With the weather getting more and more chilly,
people are starting to head to the hotsprings.
There are now 17 major hot spring areas in Taiwan,
and Michella Jade Weng brings us to the one in Yangmingshan in this week's travel feature.

Hot springs - one of the perks of a volcanic region,
if you don't mind the occassional tremor or two.
Here in Taiwan, there is a variety of springs, including hot, cold and submarine -
paradise for those that like to soak in naturally heated water loaded with natural minerals.

Vincent Ho
"Hot Spring Tourism Assn
As long as there is a volcano around,
there are hot springs, like in Germany, Hungary and Iceland.
Taiwan is basically a volcanic island."

The first hot spring resort in Taiwan was built in 1896 by the Japanese,
and over the last 112 years, many more resorts have sprung up.
Today, there are 17 major hot spring areas all over the country.

Vincent Ho
"Hot Spring Tourism Assn
There are more than 11 kinds of springs in Taiwan.
Here in Shamaoshan, we have white sulphur springs.
The hydrogen sulphide in the water gives you beautiful skin.
It can also treat arthritis, rheumatism or insect bites.
If you have been bitten by an insect,
you just have to dip the bite in the water and it¡¦ll be better."

And what's a hot spring bath without a big gourmet meal to round it off?
A nice bath, tasty food, sometimes there's just nothing more satisfying.