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Nantou, Taiwan

Destination Guide

Nantou

Taiwan

Best things to do in Nantou

14 curated attractions in Nantou, Taiwan. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

October - April

Average temp

20°C/68°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Nantou

Nantou is Taiwan's mountainous county, famous for its lakes and tea farms, and is often referenced as the heart of the island. It is a small city with a distinct focus on nature, with the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and the Wenwu Temple attracting visitors who want to learn about local culture and enjoy scenic views. The city is surrounded by lush green landscapes, with places like Qingjing Farm and Hehuanshan providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. However, many visitors come primarily for the night market, where the variety of street food showcases the local culinary scene. The pace here is slower, appealing to those looking to escape the busier urban areas of Taiwan while being mindful that public transport options are quite limited.

Who it's for

Ideal for nature lovers and those interested in Taiwanese culture, as well as anyone who enjoys leisurely exploring food markets. Not a good choice for visitors looking for nightlife or extensive public transport networks, as the options are few.

Getting around

Public transport: Poor

  • The city centre is walkable in under thirty minutes, but many attractions require a taxi or a private vehicle
  • High-speed rail reaches nearby Taichung in about an hour, but you will need another ride to get to Nantou
  • Local buses exist but are infrequent and not well-connected
  • Many tourists rent scooters, but expect some hills
Observation Point

Observation Point

Scenic viewpoints
Sicao Mangrove Green Tunnel

Sicao Mangrove Green Tunnel

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake

Lakes
Hehuanshan

Hehuanshan

Mountains & volcanoes
Wenwu Temple

Wenwu Temple

Monasteries
Sun Moon Lake Visual Arts Center

Sun Moon Lake Visual Arts Center

Art museums & galleries
Ci'en Pagoda

Ci'en Pagoda

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Xiangshan Visitor Center

Xiangshan Visitor Center

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Sun-Link-Sea

Sun-Link-Sea

Forests & jungles
Xitou Nature Education Area

Xitou Nature Education Area

National parks & nature reserves
Qingjing Farm

Qingjing Farm

Rice terraces & countryside
Shuishe Pier

Shuishe Pier

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Theme parks
Nantou Night Market

Nantou Night Market

Street food & night markets

Where to eat in Nantou

The places worth planning a meal around.

Nantou Tea Shop

Nantou Tea Shop

$

★ 4.7 · 33,378 reviews

Hohocha

Hohocha

Taiwanese · $

★ 4.7 · 33,283 reviews

The Lalu Hotel Restaurant

The Lalu Hotel Restaurant

★ 4.4 · 5,769 reviews

The Full House Resort Restaurant

The Full House Resort Restaurant

★ 4.0 · 634 reviews

Café Mixx

Café Mixx

Taiwanese · $

★ 4.4 · 528 reviews

Shan Shui Restaurant

Shan Shui Restaurant

Taiwanese · $$

★ 4.2 · 473 reviews

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