thumb|Hot spring in Beitou Hell Valley
Taiwan is part of the collision zone between the Yangtze Plate and Philippine Sea Plate. Eastern and southern Taiwan are the northern end of the Philippine Mobile Belt.
Located next to an oceanic trench and volcanic system in a tectonic collision zone, Taiwan has evolved a unique environment that produces high-temperature springs with crystal-clear water, usually both clean and safe to drink. These hot springs are commonly used for spas and resorts.
Soaking in hot springs became popular in Taiwan around 1895 during the 50-year long colonial rule by Japan.
History
thumb|left|200px|Closer view of hot springs on Seven Star Mountain located in [[Yangmingshan]]
The first mention of Taiwan's hot springs came from a 1697 manuscript, , but they were not developed until 1893, when a German businessman discovered Beitou and later established a small local spa.
Under Japanese rule, the government constantly promoted and further enhanced the natural hot springs. The Japanese rule brought with them their rich onsen culture of spring soaking, which had a great influence on Taiwan. With the support of the government, the hot spring has become not only another industry but also again part of Taiwanese culture.
Taiwan has one of the highest concentrations (more than 100 hot springs) and greatest variety of thermal springs in the world varying from hot springs to cold springs, mud springs, and seabed hot springs.
Types of springs
- Sodium carbonate springs
- Sulfur springs
- Ferrous springs
- Sodium hydrogen carbonate springs
- Mud springs
::(spring water contains alkaline and iodine, is salty and has a light sulfuric smell)
- Salt or hydrogen sulfide springs
Partial list of hot springs in Taiwan
thumb|Hot Spring Valley in Beitou
thumb|Guguan Hot Springs
- Jiaoxi
- Beitou – considered the "hot spring capital of Taiwan"
- Zhiben
- Tai-an – odorless and colorless alkaline carbonate hot spring