Geothermal Valley_Hell Valley_Ghost Lake Introduction
Beitou Geothermal Valley is located next to Beitou Hot Spring Park and is one of the sources of Beitou Hot Springs. The area is perpetually shrouded in sulfurous steam, reminiscent of a hellish landscape, which has led to it being referred to as "Hell Valley" or "Ghost Lake." This hot spring is the hottest in the Datun Volcano Group, and the dreamy scenery filled with sulfur smoke creates an ethereal atmosphere, making it one of the eight scenic spots and twelve scenic wonders of Taiwan during the Japanese occupation era. The rocks in Geothermal Valley contain the radioactive element “radium,” known as “Beitou Stone,” and it is the only mineral in the world named after a Taiwanese place. This mineral can be found only in Beitou, Taiwan, and in Tamagawa, Japan. In recent years, in order to preserve Beitou Stone, a Beitou Stone Protection Area has been established. Visitors here can not only feel the charm of the hot spring town but also gain a deeper understanding of this unique mineral. The temperature of the spring water in Geothermal Valley ranges from 80°C to 100°C and is classified as a hydrochloric acid spring. The acidic hot spring water has a high pH level and is corrosive, commonly referred to as “Green Sulfur Spring” and “Sulfur Spring Head.” Previously, tourists often cooked "hot spring eggs" in the high-temperature spring water, but in recent years, cooking eggs has been prohibited to protect the quality of the hot spring water and to prevent accidents from visitors slipping. When visiting Geothermal Valley, it’s best to avoid bringing food to prevent disappointment! The transformed Geothermal Valley now showcases a new appearance with a lakeside walking trail and hot spring experience facilities, including a hand-washing pool at the entrance (pure mineral spring water) and a uniquely designed love seat on a sloped surface. Visitors can stroll around the newly constructed lakeside trail, experience the natural steam spa, and enjoy the beautification of the park’s landscaping, presenting a brand new, fairy-tale-like scenery.
