Nantou is a landlocked county in central Taiwan. It is known for its mountainous terrain, lush forests, tea plantations, and diverse indigenous cultures. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Top attractions include Sun Moon Lake, which is famous for its scenic beauty and the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway; Hehuanshan, known for its high-altitude views and hiking trails; Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, an amusement park and cultural experience; and Cingjing Farm, offering highland pastures and sheep shearing shows. The Alishan National Scenic Area, though often associated with neighboring Chiayi County, is also frequently visited by those touring Nantou.
Tourists can engage in many outdoor activities such as hiking along the trails of Hehuanshan or in Taroko Gorge, cycling around Sun Moon Lake, enjoying boat rides on the lake, paragliding from the high hills, and visiting hot springs in Beitou.
The best time to visit Nantou is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and mild. Summer months can be quite hot, while winter can be cold, especially in the mountainous regions.
Visitors should try local specialties such as wild boar meat, bamboo shoots, betel nut flowers, and locally grown tea. Tai Yi Ecological Leisure Farm is a place where tourists can sample fresh, locally produced foods.
Yes, Nantou hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year. One of the notable ones is the Lantern Festival at Sun Moon Lake, where visitors can see a fantastic display of lanterns and fireworks. There are also indigenous festivals by the Thao people at Sun Moon Lake and various harvest festivals in different communities.
While Nantou does not have its own airport, tourists can fly into Taichung International Airport and then take a bus or rental car to reach Nantou. For traveling around the county, renting a car or scooter is recommended for convenience, although there are also public buses servicing the main tourist spots.
Yes, tourists can visit Sun Moon Lake independently. There is good signage in English, and various transport options like buses, bikes, and boats are available for navigating around the lake and nearby attractions.
Yes, Nantou is famous for its hot springs and there are several hotels and resorts around the county that offer hot spring facilities, particularly in the Lushan Hot Spring area.
High-altitude areas such as Hehuanshan may pose a risk for altitude sickness. It is recommended that tourists acclimatize by staying at intermediate altitudes and hydrate well before ascending to higher elevations.
