Guguan Hot Springs

We heard tell of hot springs. Guguan, a small town nestled in the mountains east of Fengyuan, is locally renowned for its springs and a popular resort destination for the Taiwanese. The allure was certainly enough to merit a day trip.

Guguan is situated along a river that snakes through the canyon, sheltered on both sides by mountains veiled in green. A beautiful contrast to the now familiar sites of Fengyuan. We set off immediately to learn more about the hot springs. Following a trail outside the Guguan visitor's center, we wound our way down to the river and discovered a large foot bridge extending to the far side. The sign, roughly translated into English, is classic Taiwan! This country is littered with awesome translations on signs, menus, everything, all catered to the anglophone visitor. Something you need to be here to fully appreciate I think.

On the opposite side of the river, we had no luck locating the hot springs we sought. In the interest of time, we returned to get more information, also affording us an opportunity to tour the town. It is quaint, for Taiwan. A small number of shops lined the main street, a few with large fish tanks on display that immediately caught my eye. Like the pretty fish? Step right behind into the restaurant and you can have your pick of the bunch!

The more people we conversed with in town, the more we began to understand. Our idea of hot springs did not exactly equate with the Taiwanese idea. Where we envisioned natural pools, slippery rocks, and sulfur, the locals know only spas - perhaps heated by thermal springs if you're lucky, but what does that matter really? No wonder everyone we asked kept directing us to the hotels. In vain we tried to indicate that we thought we should be heading deeper into the mountains.

Not that the idea of a spa was entirely unappealing. In fact, we soon embraced the alternative and began searching for a reasonably priced place. Spas abound in Guguan, almost to rival restaurants. In the end, we were more than happy to pay a relative pittance for admission to a decent spa with a spectacular view. Five pools of varying temperature. Jets, high-pressure showers, and sauna. Two hours of perfect relaxation. I slept like a baby on the bus ride back home.