Jiaoxi

Jiaoxi (礁溪) is a famous hot springs resort town located in the foothills of the mountains in northern Yilan. Known for its sodium bicarbonate thermal springs, Jiaoxi has developed into a major tourist destination, particularly since the opening of Hsuehshan Tunnel (雪山隧道) significantly slashed travel times from greater Taipei. The township encompasses both the developed hot springs district as well as rugged mountainous terrain to the west and the Lanyang Plain (蘭陽平原) to the east. During the Japanese colonial era Jiaoxi was home to military installations including the Etoushan tunnel complex and later became the site of significant post-war military infrastructure as exemplified by the Joint Logistics 202 Arsenal.