Tainan County - Guanziling

Right: Ancient Temples at Guanziling

Guanziling is a hot spring resort in northern Tainan County characterised by scenic views, ancient temples and the curious Water Fire Cave (shui huo dong) a hot spring where gases percolate and ignite at the surface. The town itself is a collection of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Nearby Red Leaf Park (hong ye gong yuan)was established by the Japanese.

Gases ignite on the surface of "Water Fire Cave" at Guanziling

Guanziling makes for a pleasant day trip from Tainan or Chiayi. From Tainan head north on State Highway #1, just past Shinying turn left onto route 172. The road takes you up past Baihe Reservoir and on to Guanziling. The reservoir like many in Taiwan is not particularly inspiring but a suitable place to stop for a picnic on your way.

Further up from the town of Guanziling is the Water Fire Cave set in a small park along with a number of restaurants and shops selling local produce such as cakes made from "soap berries" for washing clothes.

Continuing on route 172 into Chiayi County you come to State Highway #3 which leads to Tsengwen Reservoir.