Taste the island's original flavors

No Snow Here, Just Endless Driving

Before introducing Yilan to you, it is vital to establish the significance of the Hsuehshan Tunnel. Located on the No. 5 National Highway, the tunnel has placed Yilan within reach of Taipei City since its opening in 2006. The nearly 13-kilometer tunnel slicing through the Hsuehshan Mountain range is the longest in Taiwan, second longest in East Asia and the fifth longest in the world.

A special feature inside the tunnel is the dedicated radio station broadcast on two FM channels inside the passageway. During the approximate 8.5-minute drive through the tunnel, drivers can tune in to hear announcements regarding the Hsuehshan tunnel regulations, as well as soft music.

The tunnel has cut the former two-hour journey to 30 minutes, making Yilan easily accessible. However, the 14-year-long project was no easy feat.

Engineers encountered numerous geological difficulties while excavating the tunnel. Rockslides caused severe delays, while groundwater flooding and collapses also hindered the project. A staggering 25 local tunnel diggers lost their lives during construction.

The tunnel therefore has a special significance to the country, as it represents a great achievement for which many were sacrificed.

Note: Vehicles must stay between 50 kilometers and 80 kilometers per hour.

Emerging from the tunnel, Yilan is about a 10-minute drive away. Follow the signs towards Jiaosi Township for one of its most invaluable 'antiques' – the natural hot springs.

Hot in the Jiaosi Style

The Jiaosi Hot Springs in Yilan County gained their fame as far back as the Qing Dynasty, making the site one of the eight must-visit scenic spots in the area.

Unlike some hot spring water that can sometimes smell like rotten eggs, Jiaosi's rare flatland hot springs won my heart when I discovered its waters to be the only odorless and colorless type in Taiwan. Fortified with numerous minerals, the water is said to have the power to heal skin and stomach problems. I see myself becoming addicted to this as I imagine having flawless skin.

Decades ago, local residents enjoyed daily soaks in the open hot water grounds, much like Romans in Bath Spa, England. Nowadays, public hot spring areas are still available, but more that 100 hotels and guesthouses also jam the area, creating a lively hot spring village. The water has developed a unique culture that is diverse and fascinating.

As more and more people visit spas worldwide, the health spa trend has begun to transform natural springs. Innovative touches at local spa hotels are guaranteed to surprise visitors and provide Jiaosi bathers an unforgettable experience.

Like a series of superheroes with different powers, each pool offers its own restorative cure to bathers. From milk baths to rose water to ginger springs, there is always something for everyone whether you wish to whiten or soften your skin or simply just to relax.

I could barely contain myself as I plunged into a pool with a table smack in the middle and ready and waiting upon it: Mah-jong! Cultural elements around the area add personality to Jiaosi's hot spring culture. As I dipped into a pool of cooled spring water, I noted local ambitions to transform Jiaosi into a place suitable to visit year-round.

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