Yangmingshan Secret Hike: Ziming Creek Trail Hot Spring & “Milk” Waterfall

A Relaxing Half-Day Forest Walk with Hot Spring Foot Soaking.

Overview

Yangmingshan National Park is undoubtedly Taipei’s beloved backyard. But let’s be honest — famous spots like Qingtiangang (擎天崗) and Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑) can feel a bit like a crowded marketplace on weekends.

If you prefer a route that combines wild nature, historic relics, and a relaxing natural spa — without the heavy crowds — this guide is for you.

This route starts from the newly opened Ziming Creek Trail (2023) — famous for its hot spring and wood-chip paths — followed by a visit to several highlights:

• Ziming Creek Hot Spring | 紫明溪溫泉 (wild foot-soaking spot)
• Yangmingshuwu | 陽明書屋 (a historic presidential estate)
• Datun Waterfall | 大屯瀑布 (three-tier cascade + Japanese-era structures)
• Yangming Park Flower Clock | 陽明花鐘 (famous seasonal flower landmark)
• Xiaoyintan Waterfall | 小隱潭瀑布 (the hidden “milky waterfall”)

The full walk is 4 – 4.5 km, easily completed in 3 – 4 hours, making it an ideal half-day escape from the city.

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Trail at a Glance

• Location: Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei
• Distance: 4 – 4.5 km / 2.5 – 2.8 miles (point-to-point)
• Time Required: 3 – 4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (Suitable for beginners and families)
• Best For: Nature lovers, families, and anyone wanting a free natural foot spa.

Why You’ll Love This Route

• Free Natural Spa: The Ziming Creek Trail features accessible hot spring pools where you can soak your feet in warm, sulfur-rich water for free.
• Knee-Friendly Hiking: A significant portion of the trail is paved with wood chips, making it incredibly soft to walk on and smelling of fresh forest wood.
• The “Milk” Waterfall: Xiaoyintan (小隱潭) is a cascade of milky-blue water that looks like a scene from a fantasy movie.

Trail Highlights

• Ziming Creek Trail (Opened in 2023) | “Soft Step” Experience & Natural Foot Spa
  • This newly opened 665-meter path is often praised as a “six-star trail” because of its unique construction.
  • The Wood-Chip Path: The trail is paved with soft wood chips, releasing a natural woody fragrance and acting as a cushion that is incredibly gentle on the knees. Most people finish walking it in 15–20 minutes.
  • Wild Foot Spa: Just below the trail, the Ziming Creek flows with white sulfur spring water (approx. 40–42°C). The water is milky-white and perfect for a relaxing soak in nature.
• Yangmingshuwu | Historic Estate from the Mid-20th Century
  • Only a 1-minute walk from the trail exit, this tranquil estate preserves its original architectural form from the mid-20th century.
  • The History: Formerly the “Zhongxing Guesthouse,” this was the summer retreat for late President Chiang Kai-shek. Even if you don’t enter the paid exhibit, the surrounding forest and architecture offer a glimpse into Taiwan’s mid-20th-century history.
  • Optional visit:
    • Full ticket: NT$80
    • Concession: NT$40
    • Seniors 65+: Free
• Datun Waterfall | Three Waterfalls + Japanese-Era Relics
  • A dramatic three-tiered waterfall connected by a series of small, charming bridges.
  • Historic Relics: Keep an eye out for remnants from the Japanese colonial era, including an old water pipe bridge, a stone gatepost, and a water well.
  • Photo Tip: Climb onto the water pipe bridge for the best panoramic view of the falls.
• Yangming Park Flower Clock | Seasonal Blossom Landmark
  • One of Yangmingshan’s most iconic landmarks, this large clock is made entirely of flowers and chimes every hour.
  • Best Time to Visit: December to April. This is when the area bursts into color with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and camellias.
• Xiaoyintan Waterfall | A Hidden “Milk Waterfall”
  • Often missed by average tourists, it has steady water flow and fewer visitors, making it one of Yangmingshan’s underrated gems.
  • The “Milk” Effect: Due to heavy sulfur deposits from volcanic activity, the water often takes on a distinctive milky-blue tint, earning it the nickname “Milk Waterfall.”

How to Get to Ziming Creek Trail

Trailhead Location

• The hike begins at the Ziming Creek Trail entrance, right across from the bus stop. (Google Maps)

By Public Transport

• To Ziming Creek Trail
  • Take any of the following buses to Yangmingshuwu Stop (陽明書屋站). The trail entrance is directly across the road.

Note: For timetables and real-time bus tracking, please visit the Taipei eBus Website.

• Return
  • From Xiaoyintan Waterfall, walk 2 minutes to the Yangmingshan Park Visitor Center bus stop.

By Car/Scooter

• Navigation: Yangmingshuwu Parking Lot (Free) | Google Maps.
• Opening Hours: 08:30 – 16:30
• The Ziming Creek Trail is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.

Hiking Information

• Route: Ziming Creek Trail (紫明溪步道) → Yangmingshuwu (陽明書屋) → Datun Waterfall (大屯瀑布) → Flower Clock (花鐘) → Xiaoyintan Waterfall (小隱潭瀑布)
• Distance: 4 – 4.5 km / 2.5 – 2.8 miles (point-to-point)
• Difficulty: Easy (Suitable for beginners and families)
• Trail type: Wood-chip paths, stone steps, paved roads.
• Permit: No permit required
• Best season: Year-round.
  • Winter/Spring for hot springs and flowers.
  • Summer for escaping the city heat.
• Suggested Time: 3 – 4 hours, depending on breaks.
• My Time Log:
  • 09:55 Arrived at Yangmingshuwu Bus Stop (via bus 1717)
  • 10:05 Ziming Creek Hot Spring (50-min foot soak)
  • 11:02 Yangmingshuwu (25-min visit)
  • 11:53 Datun Waterfall Trailhead
  • 12:00 Datun Waterfall (15-min rest)
  • 12:52 Returned to trailhead
  • 12:57 Flower Clock
  • 13:28 Xiaoyintan Waterfall
  • 13:48 Bus stop (catch bus 128 / 129 / 260 / S8 / S9 back to city)
• Note:
  • As a reference, I completed the Tokyo marathon in 6 hours. Your timing may vary based on fitness level and rest time.
  • Reference Pace: I walk at a relaxed, leisure pace (recreational runner level).

GPX Track Download

• Recorded on: September 14, 2025.
• Download GPX track (waypoints included) from my Google Drive: Ziming Creek Trail + Waterfall.

Weather Forecast

It can be sunny in Taipei City but raining on the mountain. Always check the forecast before departure.

• Central Weather Administration website: Yangmingshan National Park Tourist Center.
• Live webcam: Yangmingshuwu.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Foot Soaking: The hot spring is wild. Bring sandals and a towel is recommended.
• Flash Floods: Do not enter the Ziming Creek Trail or the stream during or immediately after heavy rainfall. The water levels rise rapidly, and the surrounding trail becomes slippery and unsafe.
• Restrooms: None along Ziming Creek Trail — use Yangmingshuwu Visitor Center or the Yangmingshan NP Visitor Center.
• Water Refills: Free drinking water dispensers are available at the Yangmingshuwu Visitor Center and the Yangming Park Visitor Center (near the Flower Clock).
• Slippery surfaces at Datun Waterfall: The stone steps near Datun Waterfall can be slippery. Wear shoes with good grip.
• Mosquito protection: Black flies (biting midges) can be present near water. Long sleeves or insect repellent is recommended.
• Weather: Yangmingshan frequently has fog in the afternoon and afternoon thunderstorms in summer; check the weather conditions in advance.
• Bus schedules: Last buses leave early; missing them can be troublesome as taxis are limited.

Nearby Attractions

If you have extra time or energy, here are some great spots to check out nearby or on your way back.

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan is huge. Key attractions include Qingtiangang (擎天崗), Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑), Lengshuikeng (冷水坑), Zhuzihu (竹子湖), and Siyi Waterfall (涓絲瀑布). Popular hiking trails include Qixing Mountain (七星山), Datun Mountain (大屯山), and Shamao Mountain (紗帽山).

• Official info, check the [Scenic Spots] and [Transportation Guide].

If you want to make the most of your time to fully explore the park’s highlights — without the hassle of matching bus schedules — booking a private charter or tour is a smart choice.

🚗 Option 1: Private Charter (Best for Freedom) Create your own schedule. Perfect for families or groups who want to visit multiple spots at their own pace.

• Yangmingshan Car Rental with Driver (Klook)
• Yangmingshan Day Tour with Private Charter Car (KKday)

🚩 Option 2: Hassle-Free Guided Tours No planning needed. Just hop on the bus and enjoy the guide.

• Day Tour A: Qixing Mountain Trail, Qingtiangang Grassland & Zimingxi Trail (Book via KKday)
  • Why pick this: This tour actually covers the Ziming Creek Trail mentioned in this guide! Plus, it takes you to the summit of Qixing Mountain. Highly recommended for hikers.
• Day Tour B (Seasonal Limited): Hengling Historic Trail, Zhuzihu, Flower Clock & Grass Mountain Chateau (Book via KKday)
  • Why pick this: A more relaxed pace focusing on the beautiful Zhuzihu, the Flower Clock, and the historic Grass Mountain Chateau.

Battleship Rock (Junjianyan)

For the energetic hikers. If you still have legs after the hike, this is a short but scenic trail in Beitou featuring a unique white sandstone ridge that looks like a ship rising from the forest. It offers spectacular skyline views of Taipei.

• More info: Battleship Rock (Junjianyan) Trail: Scenic Hike in Taipei with Skyline Views.

Beitou Market

Since the buses (S9, 129) head back towards Beitou, stop at Taipei’s largest traditional market. It’s a food paradise.

• Taipei’s largest traditional market, offering fruits & vegetables, fresh foods, household goods, and a beloved food court.
• Must Eats: “Ai Zai Cai” Braised Pork Rice (矮仔財滷肉飯), “Yingyang” Oysters (營養蚵仔), and the famous Tea Shop black tea.
• Hours: 05:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)
• Transportation: Take bus no. S9 (小9) | Google Maps.

Beitou Hot Springs

If the foot soak wasn’t enough, finish the day with a full-body soak in Beitou. It’s the perfect way to wash off the hiking sweat before heading back to the city.

Here are two top-rated options accessible via free shuttle buses from Beitou MRT:

📚 1. The Gaia Hotel (北投大地酒店) | Treat Yourself An award-winning resort famous for its stunning four-story library lobby — a top Instagram spot in Taiwan.

• The Experience: Choose between 24-hour private hot spring rooms or the public bath (which features a unique artificial snowing effect!). Guests also enjoy snacks and drinks in the public area.
• Service: Known for exceptional, heartfelt hospitality.
• Transportation: Free shuttle from MRT Beitou or New Beitou Station.
• Check Rates (Save 10-15%): [Book via Klook] / [Book via KKday]

♨️ 2. Spring City Resort (北投春天酒店) | Best Value & Variety A classic Beitou favorite famous for its high-purity “Emperor Spring” white sulfur water.

• The Experience: Offers incredible variety — from large outdoor public pools and standard private rooms to the premium “Royal Hot Spring” and “Red Cypress Club.”
• Flexible Options: You can add on lunch or dinner packages to complete your day trip.
• Transportation: Free shuttle from MRT Beitou or New Beitou Station.
• Check Rates (Save up to 34%): [Book via Klook] / [Book via KKday]

In Pictures/Video

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Enjoy your hike in Taipei’s backyard!

If you found this guide helpful, check out our other [Hiking Guides]!

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