Shikeng (Kaohsiung) Sep~June
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Review & Difficulty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥
Entrance: 23.10108,120.75085 Qikeng Hot Spring: 23.10175,120.75272
Shikeng Hot Spring: 23.12076,120.78879
TraceTaiwan: https://www.tracetaiwan.com/traces/91
(The pictures at the bottom of the webpage teach you how to get to Shikeng)
Shikeng in 2017
The Giant Dick in Early 2023
Shikeng Hot Spring is located in the Baolai River of Kaohsiung and is a beautiful hot spring with crystal-clear, emerald-green water and rice-white pools. It is situated on the west side of the Nanheng Highway and shines brightly alongside the equally stunning Lishong Hot Spring, which is also emerald green in color.
Big Shikeng Platform in 2023
Shikeng Hot Spring is very accessible and can be visited during the hot spring season. During the dry season, the water depth is at most knee-high, and the path is very easy to follow - just follow the tire tracks of the four-wheel drive vehicles. The area is very spacious and can accommodate up to 50 tents without any problems. Therefore, the Shikeng Hot Spring is always crowded during weekends and holidays.
The starting point can be reached by car or motorcycle. First, drive to Baolai Town, then take the Xiaoguanshan Forest Road and follow the road until you reach the large parking lot near the riverbed after the fork. It is recommended to use a high-clearance vehicle as the road becomes narrow after the fork even though the road conditions are getting beter and better each year. It can be very difficult to pass other vehicles during peak hours, so consider the possibility of traffic jams on weekends.
The Canvas Pool of Qikeng Hot Spring
Across the parking lot is the Qikeng Hot Spring, which usually has canvas pools set up for soaking. The hot spring outcrop at the foot of the mountain, and there are iron baskets available for cooking eggs. The Qikeng Hot Spring is extremely spacious, and it is very lively during weekends and holidays.
Qikeng Outcrop at the Mountain Foot
Popular with both Hikers and Heavy-Duty 4x4
Shikeng Hot Spring is very easy to reach by following the Baolai River upstream (along the tracks) with a pair of river tracing boots or aqua shoes (no rain boots) for about 2-3 hours. The temperature and quantity of the hot spring may vary each year, but at least one pool is usually suitable for soaking, with a temperature ranging from 40-45 degrees Celsius. The author has encountered a situation where there were three pools above and one below, all with suitable temperatures.
Main Pool in 2023
This year, Shikeng Hot Spring is a bit special as someone has placed a plastic water pipe in the hot spring. Crystals have grown along the water pipe, and after a few months, they have become a giant phallic shape. It is estimated that after a few more months, it will become a pillar.
Main Pool in 2020
Bottom Pool in 2020 (Buried Now)
The creek was 20 meters below 2 years ago but now it is much farther up
The Nanheng mountainous area has suffered from landslides since the 921 earthquake and the 88 typhoon. The mountain range was damaged by the 921 earthquake, and the riverbed continues to rise after every typhoon or heavy rain. The sand and stones in the Shikeng Riverbed are higher than in previous years, and the author speculates that the Shikeng Hot Spring may be buried under the soil and rocks of the Baolai River in 10 years' time, becoming just a memory. So, if you want to visit, you should do so sooner rather than later.
Comments