Beitou: Beyond Hot Springs, Discover These 5 Free Local Gems

｜From Station Exhibits to Hot Springs, Galleries, and Warm Hospitality 💦🎨 📍If you've finished exploring central Taipei, why not plan a super chill half-day trip to Beitou? Take the MRT to 🚇 Xinbeitou Station, and you'll embark on a mini adventure combining history, hot springs, and art. Without any prior planning, I was greeted by the most enthusiastic local guide—a grandma-level volunteer—right at the station. She immediately helped me map out the most authentic, convenient, and heartwarming itinerary👏 🚉【Starting Point: Xinbeitou Station・Special Cultural Exhibit + Old Train Display】 As soon as you step off the train, you'll find a free cultural exhibition space and railway history display inside the station. Originally an old railway station, the site has been transformed while preserving the platform's nostalgic vibe, complemented by interactive projections and local brand exhibits—a haven for art lovers. 👵 I met an incredibly passionate volunteer grandma who, upon realizing I was a visitor, enthusiastically introduced me to "how to explore Beitou, where to take photos, where to relax." Without any preparation, I found myself following her "artistic hot spring walking route," and looking back, it was absolutely worth it! 📚【Beitou Library: One of Taiwan's Most Beautiful Green Libraries】 A 5-minute walk from the station leads to 【Beitou Library】, a stunning green building made entirely of wood, featuring large glass windows and balconies. The exterior resembles a Japanese-style mountain lodge hidden in the forest. Inside, you'll find many locals quietly reading newspapers, magazines, or studying. The environment is incredibly peaceful and comfortable. I recommend heading to the second-floor outdoor balcony for breathtaking views of the library and the hot spring valley across the way📷 ✨Tip: Keep your voice down! This is genuinely part of the local community's daily life, not just a tourist spot. ♨️【Beitou Hot Spring Museum: A Free Entry Historical Gem】 Right next to the library stands a red-brick building that used to be Beitou's public bathhouse, now converted into the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Visitors must remove their shoes upon entry, and the museum showcases the history of Beitou's hot springs, old photographs, and the original bathhouse structure. Stepping inside feels like traveling back to the Showa era's hot spring culture! 🍃 I visited around 10 a.m., and it was almost empty. I sat on the wooden platform of the second-floor balcony, enjoying the mountain view and morning sunlight. The tranquility of that moment was truly healing✨ 🌋【Thermal Valley: Beitou's "Avocado" Earth Eye】 A few minutes' walk brings you to 【Thermal Valley】, a volcanic hot spring steam vent that has been a vital heat source for Beitou since ancient times. The valley is filled with rising steam and the air carries a distinct sulfur smell, giving the impression that nature itself is breathing. ✅ Free entry, with pathways and safety railings allowing you to experience geothermal energy up close! ✅ Informative signs on-site explain the origins of geothermal activity and Beitou stone. 🖼️【Hidden Gem Recommendation: Beitou Civic Center・Local Gallery + Art Exhibits】 Most visitors end their journey here, but following the grandma's advice, I ventured down a quiet path to 【Beitou Civic Center】. This community space combines local art exhibitions and public activities. On the day I visited, there was an art exhibit hosted by two incredibly kind elderly volunteers❤️ 🎨 The exhibit featured works by a seasoned Taipei artist and their students, divided into two small galleries. Though modest in scale, each piece was crafted with care and local warmth. The volunteers even offered detailed explanations of the artwork's background and creative stories—it was truly wonderful! 🍵 Beitou is not just about hot springs; it's a cultural town you'll fall in love with as you stroll through its streets⭐ From the station's cultural exhibit, library, museum, Thermal Valley, to the hidden gallery, Beitou gave me a profound sense of what it means to be a "cultural oasis within the city"🌿 If you're looking for a leisurely, heartwarming half-day trip, Beitou is definitely worth adding to your itinerary! Next time you visit, start your journey with the grandma at the station!