There’s no better place for an escape than Nantou County. Nestled in the center of Taiwan, the region contains refreshing countryside, lush mountains and dozens of things to do. Hiking and biking trails wind through miles and miles of forests throughout Nantou County, and sightseers and photographers are guaranteed epic views. Even history buffs can find interesting attractions in Nantou, as the area around Sun Moon Lake is inhabited by the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s smallest indigenous groups. Visitors can learn more about the Thao people, their culture and Nantou County at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, as well as at several other attractions in Nantou.

1. Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is undoubtedly the most popular tourist attraction in Nantou County. In fact, it’s considered one of the most scenic attractions in all of Taiwan. Not only is the lake area peaceful and gorgeous, but it also contains bike trails, hiking paths, local villages and temples. Visitors can tour the lake by boat and photograph historical Lalu Island, which marks the division between the legendary sun and crescent moon shape of the lake. Many travelers who visit Nantou County choose to stay near Sun Moon Lake, where every morning is greeted with uninhibited sounds of nature and seas of clouds floating through the mountains.
How to get to Sun Moon Lake: buses to Sun Moon Lake are available at Taichung Station and Taipei Station. At Taichung Station, passengers can opt to take a shuttle boat part way and finish the journey by bus. The trip takes two to three hours from Taichung (depending on mode of transportation) and between four and five hours from Taipei.
Must-see attractions around Sun Moon Lake
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2. Qingjing Farm
Qingjing Farm in northern Nantou County is a farmstay that invites guests to spend the night, but tourists are welcome to stop by for one-day tours as well. No matter the time of year, the farm is swathed in beauty. Guests can enjoy strolling through multiple hiking trails, gardens and fruit orchards, as well as watching livestock graze freely on mountainsides.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Entry fees: tickets for adults are 160 TWD (5.50 USD) on weekdays and 200 TWD (7 USD) on weekends; tickets for students are 120 TWD (4 USD) daily.
How to get to Qingjing Farm: buses are available from Taichung Station and Taipei Station. The journey from Taichung is about two hours, and the trip from Taipei takes about 4.
Attractions in Qingjing Farm
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3. Taroko National Park
Most of Taroko National Park is in Hualien County, but some parts of the preserved forest area can be found in Nantou County. Sightseers will never tire of the stunning waterfalls, mountain ranges and diverse foliage that define the region. Several landmarks in Taroko National Park make trekking an even more thrilling adventure. Some hiking trails and preserved areas require permits before entering. Guests should check with park officials at the entrance of the park for requirements.
Hours: open 24 hours
Entry fee: free (some attractions like Zhuilu Old Road require paid admission)
How to get to Taroko National Park: the train from Taichung Station and Taipei Station takes passengers to Hualien Station, where buses to Taroko Visitor Center are available. The trip from Hualien Station takes about 30 minutes.
Can’t-miss things to do in Taroko National Park
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4. Zhushan Zinan Temple
Packed with locals praying for “lucky money” and giant statues of chickens an roosters, Zhushan Zinan Temple is one of the most visited temples in Nantou County. Locals pray regularly at the religious site, which sits about 20 kilometers south of Nantou City, for wealth and permission to borrow “lucky money” from the Earth God. While tourists may not want to participate in the temple’s religious practices, Zhushan Zinan Temple offers a look into Taiwanese culture and some super unique sculptures and monuments. Outside the temple, visitors can browse through souvenir stands and street food carts that set up around the temple.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Entry fee: free
How to get to Zhushan Zinan Temple: buses from Nantou City run regularly to Zhushan Zinan Temple. The trip takes about 30 minutes.
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5. Huisun Forest Area
Huisun Forest Area is a sweet spot for camping trips and family holidays. The wooded farmland in the north of Nantou County is the first area to cultivate coffee in Taiwan, and the region is wrought with gorgeous canyons, hiking trails and waterfalls. A couple popular walkways are Frog Rock Trail, Banana Trail and Misty Trail. Huisun Forest Area also contains several viewpoints, an arboretum, Tang Pavilion and Alpinia Lane.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Entry fee: 200 TWD (7 USD) for adults and 150 TWD (5 USD) for groups
How to get to Huisun Forest Area: buses from Taichung Station take passengers to Nantou Bus Puli Terminal, where travelers can board the bus to Huisun Forest bus stop.
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Puli Town Bed and Breakfast
EOS Resort
New Era Art Resort and Spa
