Ruisui Hot Springs Introduction
Today, Ruisui Township is also referred to by some as the "Hot Springs Township," primarily due to the discovery of over thirty hot springs in Ruixiang Village in recent years. This has led many individuals who previously engaged in agriculture and livestock farming to shift towards the hot spring recreation industry. The Hualien County Government has commissioned the Hualien-Taitung Valley National Scenic Area Administration to long-term plan the Ruisui Hot Springs Recreation Area. Under the implementation of the National Hot Spring Act, a regional hot spring total volume control has been adopted to assist the developed hot spring industry in renovating roads, drainage, and public recreational facilities. This has rejuvenated the previous appearance of the Ruisui Hot Springs area, indirectly driving the emergence of homestays and dining businesses in the hot spring recreation area. Currently, several hot spring recreation parks have been established, including Huyeh Hot Spring, Huangjia Hot Spring, and Donggang Xiuchuan, with water temperatures typically ranging from 43°C to 48°C. The pH value of the carbonate spring water is approximately 6 to 7, indicating that it is a weakly alkaline water. The hot spring water originates from underground sources, rich in minerals such as iron and barium, resulting in the water displaying a rusty yellow or red color, with a thick layer of minerals floating on top, known as "tanghua" or "hot spring flowers," which is quite beneficial for human health and wellness. It is said that some Japanese travelers who are particular about hot springs even travel specifically to Ruisui to soak in the springs!
