Nantou County Travel Guide

Discover the diverse attractions, food, culture, and logistics of Nantou County with our comprehensive travel guide.


Nantou County, situated in central Taiwan, is a destination that offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural significance. From scenic views and outdoor adventures to museums and historical sites, Nantou County is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your trip to Nantou County.

Introduction to Nantou County

Nantou County is located in Central Taiwan and is the only landlocked county in the country. The county boasts of stunning natural attractions, including the majestic Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest lake. Nantou County is also known for its tea plantations, high altitude crops, and Hakka culture.

List of Places to Visit in Nantou County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute – The institute showcases Taiwan’s rich heritage of arts and crafts through various exhibits.
  • Jiji Railway Station – Built in 1933, the railway station is a historical landmark and has been preserved in its original appearance.
  • Shuili Snake Kiln Ceramics Cultural Park – A great place to learn about traditional ceramics manufacturing techniques.

Natural Attractions of Nantou County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sun Moon Lake – The iconic lake is surrounded by scenic mountains and forest. It offers a plethora of activities, such as biking, hiking, and boating.
  • Xitou Nature Education Area – The area is surrounded by lush forests and features a suspension bridge and numerous hiking trails.
  • Qingjing Farm – The farm is situated at an altitude of 1,750 meters and offers a pleasant climate and stunning views of the Mt. Hehuan Range. Visitors can find grazing sheep and flower gardens here.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nantou County

  • Zhuoshui River Bicycle Path – The route features an 18-kilometer bike path along the river and is perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
  • Hehuan Mountain Trail – The trail takes you through a scenic route that reaches an elevation of 3,275 meters above sea level.
  • Xiangshan Visitors Center Hiking Trail – The trail is a challenging route that rewards trekkers with panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake.

Best Things to Do in Nantou County: Activities and Tours

  • Boat ride on Sun Moon Lake – An excellent way to soak in the beauty of Taiwan’s largest lake.
  • Tea plantation tour – Nantou County is full of tea plantations, and a tour is a great way to learn about Taiwan’s tea culture.
  • Night market visit – Nantou County has several night markets that offer an array of local delicacies and souvenirs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nantou County

| Day | Itinerary | | — | — | | Day 1 | Sun Moon Lake for a boat ride and bicycle tour | | Day 2 | Xitou Nature Education Area and Xitou Monster Village | | Day 3 | Jiji Railway Station, Shuili Snake Kiln Ceramics Cultural Park and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village | | Day 4 | Zhushan town for Hushan Hoklo Biosphere Trail and Nanlao Dam | | Day 5 | Qingshuiyan Cultural and Ecological Trail and Qingjing Farm | | Day 6 | Cingjing Farm, Wanda Farm and Swiss Garden | | Day 7 | Puli for Winery tours and Sun Link Sea Forest Recreation Area |

Food and Drink Scene of Nantou County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Aborigines’ Smoked Pork – The dish is a popular Hakka and Indigenous meal served with wild herbs.
  • Tea Eggs – These are popular snacks in Taiwan and are eggs boiled with tea leaves, spices, and soy sauce.
  • Wine Chicken – A flavorful dish made from a stewed chicken immersed in red wine sauce with ginger, garlic, and other spices.

Local Beverages

  • Sun Moon Lake black tea – The tea is grown and processed in the area and is a must-try for tea lovers.
  • Plum wine – The wine is made from fresh plums and has a sweet and sour taste.
  • Pearl Milk Tea – A popular Taiwanese invention that is now famous worldwide. It’s a refreshing milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls.

Where to Stay in Nantou County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Lalu Sun Moon Lake – A luxurious resort located on the shore of Sun Moon Lake offering an unforgettable experience.
  • Puli Ease Hotel – A four-star hotel located in the heart of Puli town offering comfortable accommodation.
  • The Harbor View Hotel – Located in the Jiji township, it offers affordable accommodation with a stunning view.

What to Buy in Nantou County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tea – Nantou County produces some of Taiwan’s best teas, such as Sun Moon Lake Black Tea and Dong Ding Oolong Tea.
  • Mountain Pork Sausage – The sausage is made with lean pork and seasoned with garlic, rice wine, and soy sauce.
  • Wood Carvings and Pottery – The county is famous for its wood carvings and pottery, and many stores offer handmade crafts as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Nantou County

Nantou County has a unique blend of Taiwanese culture, Hakka culture, and Indigenous culture. Visitors should respect the customs of locals, dress appropriately, and try to learn some Mandarin or Hakka phrases.

Best Time to Visit Nantou County

The best time to visit Nantou County is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The county is crowded with tourists in July and August, so it is best to avoid this time if possible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nantou County

Do:

  • Learn about the local culture and customs.
  • Try local delicacies and beverages.
  • Respect the environment and natural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Wear revealing clothes in religious sites.
  • Touch ancient artifacts or exhibits in museums and historical sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nantou County

Nantou County is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take normal precautions against petty theft and keep their valuables safe.

Health in Nantou County

Tap water in Nantou County is safe to drink. However, visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever.

Getting to Nantou County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Nantou County

  • Taichung International Airport – Located approximately 60 km northeast of Nantou County.
  • Taipei International Airport – Located approximately 140 km north of Nantou County.

Bus Stations Near Nantou County

  • Taichung Bus Station – Located in Taichung City, which is about one hour away from Nantou County.
  • Puli Bus Station – The main bus station in Nantou County.

Other Options

  • High-speed rail – Taichung Station is the closest high-speed rail station to Nantou County.
  • Taxis – Taxis are readily available throughout the county and are a good transportation option for short distances.

How to Get Around in Nantou County

  • Scooters – Renting a scooter is a popular way to get around Nantou County.
  • Biking – Biking is an excellent way to explore areas like Sun Moon Lake.
  • Taxi – Taxis are readily available, and most drivers speak Mandarin or Taiwanese.

Where to Go Next from Nantou County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Taichung City – A vibrant city about an hour’s drive from Nantou County, known for its night markets, museums, and parks.
  • Changhua County – Located south of Taichung, Changhua offers unique attractions like the Baguashan Buddha, the largest bronze statue in Taiwan.
  • Yunlin County – Situated on the western coast of Taiwan, Yunlin offers an array of ecological attractions, including the Taijiang National Park.

Conclusion

Nantou County is a hidden gem with a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. With many attractions, activities, and delicious local delicacies to experience, visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable trip. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your visit to Nantou County and make the most of your time in this beautiful destination.

He Huan Mountain at sunset. He Huan Mountain at sunset. View of Mount He Huan from Wuling. View of Mount He Huan from Wuling. Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan gets its name from its shape with the sun on the right and a crescent moon on the left. Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan gets its name from its shape with the sun on the right and a crescent moon on the left.


    Caotun
    Jhushan
    Jiji
    Nantou
    Shuili
    Sun Moon Lake