake with breaks to suit your group
- 3Return to central Jiaoxi
- 4Choose a bath, a meal or downtime instead of adding another distant stop
Planning noteKeep the day to Longtan Lake unless you can verify a practical connection to another rural stop.
Backup planIn heavy rain or strong lakeside wind, stay in town for food, rest or a suitable bathing facility.
D
A relaxed two-day Jiaoxi trip
Keep the first day in town, then select one nature area based on the second day's weather.
- Best for
- Travelers who want fewer transfers and separate town and nature days
- Time needed
- Two days
- Start
- Central Jiaoxi
- Main transport
- Walk on day one; use a bus, taxi or car on day two
Show the detailed plan
- 1Day one: take an easy station-area and town walk
- 2Day one evening: choose one bath and have an early rest
- 3Day two: choose the Wufengqi area, Linmei and Longtan, or the rural waterfronts
Planning noteDo not cross between the western trails, lake area and southeastern countryside on the same day.
Backup planIf day two is wet, stay in town for bathing, food and short level walks.
Which hot-spring experience suits you?
Decide how much privacy you want and whether you are staying overnight, then confirm hours, prices and children's rules with each venue.
Public footbath
Good for a brief soak while walking. Some are free, but cleaning times, temperature and rules vary on site.
Public bath
A shared bathing area that normally requires changing and may charge admission.
Private bathing room
A private room booked for a time slot, useful for families or anyone who values privacy.
Bathing at your accommodation
This may mean an in-room bath or a shared hotel bath; what is included depends on the room and package.
Check same-day opening hours, prices, maintenance closures and child policies with the facility.
See all hot-spring safety tips
- Keep the water comfortably warm rather than very hot.
- Keep each soak short; take a break after roughly 15 minutes.
- Do not bathe after drinking alcohol or immediately after a large meal.
- Stand up slowly and steady yourself at the edge. Drink water before and after bathing.
- Older adults, young children and higher-risk travelers need supervision and individual advice.
These are general safety tips, not individual medical advice. Ask a qualified health professional if you have concerns.
Which trail or lakeside outing suits you?
Choose Wufengqi, Paoma Historic Trail, Linmei Shipan Trail or Longtan Lake; the St. Mary Trail closure appears separately.
Wufengqi Waterfall
Check before visiting- Best for
- Travelers who want one morning walk followed by a hot-spring visit
- Main transport
- Bus, taxi or car, plus walking
What to expect
Trail access, timetables and facility hours can change with weather, works or operations. Check again before your visit.
Paoma Historic Trail
Check before visiting- Best for
- Travelers who want one morning walk followed by a hot-spring visit
- Main transport
- Bus, taxi or car, plus walking
What to expect
Trail access, timetables and facility hours can change with weather, works or operations. Check again before your visit.
Linmei Shipan Trail
Partially open- Best for
- Travelers who want one morning walk followed by a hot-spring visit
- Main transport
- Bus, taxi or car, plus walking
What to expect
Only the section from the entrance to about 0.9 km is open; the original loop cannot be completed, so do not plan the closed section.
Longtan Lake Scenic Area
- Best for
- Families, older travellers and anyone wanting an easy-paced walk
- Main transport
- Taxi or driving is simplest; check current routes, stops and times before taking a bus
What to expect
Longtan Lake is suited to a lower-intensity walk, but keep watch near water and adjust for sun and weather.
Transport and car-free travel
Central Jiaoxi is walkable; outlying sights need a bus, taxi or car.
Central Jiaoxi is walkable. Wufengqi, Linmei, Longtan Lake and the scattered rural waterfronts need a bus, taxi or car.
Jiaoxi Railway Station
Start walking through town here, or connect to a bus or taxi.
View live rail informationJiaoxi Bus Station
A hub for intercity and local services; check the bay and departure information.
Walking in central Jiaoxi
Pair the town with only one nature area per day. A through-walk on Paoma needs return transport.
Jiaoxi Route A | Wufengqi and Linmei direction
Its formal name is Jiaoxi Route A. Services can change and mountain intervals may be long.
View the latest Route A departuresJiaoxi Route B | Linmei and Tamkang University direction
Its formal name is Jiaoxi Route B. Use the live page for the day's departures and stops.
View the latest Route B departuresTaxi
Useful for groups, missed connections or cutting transfer time to an outlying sight.
Driving
Makes outlying areas easier, but check parking, road and traffic controls after heavy rain.
Open the day's timetable before leaving. Trail access can change independently of nearby bus service, so check both before committing to the outing.
Tips for families, older travelers and rainy days
Adjust for stamina, surfaces and weather instead of filling every hour with stops.
Bathing with children
Footbaths, public baths and private rooms have different children's rules. Watch water temperature, height restrictions and wet floors.
Lakeside with children
Longtan Lake is suited to a lower-intensity walk, but keep watch near water and adjust for sun and weather.
Older travelers
Favor the hot-spring town or gentler lakeside routes and avoid several trails in one day.
Standing after a soak
Rise slowly, stay with a companion and avoid bathing alone.
Strollers and wheelchairs
Parts of town are fairly level, but not every park, bath or trail is step-free. Check thresholds, slopes and slippery surfaces on site.
Rain and post-typhoon travel
Do not treat waterfalls and trails as fixed plans. Check closures, slopes, parking and traffic controls first.
Upcoming event
2026 Jiaoxi Hot Spring Marathon
- Date
- December 12, 2026
- Venue
- Jiaoxi Elementary School
The event is scheduled for December 12, 2026. Check the event page for current courses, registration and transport details.
View marathon information
A cross-Yilan itinerary
Stay by Dongshan River and set aside a day for Jiaoxi
WaterEdge is in Dongshan, not Jiaoxi. Plan Jiaoxi’s hot springs and hills for one day, then use the rest of your stay for Dongshan River, the National Center for Traditional Arts and Luodong. Check the round-trip transport and timing first.
Jiaoxi travel FAQ
Is Jiaoxi suitable for a day trip?
Yes. First-time visitors can spend half a day in town. For a full day, add just one of Wufengqi, Paoma Historic Trail or Longtan Lake, then return for a soak.
How can I visit Jiaoxi without a car?
The railway station, bus station, hot-spring parks and Tangweigou are walkable. Check a bus or use a taxi for mountain and lake areas; one nature area per day is the easiest plan.
Are all hot springs in Jiaoxi free?
No. Some public footbaths may be free, while public baths, private rooms and hotel bathing usually cost extra. A park being open all day does not make every bath inside free or open all day.
How far can I walk on Linmei Shipan Trail?
The current notice opens only the section from the entrance to roughly 0.9 km. The rear section remains closed, so the original loop cannot be completed. Check again before visiting.
Should I choose Wufengqi or Paoma Historic Trail?
Choose Wufengqi for a shorter waterfall visit, or Paoma for a longer historic trail. A through-hike on Paoma needs return transport, and both require a same-day access check.
Can I reach the Matcha Mountain summit now?
Access-road works affect St. Mary Trail, so do not plan a summit hike or use unofficial detours. Wait for the latest reopening information.
What works for children or older travelers?
Use the hot-spring town or a gentle Longtan Lake walk as the base, and avoid several trails in one day. Confirm children's bathing rules and accessibility with the venue.
How should I change plans when it rains?
Remove waterfalls and mountain trails from the fixed plan and use town walks, food and an appropriate indoor bath instead. After a typhoon or heavy rain, check slope and traffic controls even when skies clear.
Trail access, timetables and facility hours can change with weather, works or operations. Check again before your visit.