The vast mountainous province of Nantou County covers 1,600 square miles (4,100 square kilometres) in the heart of Taiwan. As the only landlocked county on the large island, its attractions revolve around picturesque countryside, mountain views and the Sun Moon Lake. See the Zhuoshui River meandering through the county on its westward path to the ocean.
Recognizable throughout Nantou County are the misty, green undulating hills sprawling across thousands of miles. In the region’s centre, find the Sun Moon Lake. Take a two-hour guided boat tour and capture photos of the distant mountains. Cycle or hike along paths through the forest. Explore the Wen Wu Chao temple and climb to its peak for an excellent sunset view of the lake.
On the lake’s northern side is Shueishe Pier, offering restaurants, a shopping centre, several hostels and views of the charming boats lining the harbour. Visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village to see its remarkable amusement park and learn about indigenous traditions.
Make your way to Taroko National Park for its marble canyons, waterfalls and caves. Toward the south of the county, bathe in the Dongpu Hot Springs.
Learn about the dynasties that previously ruled this region, including the Kingdom of Tungning, the Empire of Japan and the Republic of China.
Nantou County enjoys pleasant temperatures year-round, although the mountainous higher altitudes are colder. The dry season lasts from October to March. The county is mostly made up of agricultural plots. Enjoy a trip to the countryside with your family to encounter some of their local products. Try the region’s tung-ting tea, which is considered among the best oolong, a type of traditional Chinese tea, in Taiwan.
Find several large airports in the counties around the large area, such as Taichung Airport in the northwest and Hualien Airport on Taiwan’s eastern coast. Take a bus or train to your destination within the county.
A trek through misty valleys and around a romantic lake awaits you in the scenic province of Nantou County.
