Beitou Thermal Valley or Geothermal Valley（地熱谷) is a volcanic crater filled with steaming natural sulfuric hot spring water. During the Japanese colonial era, the valley was known as one of Taiwan's eight great natural beauties and the magical translucent green colored waters gave rise to one of its pet names, Jade Springs Valley. The mineral composition of the rare green sulfur spring waters can only be found in two locations in the world, here in Beitou and in Akita, Japan.

 

The temperatures of the waters can reach up to 100°C (212°F), making them unsuitable for bathing. However, the curling steamy mist that rises up from the waters can climb as high as 100 meters into the sky, and depending on the winds, can completely engulf themselves around visitors, making for a spectacular sight. The eery steam is also the reason for the area's other nickname, Hell Valley. Despite being the hottest spring in the area, it is said that the residual heat source is insufficient to sustain another volcanic eruption, so the valley's days may be numbered.