The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway offers a scenic gondola ride that takes passengers over the mountains and provides breathtaking views of one of Taiwan's most famous natural attractions, Sun Moon Lake. This popular activity allows visitors to enjoy panoramic vistas of the lake's sparkling waters and the surrounding lush greenery. A ride on the ropeway is more than just a way to get from one point to another; it's an opportunity to capture unforgettable memories and photographs. The journey begins at the Sun Moon Lake station, gliding smoothly towards the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village. The aerial trip gives you a unique perspective of the area's natural beauty, and on clear days, the views stretch for miles, making it an excellent way for tourists to grasp the scale and splendor of the mountainous terrain in Nantou. This experience can be educational as well, with informative displays at the stations explaining the local geography and culture.
Located near Sun Moon Lake, the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village is both an amusement park and a cultural experience. Established to preserve and promote the heritage of Taiwan's indigenous populations, this park showcases traditional aboriginal homes, customs, and performances. Throughout the day, visitors can watch spectacular shows featuring aboriginal dances and music, gaining insight into the rich and vibrant cultures of Taiwan's original inhabitants. Beyond the cultural exhibits, the park offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, including roller coasters and water slides – making it a perfect destination for families and adventure seekers. The Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village also offers hands-on activities where visitors can learn about and participate in traditional crafts, which makes for memorable souvenirs and stories. Exploring this unique blend of amusement and education is a must-do when visiting Nantou.
The Puli Brewery Factory is renowned for its production of Shaoxing wine and is a significant symbol of the region's cultural heritage. During a visit to the brewery, guests can explore the history and process of traditional wine-making techniques that have been passed down through generations. The tour of the facility includes a visit to the fermentation rooms, where you can see the giant ceramic pots used in brewing the wines and the aging process that gives them their distinct flavors. You'll also learn about the brewery's history, which has survived natural disasters and persevered to continue production. The brewery tour typically ends with a tasting session, where visitors of legal drinking age can sample various types of Shaoxing wine. Additionally, the brewery's gift shop offers an array of wines and related products for purchase, making it easy to bring a taste of Puli back home.
Cingjing Farm, often referred to as 'The Switzerland of Taiwan,' is a sprawling high-altitude farm that offers cool weather, fresh air, and a tranquil retreat from the city. Visitors to the farm can wander amongst the green pastures where sheep graze freely, with the opportunity to feed and interact with them. The farm showcases a European pastoral landscape set against the backdrop of the central Taiwanese mountains, making it a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls or serious hiking. Part of the allure of Cingjing Farm is its eco-tourism approach, maintaining a balance between tourism and environmental sustainability. Guests can also watch sheep-shearing demonstrations and enjoy local produce at the various eateries on site. Overnight accommodations are available for those who wish to wake up to stunning mountain views. Cingjing Farm offers an escape to nature, providing a serene and scenic experience for all ages.
Hehuanshan, or Mount Hehuan, is a beloved destination for mountain lovers and hikers in Taiwan. Offering several peaks over 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet), it provides accessible high-mountain experiences for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. A journey to Hehuanshan is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the alpine beauty of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range. Drivers can take the scenic Central Cross-Island Highway to Wuling Pass, the highest point on Taiwan's highway system, before beginning their hike. The area has well-marked trails leading to various peaks, including Hehuan East Peak, West Peak, and Main Peak. Each summit offers spectacular panoramic views, and on clear days, one can see the vast expanse of the island's mountainous core. The area is also famous for its unique alpine flora and fauna, and if you're lucky, you may spot the rare pheasant-tailed jacana or endemic species of rhododendron.
The Paper Dome in Puli is a temporary church building constructed mainly out of paper tubes. It was originally built in Kobe, Japan, after the devastating Hanshin earthquake and later moved to Puli to serve as a symbol of cooperation between Taiwan and Japan following the 921 earthquake in 1999. Architected by the renowned Shigeru Ban, the Paper Dome is both an architectural marvel and a testament to resilience. Visitors to the Paper Dome can appreciate its unique construction methods and the harmonious blend of aesthetics, function, and sustainability. The structure is surrounded by tranquil ponds and gardens, providing a serene environment for contemplation. While the building itself is primarily the main draw for visitors, there are also occasional concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events held on its grounds, making the Paper Dome a fusion of art, history, and community.
Situated within the lush forests of Nantou is the Xitou Nature Education Area, a haven for nature enthusiasts and educationists alike. This attraction, part of the Experimental Forest of the National Taiwan University, offers a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with Taiwan's ecological treasures. Throughout the park, well-maintained trails allow visitors to wander through diverse ecosystems featuring bamboo forests, giant red cypress trees, and verdant fern gardens. The area is also home to the University Pond, a peaceful spot frequented by birdwatchers and photographers drawn to the reflective waters and abundant avian life. Educational programs and tours are often available, focusing on the local flora and fauna, conservation efforts, and environmental sustainability. Xitou is particularly charming when the forest mist rolls in, giving the park a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere beloved by all who experience it.
The Nantou Sky Bridge, located in the Zhushan area, is a thrilling attraction for those seeking adventure and panoramic views. This 204-meter-long suspension bridge hangs over a lush valley, offering an exhilarating walk above the treetops. As you make your way across the bridge, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery and catch glimpses of the surrounding mountains and tea plantations. The experience is accented by the varied bird species and the fresh, mountainous air. Just nearby is the Nantou Forest Adventure Park, which features an obstacle course with zip lines, swings, and climbing activities set amidst the natural beauty of the region. The park reinforces the balance between excitement and nature conservation, granting visitors an active experience while keeping ecological disturbance to a minimum. It's a fun-filled day for families, groups, and solo adventurers looking to connect with nature in an active manner.
Lalu Island, located in the center of Sun Moon Lake, is a small piece of land revered by the local Thao tribe as a sacred place. While access to the island itself is restricted to preserve its sanctity and ecological integrity, tourists can enjoy a boat tour around Sun Moon Lake that includes a circumnavigation of Lalu Island. The lake, split by Lalu Island, is named for the contrasting shapes of the sun and moon on either side. A boat tour of Sun Moon Lake is an enchanting activity, allowing visitors to relax on the water and absorb the ethereal beauty of the mountainous surroundings and crystal-clear lake. The tour often includes stops at several piers around the lake, each offering a unique vantage point and attractions such as temples, walking trails, and cultural experiences. The peacefulness of gliding over the water combined with the cultural and scenic highlights makes for an unforgettable adventure.
Checheng is a small village located at the terminal station of the Jiji railway line. It once played a critical role in Taiwan's logging industry but now serves as a cultural relic where visitors can explore its historical past. In Checheng, remnants of the logging era have been preserved, including the old timber pond where logs were stored before transportation, and the Japanese-style dormitories once inhabited by workers. Today, Checheng has been repurposed as a tourist destination featuring museums, workshops, and exhibits dedicated to the history of logging and railway in Taiwan. Visitors can ride the quaint Jiji train, which evokes the nostalgia of bygone days, and explore the station itself, which withstood the 921 earthquake and stands as a symbol of resilience. The village offers a delightful mix of historic and scenic attractions complete with opportunities to interact with local artisans and savor indigenous cuisine.
