Smangus Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and more in Smangus, Taiwan.


Introduction to Smangus

Smangus, a small village located in the mountainous region of northern Taiwan, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The village is mainly inhabited by the Tsou tribe, an indigenous group of people with a distinct culture and way of life. Smangus is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience a different kind of adventure that involves interacting with the locals and immersing themselves in the village’s unique culture.

List of Places to Visit in Smangus

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Smangus is a place full of history and culture, and there are many museums and historical sites that visitors can explore. The Smangus Cultural Museum is a great place to start, where visitors can learn about the Tsou tribe’s history, culture, and customs. The museum showcases a collection of tribal artifacts, traditional clothing, and ancient weapons.

Another must-visit is the Tsou Cultural Park, which features a Tsou-style archery range and lets visitors participate in traditional tribal dance performances. Additionally, visitors can visit the Nataoyang Cultural Village to learn about the Tsou tribe’s traditional way of life and experience their world-renowned singing.

Natural Attractions of Smangus: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For adventurous souls, Smangus offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and bird watching. The village’s mountainous terrain means visitors can explore the region’s natural beauty and experience its breathtaking views. Juifang Forest Park is a popular spot among hikers, with trails that showcase the park’s waterfalls and lush greenery.

Another must-see is Swallow Cliff, one of Smangus’s most famous natural attractions. This impressive cliff is home to a vast colony of swallows, and visitors can watch them dart and weave through the air to their nests along the face of the cliff.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Smangus

Smangus is a hiker’s paradise, with plenty of trails that pass through magnificent landscapes and stunning views. The Smangus Mountain Trail is a popular trail that takes visitors through the heart of the village’s mountain range, with views of the surrounding valleys and forests.

For experienced hikers, the Tsou Indigenous Trail is another must-visit. This strenuous 17km trek takes about eight hours to complete and passes through the village’s mountain ridges, forests, and valleys, which are home to rare plant species and wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Smangus: Activities and Tours

Smangus is full of exciting experiences to discover. Visitors can explore its hidden gems by booking a guided tour with a local, such as the “Smangus Guided Tour.” This tour takes visitors through the village’s cultural and historical sites, providing insights into the Tsou tribe’s way of life and customs.

Visitors can also participate in a traditional Tsou-style archery class or join Tsou tribal elders on a medicinal herb picking tour. For a unique experience, visitors can also visit a Tsou household and learn to make traditional Tsou dishes, such as “sesame oil chicken” and “sticky rice with pork.”

Week-Long Itinerary for Smangus

Visitors planning to stay in Smangus for a week can make the most out of their time with this itinerary:

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Smangus, check-in at your chosen accommodation, and explore the village’s surrounding areas
Day 2 Join a guided tour and visit the Smangus Cultural Museum and the Tsou Cultural Park
Day 3 Hike the Tsou Indigenous Trail and take in the stunning views
Day 4 Participate in a traditional Tsou-style archery class or go bird watching
Day 5 Join Tsou tribal elders on a medicinal herb picking tour
Day 6 Visit a Tsou household and learn to make traditional Tsou dishes
Day 7 Relax and take in the beauty of Smangus before departing for your next destination

Food and Drink Scene of Smangus

Must-Try Dishes

Smangus offers plenty of opportunities to try traditional Tsou cuisine. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Sesame oil chicken
  • Sticky rice with pork
  • Bamboo rice, a type of rice that is cooked with bamboo tubes to give it a unique flavor

Local Beverages

Visitors can also try the locally brewed “smoke-flavored” tea, a type of tea that is brewed over an open fire, giving it a smoky flavor. Smangus is also known for producing great quality mountain coffee, which visitors can find in local cafes and restaurants.

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

While Smangus is a small village, it has several accommodations for visitors to choose from, including:

  • Smangus Hand in Hand B&B
  • Smangus Farm Stay
  • Smangus Tchulug Village Homestay

Each accommodation provides its own unique experience and is ideal for visitors who seek to learn more about the Tsou tribe’s way of life.

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

Visitors can bring home a piece of Smangus culture by buying traditional Tsou-style clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and handicrafts such as woven baskets and bamboo crafts. Visitors can also take home locally grown tea and coffee as well as medicinal herbs such as cordyceps.

Local Culture and Customs of Smangus

The Tsou tribe has its culture and customs, including a reverence for nature and a deep connection with their ancestral lands. Visitors are encouraged to respect the tribe’s cultural practices and not to disturb the natural environment when exploring.

Best Time to Visit Smangus

The best time to visit Smangus is from September to November when the weather is mild, and the autumn foliage is at its peak. Visitors can enjoy the stunning colors of the surrounding forests and mountains and bask in the cool weather. Spring (April to June) is also an excellent time to visit, with the village’s landscapes blossoming with colorful flowers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Smangus

Do:

  • Respect the Tsou tribe’s cultural practices and customs
  • Learn a few Tsou phrases to communicate with locals
  • Dress modestly when visiting the village’s temples or cultural sites

Don’t:

  • Disturb the natural environment when exploring
  • Take photos of people or their belongings without their permission
  • Enter the village’s cultural sites if you have a cold or are ill

Safety and Health

Safety in Smangus

Smangus is a relatively safe destination with low crime rates. Visitors should take precautions when exploring the village’s trails and mountainous terrain, such as wearing appropriate footwear and carrying enough water.

Health in Smangus

Smangus is known for its serene and natural environment, and visitors with respiratory problems may find relief from the cool, crisp mountain air. Visitors should be cautious of the high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness, and take it slow when engaging in outdoor activities.

Getting to Smangus: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Smangus

The nearest airport to Smangus is Taichung airport, which is about a two-hour drive away.

Bus Stations Near Smangus

Visitors can take a bus from Taichung City to Puli Town and then transfer to another bus headed to the village of Wu-She. Visitors can then take a shuttle bus to Smangus.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt to rent a car or hire a taxi to take them to Smangus.

How to Get Around in Smangus

The best way to explore the village is by foot or bicycle. Visitors can rent bicycles at Smangus Station, where they will receive a map of the village and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Smangus: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can head to Lishan, a small township known for its stunning mountain views and hot springs. Puli Town is also another popular choice, especially if visitors want to explore Taiwan’s indigenous culture further.

Conclusion

Smangus offers visitors a unique and authentic experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the Tsou tribe’s culture and way of life. With its natural beauty, fascinating history, and cultural landmarks, Smangus is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an adventure off the beaten path in Taiwan.