🌄 Discover Nantou County, Taiwan: Top Attractions, Food, Travel Routes & Nature Escapes

Nantou County lies at the very heart of Taiwan—both geographically and spiritually. As the only landlocked county on the island, Nantou is Taiwan's true inland gem. From its majestic mountains to its serene lakes and lush forests, this destination offers a refreshing escape into nature and tradition.

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🗺️ Overview

📍 Location: Central Taiwan
🌄 Area: Approx. 4,100 km²
🏔️ Notable Peak: Mt. Yushan (Jade Mountain), Taiwan’s highest
🏞️ Famous River: Zhuoshui River, Taiwan’s longest
🏕️ Popular Lake: Sun Moon Lake

Nantou is a favorite among nature lovers, adventure seekers, and slow travelers. With over 41 peaks rising above 3,000 meters, it is a hiker’s paradise. It also thrives on agriculture, with its vast recreational farms and eco-villages offering immersive countryside experiences.

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🚗 Travel Routes & Attractions in Nantou County

Below are the top attractions organized by township or district to help you plan your journey:

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🏙️ Nantou City

• Nantou International Sand Sculpture Art Festival
• Kuang Hsing Paper Mill
• Sky Bridge – Houtanjing Recreational Area
• Nantou Winery
• Baguashan Scenic Area
• Lantian Academy
• Taiwan Historica
• Yunlong Waterfall

🌳 Jhongliao Township

• Hesing Organic Cultural Village
• Dragon Phoenix Waterfall
• Giant Autumn Maple Trees
• Ci Pan Rock

🎨 Caotun Township

• National Taiwan Craft Research Institute
• Eight Diagrams Kiln Park

🌉 Guoshing Township

• Atayal Resort
• Beigang Nuomishih Bridge
• Shuangshih Suspension Bridge

🕊️ Puli Township

• Paper Dome & Taomi Eco-Village
• Chung Tai Chan Monastery
• Puli Hot Springs
• Mu Sheng Insect Museum
• Guang Xing Paper Mill
• Yu Men Guan Waterfall
• Jinji Ecological Butterfly Park
• Puli Brewery

🌲 Ren’ai Township

• Huisun Forest Recreation Area
• Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area
• Fonggueidou, Mei River
• Taroko National Park (partially in Nantou)
• Lushan Hot Spring

🏯 Mingjian Township

• Songboling – Shoutian Temple
• Sung Po Ling Visitor Center
• Yongji River-Crossing Tablet

🚂 Jiji Township

• Jiji Train Station & Green Tunnel
• Railroad & Cultural Relics Museum
• Peace Tower at Jengou Temple
• Mingxin Academy
• Tiansing Kiln
• Endemic Species Research Institute

🚉 Shueili Township

• Checheng Railway Station
• Shuili Snake Kiln Ceramics Cultural Park
• Yushan National Park HQ
• Ming Hu Reservoir

🌅 Yuchih Township

• Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area
• Ita Thao Cultural Village
• Sun Moon Lake Bikeway

🧗‍♂️ Sinyi Township

• Dongpu Hot Spring
• Shuanglong Cultural Zone
• Batongguan Ancient Trail
• Cao Ping Ding Tea Farm
• Ping Seto Glass Suspension Bridge

🌿 Zhushan Township

• Ruilong Waterfall
• Chelungpu Fault Preservation Park
• Lotus Forest
• Zi Nan Temple
• Bamboo Sky Ladder
• Sun Link Sea Forest Recreation Area

🍃 Lugu Township

• Sitou Forest Recreation Area
• Fonghuanggu Bird and Ecology Park
• Lugu Tea Culture Center
• Ci Lin Lake

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🍜 Must-Try Local Foods in Nantou

Here's what to savor by township:

Nantou City

• Ciaotou Taiwanese Meatballs
• Nantou Sweet Potatoes
• Egg Noodle Soup

Jhongliao

• Longan & Oranges

Caotun

• Free-Range Chicken
• Jung Shu Hsia Fried Oyster
• Mochi from Jiu-Wei

Guosing

• Loquats & Strawberries

Puli

• Puli Rice Noodles
• Red Sugar Cane
• Water Bamboo
• The Jin Son Restaurant

Ren’ai

• Baiyi Cuisine
• All Beef Feast
• Indigenous Talowan Meals

Mingjian

• Water Spinach
• Fresh Pineapple

Jiji

• Bazhang Beef Noodles
• Train Ticket Biscuits

Shueili

• Shuili Popsicles
• Wooden Barrel Lunchbox

Yuchih

• Sun Moon Lake Black Tea
• Wild Mushrooms

Sinyi

• Kyoho Grapes & Plums

Zhushan

• Golden Bamboo Restaurant
• Red Yam Dishes

Lugu

• Winter Bamboo Shoots
• Tungting Oolong Tea

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🏡 Where to Stay

From luxurious lake-view resorts to charming tea farm homestays, Nantou offers options for every traveler. Highly recommended:

• 🌸 Qingjing Farm Villas
• 🌱 Puli Tao-Mi Eco-Village Lodgings
• 🛏️ Sun Moon Lake Lakeside Resorts
• 🏕️ Lugu Forest Eco-Lodges

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🌦️ When to Visit Nantou

• Spring: Cherry blossoms & floral farms
• Summer: Escape the heat in the highlands
• Autumn: Maple leaves & stargazing
• Winter: Hot springs & snow-covered trails

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✨ Nantou is more than just a stop on the map—it’s a full-bodied experience. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, sipping tea in misty forests, or soaking in lakeside serenity, Nantou welcomes you with open arms and breathtaking beauty.