Qingshui Geothermal Park

Qingshui is the largest geothermal field in Taiwan, spread along the right bank of the Qingshui River in Yilan's Datong Township. The water bubbles up at 95°C or more, a sodium bicarbonate spring far too hot for bathing, and the local custom is to cook in it: buy eggs, corn or vegetables, lower them in a basket into the channels, and eat them on the spot. There is a hot foot pool where locals compete to see who can keep their feet in longest, so ease in rather than plunging.

Deep below, the same reservoir runs a geothermal power plant that draws fluid at about 160 to 180°C from wells up to 3,000 meters deep and reinjects it, and the plant buildings sit next to the park. A Wikivoyage listing records no admission fee. You need your own wheels: it lies roughly 50 km by road from Luodong railway station, and the guide suggests renting a scooter there.

On a cool morning the steam drifting over the gravel bar is the main show. The downside is that this is a cooking and foot-soak stop, not a bath, so if you want a full soak you will need to drive back toward Jiaoxi or Luodong afterward. Bring a towel for your feet.