East Kaohsiung Travel: Hot Springs & Hakka Culture

Save

Share 0

Liugui tea

【Attraction Tickets】Pure Garden Farm Ticket

Book tomorrow before 23:59

HKD 47 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Kaohsiung Jack Fun Park: Indoor Go-Karting · Indoor Shooting Battlefield

Book tomorrow before 08:00

HKD 55 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Kaohsiung Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket

Book today before 18:00

HKD 137 Start

Book now

Kaohsiung is renowned for its vibrant harbour and energetic urban nightlife, but heading inland reveals an entirely different landscape. East Kaohsiung serves as the green backyard of the city, where rugged mountains, lush tea plantations, and thermal springs frame a tranquil pace of life. Here, the unique fusion of Hakka traditions, indigenous cultures, and fertile agricultural valleys creates a sanctuary for travellers looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and savour authentic farm-to-table cuisine.

Taking a road trip through these mountain townships allows you to leave behind the fast-paced city routine. Whether sipping wild mountain tea in Liugui, cycling past the mirror-like waters of Meinong Lake, or soaking in mineral-rich thermal springs in Baolai, East Kaohsiung offers a rejuvenating wellness getaway.

Farm-to-Table: The East Kaohsiung Slow Food Experience

The East Kaohsiung Slow Food initiative promotes eco-friendly farming, seasonal ingredients, and short food supply chains. By supporting local growers and artisan kitchens, travellers can enjoy fresh, sustainable dishes while discovering the deep-rooted cultural stories behind every ingredient.

Local Culinary Highlights

* Cang Yu Handcrafted Bakery (藏御手感烘培): Specialises in fresh daily artisanal breads baked with wild yeast and locally harvested crops from small farms in Liugui.

* Address: No. 10, Zhongzhuang, Zhongxing Li, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6891396

* Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 06:00–20:00 (Closed Mondays)

* Koharu Hiyori Dining (自在食坊小春日和): An intimate reservation-only dining space serving comforting, seasonal omakase menus crafted with heart.

* Address: No. 215, Meixing Street, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6813797

* Hours: Friday to Sunday 11:30–17:30 (Reservations required; same-day bookings not accepted)

* Wish Bakery (Wish興旺烘焙): Home to the signature "Fortune Turtle Cake" (福龜餅), an exquisite pastry infused with locally grown naturally farmed Liugui mountain tea.

* Address: No. 61, Taiping Road, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0955-655639

* Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–19:30

* Spectrum House (軒味屋彩色粄條): Reimagines traditional Hakka rice noodles by using local Meinong No. 147 rice dyed naturally with seasonal plant ingredients.

* Address: No. 384, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6812820

* Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11:00–14:00 (Call ahead to confirm availability)

* Shishan Pepper Garden (獅山胡椒園): Taiwan's largest pepper farm, offering aromatic, home-style pepper feasts alongside harvests of guava and durian-jackfruit.

* Address: No. 78, Shishan, Xinfa Li, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6791798

* Hours: Daily 09:30–17:00

* Jin Ye Mo You Tang (金葉摸油湯): Established in 1953, this historic dining spot celebrates low-carbon culinary practices by pairing seasonal Southern Taiwanese delicacies with local ice desserts.

* Address: No. 44, Fuxin Street, Qishan District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0930-626259

* Yong Quan Tea (湧泉茶業): Managed by a sixth-generation Meinong tea grower practicing natural farming without chemical fertilisers. Produces wild tea, black tea, and traditional Meinong teas.

* Factory Address: No. 103, Longdong Street, Longdou Li, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

* Store Address: No. 8, Lane 213, Ruiyuan Road, Changzhi Township, Pingtung County

* Contact: 0977-609045

* Hours: Daily 10:00–21:00

* Huang Du Restaurant (皇都飯店): Celebrates the distinct foodways of Jiaxian, using herbs cultivated in their private kitchen garden.

* Address: No. 7, Zhongzheng Road, Xi'an Li, Jiaxian District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6751461

* Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–14:00; Saturday & Sunday 10:00–16:00

* Meishan Restaurant (美膳食堂): A popular stop near Bulao Hot Spring, famous for its rich, nourishing chicken soups.

* Address: No. 86, Xinkai, Xinfa Li, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6791313

* Hours: Daily 11:30–14:00, 17:30–19:30

* Shun Fa Tea Garden (順發茶園): Presss native mountain tea into chocolate-like blocks, allowing tea lovers to break off sections to brew authentic Taiwanese tea.

* Address: No. 251-5, Heping Road, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0976-023578

* Hours: Daily 08:00–21:00

* Xin Yuan Tea (欣園製茶): Highlighting the delicate craftsmanship of mountain tea processing in the heart of Liugui.

* Address: No. 43, Heping Road, Xinfa Li, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6791527

* Hours: Daily 09:00–20:00 (Calling prior to arrival is recommended)

* Camellia Found (發現•山茶): Environmentally certified organic tea estate using natural farming methods to harvest sweet, mountain-mist-nourished tea leaves.

* Address: No. 271, Heping Road, Xinfa Li, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0989-558187

* Hours: By advance reservation only

* Nong Fu Life (濃夫生活): A cosy venue offering non-toxic lemon drinks and interactive DIY workshops.

* Address: No. 195, Yong'an Road, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0920-141721

* Hours: Weekdays 11:00–17:00; Weekends 10:30–17:30 (Closed Mondays & Thursdays)

* Meinong Dan Gao Tang (美濃啖糕堂): Set inside a repurposed historic clinic, this creative bakery is renowned for folding local water spinach (water lily) into freshly baked bread.

* Address: No. 197, Yong'an Road, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6819764

* Hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:00; Weekends 10:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays & Thursdays)

* Guo Ran Hong Agri-Life (果然紅農藝生活): Features regional Hakka craftwork, agricultural produce, and customised farm dining.

* Address: No. 60-5, Lane 152, Guangfu Street, Guanglin Li, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0982-249197

* Hours: Daily 09:00–18:00 (Closed Wednesdays & Thursdays)

* Chief Tilapia Restaurant (里長台灣鯛): Takes pride in serving fish sourced directly from farm ponds right to the dining table in under ten seconds.

* Address: No. 701, Section 2, Zhongzheng Road, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0981-142963

* Hours: Daily 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00 (Closed Tuesdays)

* Zhongzheng Lake Fried Shallots (中正湖油蔥酥): A quintessential Meinong souvenir spot producing traditional crispy fried shallots, perfect for enhancing rice noodle dishes.

* Address: No. 37, Minquan Road, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6814105

* Hours: Daily 08:00–19:00

* Mazi Restaurant (瑪姿餐廳): Serves hunter-style bento boxes, slate-grilled meats, and rich indigenous coffee.

* Address: No. 6-1, Maolin District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0988-063871

* Hours: Daily 08:00–17:00

* Isamu Dona Cafe (一山沐多納咖啡屋): Operated by coffee experts in the Dona community, roasting beans at an altitude of 700 metres.

* Address: No. 6-6, Dona Li, Maolin District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0932-500065

* Hours: Daily 09:00–17:00

* Fujieda Mali Hill (藤枝馬里山): Perched 1,500 metres above sea level, offering fragrant hand-drip coffee surrounded by high-mountain breezes.

* Address: No. 84-2, 7th Neighborhood, Baoshan Li, Tao Yuen District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 0912-987358

* Hours: Daily 08:00–22:00

Mind and Body Wellness Journeys

Wellness travel in East Kaohsiung combines natural mineral hot springs, spiritual culture, forest therapy, and nourishing cuisine. Visitors can recharge their mental and physical energy while exploring sacred temples, organic farms, and misty valleys.

Key Wellness Destinations

* Baolai Flower Massage Hot Spring Park (寶來花賞溫泉公園): Famous for its natural spring water maintained at 52°C. The mild bicarbonate waters leave skin feeling soft and refreshed, earning it the title "Beauty Spring".

* Meinong Lake (美濃湖): A peaceful body of water featuring scenic cycling paths and walking trails. It offers excellent birdwatching opportunities from October to March when migratory birds visit the lake.

* Xinwei Forest Park (新威森林公園): One of Taiwan's largest tree nurseries, famous for its magnificent mahogany avenue that transforms into warm shades of gold and red during autumn and winter.

* Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館): Home to one of the world's tallest seated bronze Buddhas, featuring underground chambers housing Buddhist antiquities and sacred relics.

* Bulao Hot Spring Area (不老溫泉區): Famous for warm geothermal waters local legend claims can restore youth and vitality.

* Yung-Ching Shanlin Organic Agriculture Park (永齡杉林有機農業園區): An extensive organic farming initiative established by the Yonglin Foundation. Guided tours are available by advance phone reservation.

* Diyuan Temple (諦願寺): A peaceful branch temple of Yuanchao Temple set against the mountains of Liugui, dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

* Shen Wei Ten Tai Mountain (神威天臺山): Spanning over 300 hectares, this grand Yiguandao complex boasts majestic golden architecture and scenic grounds often compared to the Imperial Palace.

Three Curated Itineraries in East Kaohsiung

1. Sacred Mountain and Land Journey (Qishan – Shanlin – Jiaxian – Namasia)

This route begins in historic Qishan, famous for its sugar manufacturing heritage and banana groves, before heading up into the mountain corridors of Jiaxian and Namasia. "Namasia" carries the indigenous meaning of "Abode of the Gods", offering rich ecological beauty and deep cultural roots.

* Qishan Old Street (旗山老街): Famous for Baroque-style archways, historic brick architecture, and delicious banana-infused pastries.

* Mount Zion (錫安山): A peaceful mountain retreat that blossoms with white plum flowers in late winter and early spring.

* Chen's Organic Herb Garden (陳家友善香草園): Utilises eco-friendly farming practices to supply premium culinary herbs to top restaurants; hosts hands-on farming experiences.

* Jiaxian Commercial District (甲仙形象商圈): The heartland of taro and bamboo shoots in Southern Taiwan, packed with sweet taro ice cream shops and traditional eateries.

2. Nature and Cultural Heritage Trail (Qishan – Meinong – Liugui – Tauyuan)

Travel through the heart of Hakka country in Meinong before ascending through historic camphor-harvesting tracks in Liugui toward the high mountain wilderness of Tauyuan.

* Meinong Folk Village (美濃民俗村): Preserves authentic Hakka customs, handicrafts, regional paper umbrellas, and classic dining.

* Yuanxiangyuan Paper Umbrella Culture Village (美濃原鄉緣紙傘文化村): Demonstrates the delicate artistry of hand-painted oil-paper umbrellas, offering DIY painting sessions for guests.

* Xinwei Forest Park (新威森林公園): A serene nursery with towering mahogany trees lining a photogenic walking trail.

* Yellow Butterfly Valley (黃蝶翠谷): A rich habitat hosting over 110 butterfly species, previously setting world records for yellow butterfly population density.

3. Historical and Spiritual Route (Neimen – Meinong – Liugui – Maolin)

Explore centuries of regional faith, from lively temple fairs in Neimen to spiritual retreats in Liugui and resilient indigenous settlements in Maolin.

* Zizhu Temple (紫竹寺): A historic religious site in Neimen that attracts thousands of pilgrims during annual deity celebrations.

* Dona Village (多納部落): One of the oldest Rukai indigenous settlements in Taiwan, famous for traditional slate houses and stone crafts.

* Maolin National Scenic Area (茂林國家風景區): A sweeping landscape of deep canyons, waterfalls, hot springs, and home to the Bunun and Rukai peoples.

* Purple Butterfly Valley (紫蝶幽谷): Hosts millions of wintering Euploea (purple crow) butterflies from November to March every year.

Hot Spring Havens in Baolai and Bulao

Nestled in the river valleys of Liugui, the thermal spring resorts of Baolai and Bulao offer soothing retreats surrounded by forested slopes:

* Bulao Hot Spring Resort (不老溫泉渡假村): Classic thermal baths offering relaxing stays in lush mountain surroundings.

* Baolai Flower Massage Hot Spring Park (寶來花賞溫泉公園): Public footbaths and soaking pools set amid seasonal floral gardens.

* Niu Niu & Monca B&B (妞妞與夢卡民宿): A charming mountain bed and breakfast offering cozy, personalized hospitality.

* Grand Orchid Villa Resort (國蘭花園Villa會館): Secluded luxury villas with private soaking tubs overlooking river valleys.

* Corner 26 Villa (轉角26villa會館): Balinese-style private villas equipped with personal thermal spring baths.

* Julong Hot Spring Resort (鉅鹿溫泉山莊): Quiet hot spring retreats offering traditional mountain hospitality.

* Meilunshan Hot Spring Resort (美崙山溫泉渡假山莊): Features outdoor mineral pools and comfortable timber cabins.

* Grassland Homestay (草地人民宿): A friendly countryside guesthouse with easy access to regional hot springs.

Award-Winning Hot Spring Cuisine

After a day of soaking in thermal springs, sample award-winning local dishes recognized in regional culinary competitions:

* Shan Zhi Lian Flavor Restaurant (山之戀風味餐廳): Gold Award Winner (Banquet Category)

* Address: No. 105-5, Zhongzheng Road, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6883168

* Grand Orchid Villa Resort (國蘭花園VILLA會館): Silver Award Winner (Banquet & Set Menu Categories)

* Address: No. 36-30, Baolai 2nd Lane, Baolai Li, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6882231

* Baolai Flavor Restaurant (寶來風味館): Silver Award Winner (Banquet Category)

* Address: No. 56, Zhongzheng Road, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6883380

* Qing Yi Xuan Garden Restaurant (清逸軒庭園餐廳): Silver Award Winner (Banquet Category)

* Address: No. 90, Xinkai Road, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6791699

* Meilunshan Hot Spring Resort (美崙山溫泉渡假山莊): Silver Award Winner (Banquet Category)

* Address: No. 86, Xinkai, Xinfa Li, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6791919

* Baolai Seafood Restaurant (寶來山海產飯店): Silver Award Winner (Banquet Category)

* Address: No. 59, Zhongzheng Road, Liugui District, Kaohsiung City

* Contact: 07-6882305

Practical Tips for East Kaohsiung

* Getting Around: Renting a car from downtown Kaohsiung or Zuoying HSR Station is highly recommended. Public buses operate between major towns, but driving offers the flexibility needed to reach mountain tea plantations, remote springs, and rural eateries.

* Best Seasons to Visit: Autumn and winter (October to March) offer ideal temperatures for hot springs, pleasant weather for cycling in Meinong, and optimal conditions for viewing migratory birds and purple crow butterflies.

* Dining Reservations: Many artisanal slow food restaurants, private tea houses, and organic farm kitchens require advance bookings. Always call ahead before visiting.

* Travel Preparation: Mountain roads can experience fog or occasional heavy rain. Check local weather reports prior to heading up into Tauyuan or Namasia.