Geothermal Valley_Hell Valley_Ghost Lake Introduction
Geothermal Valley is located next to Beitou Hot Spring Park and is one of the sources of Beitou Hot Springs. It is often cloaked in sulfurous steam year-round, which leads to its ominous nicknames, "Hell Valley" or "Ghost Lake." This hot spring features the highest water temperature within the Datun Volcano Group, and the surreal scenery filled with sulfur smoke appears almost dreamlike, resembling a fairyland. It was one of the eight scenic spots and twelve wonders of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. The stones within Geothermal Valley contain the radioactive element "radium," known as "Beitou Stone," which is the only mineral in the world named after a Taiwanese place. This mineral can currently only be found in Beitou, Taiwan, and Tamagawa, Japan. In recent years, a Beitou Stone Protection Area has been established to regenerate Beitou Stone. Visiting here allows one not only to feel the essence of the hot spring town but also to gain a deeper understanding of this unique mineral. The water temperature in Geothermal Valley ranges from about 80°C to 100°C and falls under the category of hydrochloric acidic springs. The water quality is highly alkaline, making it corrosive, commonly referred to as "Green Sulfur Spring" and "Sulfur Water Head." Previously, many tourists would use the high-temperature spring water to cook "hot spring eggs" in Geothermal Valley, but in recent years, to protect the water quality and prevent accidents from slips, the cooking of eggs has been prohibited in the area. Now, visitors should refrain from bringing food to avoid disappointment! The newly redeveloped Geothermal Valley showcases a refreshed look with the construction of a lakeside walking path and hot spring experience facilities, including hand dipping springs at the entrance and love seats designed with a slanted surface. Tourists can stroll along the newly built lakeside path, indulge in a natural steam spa experience, and enjoy the beautification of the park's greenery, presenting a fairyland-like brand-new appearance.
