What's HOT in Taitung

Whilst in Taitung, we went to soak in a hot spring called 盈家溫泉 before heading for Master Bear Resort. It's lucky that we reached there early because by the time we left, it became dark and a queue was formed. I liked the hot spring we had because:

(i) It was in an exotic and non-commercialised place,

(ii) It was probably a natural hot spring because there are many 'live' hot springs in Taitung County,

(iii) We paid only NT100 (S$4.50) each for a personalised hot spring room with shower facilities,

(iv) We managed to watch sunset whilst enjoying the hot spring, as we were there from 5.15 to 6.15pm, and

(iv) It was quality time well spent in an enclosed area that felt close to nature.

Taiwan is famous for hot springs, but I wasn't sure if water from the hot springs were from the ground or from the town. But I guess the further I travel away from the town, there is a stronger likelihood that it was from the ground. Afterall, Taiwan is part of the collision zone between the Yangtze Plate and Philippine Sea Plate. Both eastern and southern Taiwan form the northern end of the Philippine Mobile Belt. As Taiwan is located next to an oceanic trench and volcanic system in a tectonic collision zone, it has evolved an unique environment that produces high-temperature springs with crystal-clear water.

It was widely believed that the overall effect of soaking in a hot spring tends to be a relaxing one. Unnecessary stress and tension can be dissolved, allowing our qi to flow more smoothly through all of the meridians. When qi flows smoothly through the meridians, we connect with our fully-awakened body and mind, at a subtle level at least.

I'm not sure whether I connected with my body and mind, but the hot spring was a refreshing experience. If my qi has flowed more smoothly, maybe that was why I slept so well that night.