Nantou

Nantou, Taiwan's only landlocked county, is a lush mountain heartland where emerald tea plantations, misty alpine lakes, and indigenous culture converge. This is the place to escape the coastal cities and dive into the island's raw natural beauty—think sunrise from a mountain peak, sipping Oolong tea overlooking a valley, and soaking in hot springs under ancient cypress trees. Whether you're a hiker, a foodie, or a culture seeker, Nantou offers a serene, immersive slice of Taiwan.

Highlights & What to See

• Sun Moon Lake – Taiwan's largest body of water, encircled by a 29-km cycling path. Rent a bike, take a boat to Lalu Island, and hike up to Ci'en Pagoda for panoramic views. The lake's misty mornings are magical.
• Hehuanshan (Hehuan Mountain) – One of Taiwan's most accessible high-altitude peaks (3,416 m). Drive up for spectacular sunrise views above the clouds; the 1-km trail to the summit is a rewarding challenge.
• Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village – A theme park blending indigenous tribal performances, roller coasters, and a cable car with stunning lake views. Great for families.
• Xitou Nature Education Area – A tranquil forest of towering bamboo and giant tree ferns, with suspension bridges and a 22-m bamboo skywalk. Perfect for a peaceful walk.
• Checheng Wood Industry Exhibition Hall – A former logging town turned museum, showcasing Taiwan's timber history with old trains and wooden sculptures.
• Puli Brewery & Paper Factory – In the town of Puli, sample local Shaoxing wine at the brewery or make your own handmade paper at the Guangxing Paper Factory.

Suggested Time to Spend

Base yourself in Sun Moon Lake for 2–3 days to explore the lake and nearby attractions. Add 1–2 days for a Hehuanshan sunrise trip (stay overnight in Qingjing Farm or Cingjing). If you're short on time, a 2-day whirlwind can cover Sun Moon Lake and Xitou, but a full 4–5 days allows you to soak up the mountain atmosphere and visit indigenous villages without rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Taichung – Taiwan's cultural hub, just 90 minutes away, with night markets, museums, and Rainbow Village. A natural start or end point.
• Alishan – Famous for its sunrise over a sea of clouds and narrow-gauge forest railway. A 2-hour drive south of Sun Moon Lake.
• Taroko Gorge – On the east coast, about 3 hours away via the scenic Central Cross-Island Highway. Combine for a mountain-meets-coast road trip.
• Yushan National Park – Home to Taiwan's highest peak, Yushan (3,952 m). For serious hikers, a 2-day trek from Nantou is epic.
• Miaoli – Known for its strawberry farms and Hakka culture, a pleasant detour north of Nantou.

Please check official sources for current details.