Antong Hot Springs Introduction
Antong Hot Springs is located by the Antong River in Yuli Township, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. In the past, it was known as "Antong Zhuang Warmth" and was listed as one of Hualien's eight scenic spots. The temperature of the Antong Hot Springs is around 60 to 70 degrees Celsius, and the spring water is a weakly alkaline "chloride sulfate spring," which is nearly transparent and has a slightly sulfurous odor; the water is abundant, with outlets distributed along the Antong River extending about 200 to 300 meters. In 1904, a Japanese man collecting camphor discovered the hot spring outlets by the Antong River. By 1930, the Japanese built a police guesthouse here, which also served as the Hualien Prefecture Chief's residence, and established public baths, gradually developing into a hot spring resort. After the end of Japanese rule, a private company purchased and operated it, renaming it Antong Hot Springs Grand Hotel. The operators preserved the wooden bungalows built during the Japanese colonial period, and the Council for Cultural Affairs has designated this tatami-mat-covered Japanese-style bungalow as a historical monument, making Antong a hot spring destination rich in historical significance and nostalgic charm. The Antong area has several hot spring hotels, all equipped with hot spring facilities for travelers, as well as outdoor baths and spa features, including private and family bathhouses, providing visitors with a relaxing hot spring experience. The Yuli Township Office has built three free outdoor hot spring pools by the riverside, along with changing rooms; there are also several natural hot springs along the Antong River, where local farmers have excavated simple hot spring pools, creating bathing areas for local residents.
