Antong Hot Spring Introduction
Antung Hot Springs is located by the Antung River in Yuli Township, surrounded by serene mountains and forests, offering beautiful scenery. In the past, it was known as "Antung Zhaonuan" and was listed as one of the Eight Sights of Hualien. The water temperature of Antung Hot Springs ranges from 60 to 70 degrees Celsius, and the spring water is a slightly alkaline "chloride sulfate spring," almost transparent with a mild hydrogen sulfide smell. The springs are abundant, with outlets distributed along the Antung River, extending about 200 to 300 meters. In 1904, a Japanese man who was collecting camphor discovered the hot spring outcrop by the Antung River. By 1930, the Japanese built a police guest house here, which also served as the Hualien District Governor's residence, and established public baths, gradually developing into a hot spring resort. After the retrocession, private operators took over and renamed it Antung Hot Spring Resort, retaining the wooden bungalows built during the Japanese colonial period. The Council for Cultural Affairs has listed this tatami-floored Japanese-style bungalow as a historical monument, making Antung a hot spring destination of historical significance and nostalgic charm. The Antung area has several hot spring hotels, all equipped with hot spring facilities for guests, including outdoor baths, spa functions, personal hot tubs, and family hot tubs, providing a relaxing hot spring experience. The Yuli Township Office has also established three free outdoor hot spring pools by the river, along with changing rooms. Additionally, there are several natural hot springs along the Antung River where local farmers have dug simple hot spring pools, becoming a bathing area for residents.
