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Index
Tailuwan Hot Spring Area Map
Simple, short, relaxing, and with plenty of pools for everyone, Lushan Hot Spring is a perfect way to spend an afternoon or a weekend in nature, without having to work super hard to get there.
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The Map Room's Map of Hot Springs in Taiwan
Welcome to The Map Room's Renai Weekend Escapes series!
This is the second in a series of articles about the many, easy, novice and beginner level hot springs in the Renai area in Nantou, Taiwan (台灣南投縣仁愛鄉). You could easily take in several of these in one weekend, or just sit back, relax, and chill out at any one of them you like. Enjoy!
Hot springs in this series:
Renai Weekend Escapes 1: Tailuwan Hot Spring (太魯灣野溪溫泉) Novice
Renai Weekend Escapes 2: Lushan Hot Spring (魯山野溪溫泉) Novice
Renai Weekend Escapes 3: Jingying Hot Spring, Then and Now (精英野溪溫泉) Novice
Renai Weekend Escapes 4: Ruiyan and Hongxiang Hot Springs - Two for One! (瑞岩野溪溫泉和紅香室內溫泉) Novice
Introducing this week's adventure:
Lushan Hot Spring
Getting there
Lushan Hot Spring (廬山灣野溪溫泉) in Nantou's Renai district (台灣南投縣仁愛鄉) is a great place for novices, families, people with pets, and anyone who wants to get away for some relaxation in nature. You can reach the end of the entire route in under half an hour, passing through Lushan Old Street (廬山老街). There are plenty of places to camp right at the hot spring.
Look for this side road off of the main road above.
Head down, find this suspension bridge, and walk across into Lushan Old Street.
Walk to the end of the old street, following signs like this.
After passing between a couple of buildings at the end, you will come to this walkway along the river.
Follow the walkway for about ten minutes...
...find this shop...
...and then go down these stairs. It's just that simple! You don't even need river tracing shoes.
Lushan Hot Spring
There are lots and lots of pools all over the area.
Camping is easy and there is plenty of room.
There may or may not be tarps like this one in place; even if not, though, the pools are all over, so there should be no problem finding a place to soak.
I thought this shop was abandoned at first, but it turns out it's still running. You can pay for an indoor hot spring here (though I don't understand why anyone would), get snacks, or get a drink.
There are a couple of interesting outcrops at the shop.
And... that's it! Super easy. Bring your family, bring your dogs, and just have a nice time at Lushan Hot Spring!
THE NITTY-GRITTY
Renai Area Outdoor Destinations Map
The Map Room's Map of Hot Springs in Taiwan
GPX file: Lushan Hot Spring - The Map Room 廬山溫泉 - 地圖寶庫.gpx
GPX file: Driving to Lushan Hot Spring - The Map Room 廬山溫泉開車路線 - 地圖寶庫.gpx
24.02421, 121.16748
Skill level:
Novice - Beginner
Length of trace:
Roughly 30 minutes one way, though you could do it in less if you are fast.
Water sources:
You could filter the water from the river, but given how close it is to some country roads, and how short the trace is, it might be better just to bring your own.
Gear and provisions:
I brought hiking shoes - that's right, I didn't even need tracing shoes, - a light day pack, a bottle of water, a few snacks, and... well, pretty much just that, actually. Still, you may wish to consult the river tracing gear list below.
Sun protection:
Definitely! This is an exposed area.
Yes, bring your babies and toddlers. Be prepared to carry them, but the walk to the end is neither difficult nor long.
Dog friendly:
Yes, bring all your furry friends!
Camping /overnighting options:
Plenty! See the map and GPX.
Remarks:
Parking:
You can park in the general vicinity of the old street.
Water:
See above and below
River tracing gear and provisions (for basic not requiring rappelling and rock climbing skills and gear):
Clothes: Should be ok for swimming and getting dirty/torn, protect from scrapes. Quick drying, non-cotton, close fitting. UV reflective for hot traces, wetsuit for colder traces.
Boots: Neoprene or other river tracing specific boots (not shoes, NOT rubber or fishing boots!) to prevent blisters. High tops to keep stones out, soles to provide good grip and prevent slipping. I prefer felt soles for extra padding, especially after prior injuries. Some prefer alternatives which prevent organisms from being transferred between various streams and rivers.
Helmet: Designed for rock climbing.
Backpack: Waterproof. IPX 8 rating (protected when immersed in water over 1 meter / 3 feet) recommended.
Rope: Non-climbing rated, floating rope (that does not absorb water and get heavy) with knots is helpful, but NOT for doing serious climbs. Use ONLY for pulling weaker swimmers through more challenging stretches of water, and perhaps helping with scrambles up short sections of difficult terrain. For advanced climbing or rappelling, get advanced climbing rope, gear, and training!
Life jacket: If you are not a strong and confident swimmer.
Phone case: IPX 8 rating (protected when immersed in water over 1 meter / 3 feet) recommended.
Water filter or other water treatment options.
Waterproof headlamp or flashlight. IPX 8 rating (protected when immersed in water over 1 meter / 3 feet) recommended.
The Map Room recommends Fenix headlamps for high-quality, durable headlamps for hiking and river tracing (Amazon affiliate link*).
Lighter (always!)
Optional gear: A bandanna, headband, or other light cloth for wiping sweat is also often useful when you are not fully immersed in water.
Drinking water:
Choose water from a fast moving, clean source. This kills certain parasites, like giardia. Check upstream for polluting factors (dead animals, droppings, etc). Look for signs of pollution (vehicle tracks, lots of footprints). It's best to filter, and possibly either boil or otherwise treat it as well.
The Map Room personally uses and highly recommends the Sawyer Squeeze water filter (NOT the Sawyer Squeeze Mini - Amazon affiliate link*)
Important river tracing safety notes:
Strength and water levels of rivers change with rain, seasons, and other factors.
ALWAYS check the weather in advance of a river trace. If there is rain upstream, it is not advisable to go, due to the risk of flash floods.
If it has rained recently, rockslides are more likely. If the sun then comes out and evaporates recent rain, they are more likely still. Wear a helmet, and be sensible!
Stopping to rest in rockfall areas, under rock overhangs, or near sheer cliffs is not advisable due to the risk of rockfalls. Look for a wider, open area with less steep rock walls.
So now you're ready to go! Get out there, enjoy nature, get wet, and have an amazing time!
Loved this article? Make sure to check out TMR's growing collection of hot spring articles!
All information on this page is intended for reference only. Preparing adequate food, water, and gear for your adventure, as well as following local rules and laws are, of course, your own responsibility! Always make sure that you check the weather for outdoor destinations, be careful and sensible for enclosed spaces like tunnels and bunkers, and bring a lighter - you never know when it could save your life! Now... get out there and have an amazing time!
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