Siraya National Scenic Area | Soak in hot springs, see reservoirs, taste mangoes, and experience the richest landscapes in southern Taiwan

Did you know that Tainan is not only about historical sites and snacks?
In fact, at the junction of Tainan and Chiayi, there is a large area with rich natural resources and cultural heritage, which is designated as the "Siraya National Scenic Area".
This land has hot springs, lakes, mountains, forests, tribes, and a pure local style, which allows me to feel the most primitive and natural charm of southern Taiwan every time I come.

🌿 From Guanziling to Zengwen Reservoir, a journey of mountains and waters
The Siraya Scenic Area covers a very wide range, covering Baihe, Dongshan, Yujing, Nanxi, Guanziling in Tainan, and Dapu and Fanlu in Chiayi. Each place has unique highlights, such as:
• Guanziling Hot Spring Area: The only mud hot spring in Taiwan, soaking in it makes the whole body smooth and comfortable.
• Water and fire come from the same source: the natural wonder of natural gas and spring water spraying out at the same time is amazing.
• Zengwen Reservoir: It is like an inland sea, with lake cruises, observation decks, and eagles circling.
• Dongshan Coffee Trail: A mountain town rich in coffee, suitable for strolling and savoring the aroma.
• Wushantou Reservoir & Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park: An in-depth journey combining history and water conservancy construction.

These places are not far from each other by car, and can be strung together into an in-depth travel line of nature + culture.

🌀 Get to know the story of the name "Siraya"
Siraya was originally the name of the Pingpu ethnic group in southwestern Taiwan.
In this land, they were the earliest aboriginals, leaving behind many place names and religious relics.
For example, in the "Siraya Cultural Hall" in Dazhuli, Baihe, you can see their costumes, language and traditional rituals.
Entering the scenic area is not just about appreciating the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers, but more like walking into a low-key forgotten history.

This is also the biggest difference between the Siraya Scenic Area and other scenic areas-
It is not just a combination of attractions, but a "story community", a land memory that is being awakened.

🥭 Local human touch + rich agricultural products = the most authentic Taiwanese flavor
There are different fruit seasons here in all four seasons: plums in spring, mangoes in summer, persimmons and olives in autumn and winter,
especially Yujing mangoes, Dongshan longan, and Guantian water chestnuts, which are almost the common memories of Taiwanese people.
You will see many small farmers' stalls, family farms, and agricultural tours where you can experience fruit picking along the way.
I once chatted with fruit farmers while drinking mango smoothies at a farm in Yujing.
That kind of simple and friendly communication was the most touching part of my trip.

🛖 How to play Siraya? I recommend you to arrange it like this
If time is limited, you can choose "Guanziling + Zengwen Reservoir" as a one-day tour, hot spring bathing + lake view super stress relief;
If you want to extend it further, join the "Wusantou Reservoir + Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park" and take a deep historical and cultural journey;
If you have three days, you can also expand to Dapu and Yujing to experience tribal culture, participate in fruit picking and rural handicraft activities.
There are also many characteristic homestays and secret cafes along the way, which are definitely worth walking and watching slowly.

📍【Notes on Siraya National Scenic Area】
• Scope: Covers Tainan City (Baihe, Dongshan, Nanxi, Guanziling, Yujing, Guantian), Chiayi County (Fanlu, Dapu)
• Suggested transportation: Self-driving is the most convenient, and you can connect various attractions
• Suggested travel time: 2 days and 1 night or 3 days and 2 nights is the best
• Management office information: Siraya National Scenic Area Management Office, Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications
• Must-see recommendations: Guanziling Mud Hot Spring, Zengwen Reservoir Lake Tour, Yujing Mango Ice, Wushantou Reservoir, Dongshan Coffee

💬 Siraya is a land that tells stories.
From mountain views to lakes, from history to flavors, every corner has the warm smiles of locals and the blessings of nature.
This is not a check-in trip, but a deep breath, slow-paced soul cleansing.

#5月好去处2025

Post by Biu’s Travel Diary | Jun 29, 2025

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