Natural Jianshi Hot Spring (part 2)

There are two small, shallow pools under cover and a deck of sorts where I have seen people taking a nap.

Being Taiwan people normally enjoy the water wearing a swimsuit or underwear. However, when it is only the guys, it is not unusual to enjoy the soaking au naturel.

The environment is greatly unspoilt because of the difficulty getting there which makes it so much more attractive to nature lovers. Nothing like enjoying a nap on a rock right in the middle of the Taiwanese Jungle.

Jianshi Hot Spring (Part 1)

If you have access to one of these, this popular family spot is easily in reach between Taoyuan and Hsinchu, in Jianshi.

Although the road is VERY rocky with fragments piling up in uneven heaps after rains, it doesn't stop 4x4 owners to practice their skills going down. I don't own an SUV but that just means I had to park my scooter higher up the mountain and walk down - something even SUV owners do as the road pays testimony to the difficulty of maneuvering even a off-road vehicle down.

At the bottom of the road lies a hot spring next to the river. AND it's free. Well, not really hot, but warm enough to count as a hot spring. After bathing in the icy river first the heat of the hot spring is very welcome. So, on week-ends groups camp here, barbecue and enjoy the environment.