Beitou at a Glance

Beitou district was originally dwelled by the Ketagalan tribe. When the Hans immigrated here, they called the place “Beitou”, which was directly translated from the aboriginal word “Pataauw”. It originally means a witch’s residence. For passing down and enhancing the Ketagalan culture, the Ketagalan Culture Center was been built in opposite Beitou Hot Spring Park. The Ketaglan Culture Center is the best place for knowing the histories and life styles of the native residents.

From witch’s legend till Hans reclaimed from the sulfur in Beitou that created the history of Beitou. In Japanese occupation, owing to the Japanese love the hot spring, the new Beitou hot spring shot to fame.

Along the Beitou River, the murmuring stream seems to tell us how hustle and bustle of the Tiangouan, which was Taiwan’s first hot spring hotel that was been built by Hirata Gengo in 1986. And we also seem to see the glory when Sun Yat-Sen and the Japanese Prince Hirohito visited here.

Now, in Beitou, there have lots of historic relics over 50 years. With abundant beautiful scenic spot, you can feel the unique and charm of Beitou.

Bibliography: 2012 Manual of Taipei Hot Spring Season ~ Beitou at a Glance

Legend of Witch

Beitou, also known as “Batou,” is a name from the aboriginal language meaning witch. Why? It is said, hundred years ago, sulfur was found abundantly in Beitou area. The place was bestowed with abundant hot spring resources. Due to the smell of sulfur and the constant rising of steam, the aboriginal inhabitants of the area believed that witch may exist there. People called Beitou---the hometown of the witch.

The Ketagalan tribe had lived in Beitou for a long time. “Beitou” in Ketagalan’s language means witch. It is said that the fair, wise and powerful witch could bring peace through rituals of divine and pray.

Beitou was once a special area where Taiwanese aborigines and Han people lived together. It has resulted Beitou to different racial backgrounds and has created diverse cultures.

Due to the Japanese lobes got spring, the most of hot spring facilities and manmade attractions were established during the Japanese occupation. Since then, hot spring has become the most important industry in Beitou.

Bibliography: 2011 Taipei Hot Spring Season  http://www.chccd.com/2011taipeilife/modules/beitou/