Guguan, Taiwan

Guguan is a hot spring settlement at 800 meters elevation along the Daya River, surrounded by mountain trails and naturally carbonated thermal waters. The site features bathing facilities alongside hiking paths through forested mountain terrain.

The thermal waters were discovered by the Atayal people in the early 1900s and later developed as Meiji Hot Spring during Japanese colonial rule. This period established the basic infrastructure that exists in the settlement today.

The area reflects Atayal indigenous heritage through local building styles, cooking methods, and everyday customs that visitors encounter throughout the settlement. These traditions shape how the community looks and functions today.

The site is accessible by bus routes 153 and 850 from central Taichung, with the journey taking approximately two hours. Plan to arrive early in the day to allow ample time for both soaking and hiking before dark.

The Seven Heroes hiking trail includes Mount Pojinjia and features paths with fewer stairs compared to other nearby routes in the region. This makes it appealing for longer walks without constant step climbing.