Nantou Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more in Nantou, Taiwan.


Introduction to Nantou

Located in central Taiwan, Nantou is a county known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. It is the only county in Taiwan that does not have a coastline, and is dubbed as Taiwan’s “plateau on the island”. Nantou is home to many hiking trails, mountains, lakes, and scenic views, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nantou’s history dates back to the Qing dynasty, and it was an important area during the Japanese colonial period. Today, visitors can explore many museums, temples, and historical sites to learn about Nantou’s rich history and cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Nantou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute: This museum showcases traditional Taiwanese crafts, including pottery, weaving, and woodcarving.

  • Puli Brewery Factory: A historic brewery where visitors can take a tour and sample the local rice wine.

  • The Liao Family Mansion: Built in the 1800s, this stunning mansion is a testament to traditional Chinese architecture.

  • Chung Tai Chan Monastery: One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan, this site is home to numerous temples, gardens, and art galleries.

Natural Attractions of Nantou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sun Moon Lake: This is the largest body of freshwater in Taiwan and is surrounded by scenic mountains.

  • Cingjing Farm: A beautiful hilltop farm that features lush green pastures, grazing sheep, and scenic views.

  • Xitou Nature Education Area: A nature reserve where visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the forest, take in the sights and scents of the flowers, and admire the collection of tea plants.

  • Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area: A popular hiking spot that features beautiful waterfalls, hot springs, and colorful fall foliage.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nantou

Nantou is a great place to explore on foot or by bike. Below are some popular routes and trails:

  • Zhongshan Botanical Garden: A great place for hiking, with trails that lead through bamboo groves and lush forests.

  • Lushan Hot Springs: A scenic route that leads through beautiful flower gardens and hot springs.

  • Songboling Trail: An ancient trail in Nantou that takes visitors through tea plantations, beautiful forests, and scenic overlooks.

  • Bagua Tea Garden: Visitors can bike or hike through tea gardens and fields, taking in the aroma and beauty of the tea leaves.

Best Things to Do in Nantou: Activities and Tours

  • Experience Aboriginal Culture: Visit the Thao Tribe, one of the aboriginal tribes of Taiwan, and learn about their culture and traditions.

  • Take a Hot Spring Bath: There are many hot springs in Nantou, and a relaxing soak in the thermal waters is a great way to unwind after a day of outdoor activities.

  • Visit the Feng Chia Night Market: A bustling night market filled with food stalls and vendors selling clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.

  • Take a Boat Ride on Sun Moon Lake: A relaxing way to see the natural beauty of the largest lake in Taiwan.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nantou

Day 1: Arrive in Nantou and check into your hotel. Visit local markets and try some traditional Taiwanese street food.

Day 2: Take a bike ride through the Bagua Tea Garden and explore the Liao Family Mansion.

Day 3: Visit Sun Moon Lake, take a boat ride, and hike to nearby waterfalls.

Day 4: Explore the Zhongshan Botanical Garden and take in the scenery at Xitou Nature Education Area.

Day 5: Take a hot spring bath and visit the Puli Brewery Factory.

Day 6: Hike the Songboling Trail and visit Chung Tai Chan Monastery.

Day 7: Enjoy the views at Cingjing Farm and take a trip to the nearby Feng Chia Night Market.

Food and Drink Scene of Nantou

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sun Moon Lake black tea: This tea is grown in Nantou and is known for its rich taste and aroma.

  • Braised pork belly: A traditional Taiwanese dish that is slow-cooked to perfection.

  • Abacus beads: A snack made from yam and ground meat, mixed together and shaped into small beads.

  • Hakka Lei Cha: A traditional Hakka dish that consists of ground tea leaves mixed with rice, vegetables, and meat.

Local Beverages

  • Plum juice: Made from fresh plums, this juice is refreshing and tart.

  • Taiwan Beer: A popular local beer brand that can be found in many bars and restaurants in Nantou.

  • Green tea: Many tea gardens in Nantou offer visitors the opportunity to taste and buy locally grown green teas.

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

  • Fleur de Chine Hotel: A luxury hotel located on the shore of Sun Moon Lake.

  • Ming Huayuan Hotel: A comfortable hotel with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Cingjing Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse located in the heart of Cingjing Farm.

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

  • Tea: Black, green, oolong, and other varieties of tea can be found in many tea shops and stores in Nantou.

  • Handicrafts: Nantou is known for its traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving, and visitors can find many unique handicrafts to bring home as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Nantou

  • Nantou is home to many aboriginal tribes, and visitors can learn about their culture and traditions at museums and cultural centers.

  • It is common to remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.

Best Time to Visit Nantou

The best time to visit Nantou is from April to November. The weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its best during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nantou

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink.

  • Explore the natural beauty of Nantou by hiking or biking.

  • Visit local markets and try some traditional Taiwanese street food.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter, as Nantou is known for its clean and pristine environment.

  • Do not forget to be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nantou

Nantou is a safe place to visit, and crime rates are generally low. Visitors should still exercise caution and take basic safety measures such as staying aware of their surroundings.

Health in Nantou

Tap water is safe to drink in Nantou, but it is recommended that visitors drink bottled water. Visitors should also take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent.

Getting to Nantou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Nantou

The closest airport to Nantou is Taichung International Airport, which is about 75 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Nantou

There are several bus stations in Nantou, including Nantou Bus Station, Puli Bus Station, and Jiji Bus Stop.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Taichung and then transfer to a bus or taxi to get to Nantou.

How to Get Around in Nantou

The best way to get around in Nantou is by renting a car, bike or scooter. Visitors can also take public transportation, such as buses and taxis, to get around.

Where to Go Next from Nantou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Taichung: A vibrant city that is known for its night markets, street food, and shopping.

  • Tainan: A historic city with many cultural and historical attractions, including temples, museums, and local food markets.

  • Taipei: The capital city of Taiwan, known for its bustling night markets, world-class museums, and popular landmarks such as Taipei 101.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing getaway, Nantou has something to offer everyone. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming locals, Nantou is a destination that should not be missed.

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