Things To Do
in Nantou
Nantou is Taiwan's only landlocked county, sitting amid central mountain ranges and famous for Sun Moon Lake, misty peaks and tea terraces. The region blends indigenous culture, highland farms and cooler mountain weather, offering a peaceful contrast to Taiwan’s cities. Outdoor recreation, scenic drives and cultural sites make it a strong draw for photographers and nature lovers.
Roads can be winding and weather-driven, but small towns and mountain hamlets provide authentic food, markets and hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a serene boat ride on Sun Moon Lake, where you can soak in the enchanting views of the surrounding mountains and clear waters. After the boat ride, visit the iconic Wenwu Temple, marveling at its intricate architecture and rich history. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside path, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Taiwanese dishes such as bawan (meatball) and stinky tofu. Post-lunch, rent a bicycle and explore the scenic biking trails that wind around the lake, allowing you to experience the natural beauty up close. Don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, where you can learn about the indigenous cultures of Taiwan.
As the sun sets, enjoy a magical view of the sunset over the lake, which casts a golden hue over the water. Head to the lakeside night market to indulge in local snacks and shop for unique handicrafts. Finish your day with a relaxing stroll along the shore, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.
Rise early for a scenic drive to Hehuanshan, one of Taiwan's highest peaks, where the crisp mountain air invigorates your senses. As you arrive, embark on a short hike to the summit, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The morning light creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
After descending, enjoy a packed lunch amidst the stunning mountain scenery, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Spend your afternoon hiking the various trails, such as the popular East Peak Trail, where you can experience diverse flora and fauna. Take your time to appreciate the tranquility and beauty of this mountainous region.
As evening approaches, drive back down and stop for a warm dinner at a local eatery, savoring comforting Taiwanese hot pot or grilled dishes. If you're lucky, catch a glimpse of the stars as you return to your accommodation, thanks to the clear skies in the mountains. Reflect on the day’s adventures as you unwind in the peaceful surroundings.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at cafe | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🚆Train/HSR (regional trips) | $10-30 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / B&B (per night) | $30-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery including Sun Moon Lake and alpine peaks
- Rich tea culture and fresh local produce
- Excellent outdoor activities: hiking, cycling and photography
- Less crowded than Taiwan's major cities, peaceful mountain towns
- Mountain roads can be winding and weather-dependent
- Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options
- Public transport in rural areas can be infrequent
- Higher elevations may require acclimatization and careful planning
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "請問…在哪裡？" - Excuse me, where is…?
- "這個多少錢？" - How much is this?
- "我不吃肉" - I don't eat meat
- "廁所在哪裡？" - Where is the restroom?
- "可以拍照嗎？" - May I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Nantou
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic lake with reflective waters, boats, and surrounding mountains—sunrise and sunset views from Shuishe and Ita Thao, plus Ci'en Pagoda panoramic shots.
High-elevation peaks offering alpine landscapes, sea-of-clouds scenes and winter snow on clear cold days—prime for sunrise and wide vistas.
Lush bamboo groves, forest trails and mossy streams; atmospheric in mist and excellent for intimate nature photography.
Rolling green meadows, sheep pastures and mountain backdrops—classic pastoral shots and sunrise over terraced landscapes.
Quaint railway station and tree-lined cycling route with rustic charm—good for nostalgic and portrait photography.
Food in Nantou
Nantou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chicken braised in locally produced Sun Moon Lake black tea—savory with a subtle tea aroma; commonly found at lakeside restaurants and inns.
Must-Try!
Pan-fried or steamed freshwater fish from Sun Moon Lake or nearby rivers; try at lakeside stalls and fish-specialty eateries.
Some of Taiwan’s most prized oolongs are grown in Nantou’s highlands; available at tea houses, farms and souvenir shops—sample as tasting flights.
Seasonal mountain greens and wild herbs prepared simply or in hot pots—common in inns and farm restaurants around Cingjing and Puli.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market with fresh produce, rice cakes, snacks and local specialties—great for breakfast and sampling local sweets and soy products.
Small clusters of night stalls in these towns serve grilled snacks, sweet potato treats and local-style bento boxes—seasonal and low-key.
Touristy but convenient: stalls sell fish-based dishes, tea desserts, bubble tea and local snacks—good for lakeside snacking during sunset.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or handshake is common; using phrases like 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and 謝謝 (xièxiè) is appreciated.
Many homes and some guesthouses ask visitors to remove shoes—follow hosts’ cues and use provided slippers.
Taiwanese generally queue politely for buses, food stalls and services—line up and wait your turn.
When visiting indigenous communities, be respectful of traditions, ask before photographing people or ceremonies, and support local businesses ethically.
Keep noise moderate in public transport and accommodations; avoid public displays that may draw undue attention in quieter mountain towns.
Safety
Tipping in Nantou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges may be added at tourist hotels and restaurants. For exceptional service, a small cash tip is appreciated but not expected.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops; carry cash (NTD) for markets, buses and rural vendors. Mobile payment apps and EasyCard/IC cards work well in urban areas but may be limited in smaller mountain towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming cherry blossoms and mountain flowers—pleasant hiking weather but occasional rain showers; pack a light rain jacket.
Warm and humid in valleys with afternoon showers; mountain areas are cooler and popular to escape the heat—expect more tourists on holiday weekends.
Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and excellent visibility—one of the best times for hiking, photography and tea picking at higher elevations.
Cool to cold in the highlands with occasional frost or snow on Hehuanshan; lower valleys remain mild—bring warm layers and check road conditions if touring mountains.
Nantou at Night
Hiking in Nantou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High-altitude trails with dramatic ridgelines, a popular spot for sunrise, sea-of-clouds photos and seasonal snow—often accessed from Taroko/Nantou borders; roads can be icy in winter.
Taiwan’s highest peak with challenging multi-day routes and spectacular alpine scenery; permits are required for summit attempts and proper acclimatization is essential.
A network of lakeside trails and viewpoints including Ci'en Pagoda and the Xiangshan trail—easy to moderate hikes with beautiful lake vistas and cultural stops.
Shaded forest walks, wooden boardwalks and small streamside paths—suitable for families and gentle nature exploration.
Rolling meadow trails around farm areas with panoramic views, pastoral photography, and short hikes suitable for most visitors.
Airports
How to reach Nantou by plane.
Nearest major airport for Nantou (about 45–90 minutes by car depending on destination); some domestic and regional flights operate here. From the airport take a shuttle or taxi to Taichung city and then bus or rental car to Nantou.
Main international gateway to Taiwan (about 2–3 hours to Nantou by car or public transport). Options include HSR or intercity bus to Taichung, then local bus/rental car to Nantou.
Further south (3+ hours by car); useful if combining southern Taiwan travel—connect to Nantou via trains or domestic flights to Taichung plus land transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population includes people whose families originate from southern China—Minnan (Hoklo) and Hakka cultural influences are present in language, cuisine and festivals.
Nantou is home to several indigenous groups, notably the Thao around Sun Moon Lake and Bunun in upland areas—indigenous culture is visible in handicrafts, festivals and community-run attractions.
Population is dispersed across small towns, agricultural villages and highland settlements, creating a mix of farming communities and tourism service providers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is extremely popular, especially the Sun Moon Lake bike path and rural cycling routes—many rental shops and dedicated trails.
Hiking is a central activity due to the county’s mountains, including popular climbs and multi-day treks to peaks like Yushan and Hehuanshan.
Like much of Taiwan, baseball and basketball are popular community sports and youth activities in Nantou's towns and schools.
With varied elevation and technical trails, trail running has a growing following among locals and visiting athletes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nantou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited in mountain inns—order vegetable hot pots, tofu dishes and tea-flavored items; say “我不吃肉” (Wǒ bù chī ròu) to be clear. Larger cafes and vegetarian restaurants in Taichung or Puli are best for a wider selection.
Vegan choices exist but may require explanation; bring a translation card for soy sauce (may contain fish), and look for dedicated vegetarian eateries in bigger towns.
Rice-based dishes are common, but soy sauce and processed items often contain gluten—ask staff and prefer fresh fish, steamed vegetables and plain rice.
Carry allergy cards in Chinese for common allergens (nuts, shellfish) and consider bringing necessary medications—some mountain restaurants have limited ingredients.