Taiwan's Hidden Power: Exploring Its Active Volcanoes

easyta
Jul 8
2 min read

Updated: Jul 15

Taiwan located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, with its dramatic landscape shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity. For adventure lovers, nature explorers, or geology fans, exploring Taiwan’s volcanic regions offers an exciting and unique to your travel itinerary.

Top Volcanic sites that you cannot missed out

1. Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園)

Located just 30–40 minutes from central Taipei, Yangmingshan is Taiwan’s most famous volcanic area — and it's still active.

Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑): A steaming crater vent where you can see sulfur fumes and fumaroles rising from the ground. The smell of sulfur and the bubbling ground give it an otherworldly feel.
Lengshuikeng (冷水坑): A popular rest area with natural hot springs and a rare cold spring.
Datun Volcano Group (大屯火山群): A group of volcanoes still under surveillance due to signs of underground magma movement.

Best of all? It's all accessible by bus or taxi from Taipei — making it perfect for a half-day or full-day tour. click here

2. Guishan Island (龜山島) — Turtle Island

Off the coast of Yilan, Guishan Island is Taiwan’s only active submarine volcano. While you can’t hike to the crater itself, the island offers:

Hot springs under the sea (sometimes visible from boat tours)
Volcanic gas vents
Whale and dolphin watching tours, often combined with volcano education talks

Note: You must apply for entry in advance as it’s a protected ecological reserve.

Volcanoes = Hot Springs Paradise

One of the biggest benefits of Taiwan’s geothermal energy? Hot springs everywhere!

Volcanic roots, Taiwan is packed with hot spring towns:

Beitou (北投) – Taipei’s most famous hot spring district, built around geothermal vents from the Datun volcanoes.
Wulai (烏來) – Surrounded by mountains and rivers, perfect for a relaxing soak.
Jiaoxi (礁溪) – A hot spring town with spas, foot baths, and even hot spring ramen!

Is It Safe to Visit Taiwan’s Volcanoes?

Absolutely! Taiwan’s active volcano zones are closely monitored by the Central Weather Administration and the Central Geological Survey. Though considered “active,” these volcanoes have not erupted in recent history.

So you can explore with peace of mind — and maybe just a little thrill.