Gukuan

Gukuan is located in Taichung County's Heping Township. The altitude here is about 800 meters.

Gukuan is a standard valley next to Taichung County's Dachia River. The area is called Gukuan because the Central Cross-Island Highway cuts across the valley and makes it look like a guarded entrance. In fact, Gukuan is at the center of the Central Cross-Island Highway's tourist route. The area is famous for hot springs and country artifacts

The hot springs in Gukuan were first discovered by the Atayal aboriginal tribe in 1907. They became popular during the Japanese colonial occupation of Taiwan (1895-1945) because of the water's good quality. The hot springs here are carbonic acid springs, with a constant temperature of about 48 degrees Celsius. It is said that the water is good for bathing as well as drinking, and that it is effective in healing arthritis, neuralgia, pain of digestive organs, athlete's foot and serious dermatitis.

Hotels here in Gukuan are equipped with hot spring spa facilities. In addition, there is a thousand-year great tree in Shengmugu (Valley of Divine Tree) Holiday Hotel. The tree is a special attraction in the area, accompanied by clear creeks and dense forests. In spring and autumn, there are splendid cherry blossoms and maple leaves. Visitors can go camping, swimming and fishing. They can also try a trout dish, which is a local specialty.