Dayoukeng and Qigu are open air hot springs which have seen a large influx of tourists due to media coverage. Many visitors have dug for hot springs themselves and this has damaged the springs' source causing them to dry up easily. Human activity has seriously disrupted the areas' natural landscape and ecology, and potential dangers are often neglected, resulting in injuries and threats to public safety.
Yangmingshan has volcanic terrain with numerous hot springs within the park. Most hot springs areas contain high temperature sulfuric gases, soft and unstable ground soil, and hidden fumaroles which have temperatures over 100°C. Visitors could easily fall into a fumarole accidentally, and due to the remoteness of these areas, it would take a long time to help rescue the injured people.
Park Headquarters has listed open air hot springs and streams as potentially dangerous areas. Access is restricted with warning signs at entrances or gates or fences, and the park police make regular rounds. Violators will be subject to a fine of NT 1,500 to 3,000 according to Paragraph 7 or Paragraph 8, Article 13 and Article 26 of the National Parks Act. Those engaged in the destruction of park signs, fences, gates, etc., will be subject to official charges of vandalism and prosecuted accordingly.
In the past, there have been instances where visitors suffered burns due to hidden fumaroles or even died due to oxygen deprivation in the hot springs. Park Headquarters urges visitors to not stray into areas not open to the public for their own safety.