Top Things to do in Nantou
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Nantou, Nantou
Taking in the breathtaking beauty of Nantou's Sun Moon Lake is truly an ethereal experience. The turquoise basin is shaped like the sun on the east side, a crescent moon on the west, and it reads like a rippling celestial journey. After a day of hiking the seven miles of trails in the lake's surrounding mountains, hop a cable car and whiz through the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village or take a soothing dip in one of the area's many hot springs. Local farms grow juicy drupe fruits, the perfect refreshment on a steamy day.
Restaurants in Nantou
1. Yushan National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By ronaldybl - Singapore, Singapore
Sharing some transport details for those visiting Taiwan and wish to trek the highest (Yushan) and 2nd highest (Xueshan) mountains in a trip. Applying of the relevant permits,details can be found easily online. I did a 2 days 1 night Mt Xueshan trek follow by a single days Mt Yushan trek in Dec 2018. Start from Taipei airport to Taipei train station by bus 1819 NT$125.Train to Yilan NT$218. From Yilan train station take a short walking distance to the bus station, take bus 1751 NT$285 (dep 1240hr) to Lishan. Get off at Wuling farm ( arr 1525hr). Check into Hoya hotel. 2nd day after breakfast walk to the police station apply for the mountain permit and start your trek to Mt Xueshan peak. Hitch-hike to the starting point if possible. Trek to 369 hut and rest for the day. 3rd day start trekking at 0130hr and catch the sunrise at Xueshan summit. Return back to visitor centre to catch bus to yilan, Last bus dep at 1410hr. We reach the visitor centre late as we cant hitch any car. So we change route and took the 1540hr bus to Lishan. Spend a night in Lishan, if you want save on hotel you could try a night stay in the temple for free. But we did not as we really need a good shower and sleep after the Mt Xueshan trekking. 4th day we took a 9 seaters van which cost NT$600 per person to bring us to Taichung speed rail station. (can be arranged once you arrive in Lishan, look for those vendors selling fruits at the bus station. They could help you to make the arrangement). Upon reaching Taichung, take a train to Chaiyi NT$215. Stay a night in Chaiyi. Remember to try the turkey rice which is a must try in Chaiyi. 5th day take the bus 7322 NT$240 to Alishan (2hr). Get the ticket at Alishan 7-11 to Sun moon lake, bus 6739 alighting at Upper Dongpu NT$60 (dep 1pm or 2pm). Check into Dongpu villa NT$300 ( You can ask the Yushan national park staff to assist in the reservation). 6th day start the trek at 2am. Proceed to drop the permit at the police station and trek to Yushan peak.. Return back to Dongpu villa. Last shuttle service at 5pm. Stay 1 more night Dongpu as last bus to Alishan is 11.30am 7th day take the 1st bus at 10.30am to Alishan NT$68 then by train to Chaiyi NT$240. From Chaiyi you could choose to return to Taipei or Kaoshiung by train. We choose Kaoshiung and spend another wonderful times at Kaoshiung night market. *bring enough food and water for the trekking. *water can be replenish at 369 hut for Xueshan trek and Paiyun lodge for Yushan trek. *bring own sleeping bag for 369 hut. *Xueshan trek is harder then Yushan trek.
2. Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 555 reviews
The climate of the four seasons in Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area is distinct, and each season has very diverse scenery. In spring, you will see trees growing in green abundance with new leaves. In summer, the cool weather and beautiful sea of flowers of the blooming alpine plants is very attractive. In autumn, splendid red leaves glow, while the winter brings pure, white snow. If you stay in Song-Syue Lodge, you can enjoy the gorgeous glow of the ocean of stars. Transport to this location is convenient so it is a great place to enjoy the mountain scenery of Taiwan.
Reviewed By Shogaya - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Did a road trip from Hualien to Taroko Gorge and Hehuanshan before arriving at CingJing. It was long and winding road from Taroko gorge to Hehuanshan with my husband and i dozing off alternatively. There are few rest areas for toilet breaks, however we did not find much cafes or restaurants on the way so highly suggest to take fulfilling meal before or pack some bites. This is by far the tallest spot i have gone to, and i have no regrets. Mother Nature is beautiful, and the view from the top resonates this. Saw some snow on the way to the top also. For someone who loves nature as much as me, believe me when i say that this place is worth the trip as the surrounding is phenomenal!! Weather at the top can drop suddenly so it is advisable to bring thick jackets. It was 17 degrees when we reached, which soon dropped to 6.5degrees after 10mins. My only regret is not being able to watch the sunrise or sunset, but judging from multiple blogs i have read, the view would have spectacular during these times. However, we reached there almost evening and it was magical enough. I would definitely go again, just for the view and the cloud sea!
3. Wen Wu Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
Reviewed By ntngayve - Brossard, Canada
A temple you cannot miss while visiting Sun Moon Lake. Very impressive with 4 levels each one contains many beautiful carving telling the story and military prowess of Wenwu. From the top level you can admire beautiful views of the Sun Moon Lake afar.
4. Sun Moon Lake Ci-en Pagoda
5. Zi Nan Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By DavidASU - Union City, United States
This is a well known temple to give away “seed money” or let people borrow some seed money to make you rich. I just watched it from the TV few days ago but have not been here yet. Anyway, it’s a raining Sunday when we drove down here. It’s a small temple (actually much smaller that I had expected) but full of people, it’s so crowd that you almost need to squeeze in to worship or pay your respect to the gods. Interesting to find a lot of so called “ FREE” parking on your way to the temple. I was told it’s not really FREE because they expect you to buy stuff there to go to the temple. The symbol “logo” of the temple is the “gold hen with gold egg”. We bought one and had it prayed for our mom.
6. Antique Assam Tea Farm
7. Chung Hsing New Village Children's Park
8. Fuci Tree
9. Siang Shan Bikeway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By PaulSiow - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Great way to see the sights around Sun Moon Lake is to hire a bicycle and cycle around or use an electric bike. Beside getting a healthy dose of exercise, you are rewarded with beautiful scenery.
10. Wangyou Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By DavidASU - Union City, United States
This reminds me the root of wood at Kurama Mountain in Kyoto. You can sense the positive energy and very Zen-like atmosphere to let you relax & meditate. Somehow, only this circle of trees show this special energy to comfort you within. Standing or sitting inside the circle, you mingle yourself (your spirit) with all the woods surrounding, sky and the earth underneath. Instead of driving up to the entrance, you have the option to take one of 4 wheel drive autos for a very reasonable price. Have fun and enjoy this unique experience.
