Located at the border between Nantou and Hualien, Hehuan Mountain is a paradise for skiing and serves as the watershed of the Dajia River, Zhuoshui River, and Liwu River. Whenever a cold front strikes, Hehuan Mountain always displays its graceful snowy scenery, stirring the desire of Taiwanese people in subtropical Nantou County to get close to the glistening white snow. A snow-covered Hehuan Mountain is like the bustling streets of Taipei—crowded and bustling, with congested roads and traffic jams, yet still teeming with visitors who simply can’t resist that breathtaking silver-white world.
Xuan Guang Temple is located about 2.5 kilometers from Sun Moon Lake. Built in the 44th year of the Republic of China (1955), it originally served as a temporary resting place for the relics of Master Xuanzang after they were brought back from Japan. In the 54th year of the Republic of China (1965), after the completion of Xuanzang Temple, the relics were moved there. The exterior of Xuan Guang Temple...
Zhongtai Temple is located in Xinyi Village, Puli Town, Nantou County, Taiwan Province. It is presided over by Venerable Master Wei Jue and currently has over 80 branch temples across the province. The temple also regularly holds spiritual cultivation activities. Zhongtai Temple is massive in scale and features an architectural style that blends both Eastern and Western techniques. Its towering and majestic roof is especially admired by devotees. At first glance, the entire new structure of Zhongtai Temple resembles a pyramid…
Located within the Xitou Forest Recreation Area in Nantou County, Taiwan Province, it is a clear pond situated within the experimental forest of National Taiwan University, hence named after the university. It is an artificially excavated scenic pond. The pond covers an area of about half a hectare and has a depth of around 10 meters. In the past, it was used to soak timber to remove impurities and pests from the wood and to prevent the wood from cracking...
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is a theme park centered around the nine major indigenous tribes of Taiwan, covering an expansive area of 62 hectares and built along the mountainside. In 2009, the park completed the construction of the Sun Moon Lake Gondola, connecting the Park’s Guanshan Building to the Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center...
Caoling belongs to Caoling Village in Gukeng Township, situated at the border of Nantou, Chiayi, and Yunlin counties. It lies at the central location among recreational areas such as Xitou, Alishan, and RuiLi, at an elevation of 450–1,750 meters. Surrounded by mountains, the area features spectacular landscapes including rugged peaks, steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and natural formations shaped by the climate and terrain.
Zhushan is one of the five towns in Nantou, named for its many bamboo-covered hills. It is well known for its bamboo handicrafts and food products, red sweet potatoes, and oolong tea. The area has numerous historical sites, particularly the popular Shadong Temple and Lianxing Temple. The former is commonly called the Zheng Chenggong Temple because it is located in the eastern part of the Shuishalian region. It holds grand spring and autumn worship ceremonies every January and August. The latter is dedicated to Mazu, with the Thousand-Mile Eye and Wind-Following Ear statues on either side, intricately carved by Fuzhou artisans and remarkably lifelike. With the rise of nearby tourist attractions such as the Shuishe Forest Recreation Area, Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area, and Phoenix Valley Scenic Area, Zhushan has rapidly prospered, becoming a supply hub and transfer point for these destinations.
Tayal Resort is located in Ren'ai Township, Nantou, a key hub of Tayal cultural heritage. The resort features an extensive cultural artifact museum, a dreamy castle, and a fountain that serve as eye-catching landmarks. Recreational facilities include the Cosmos Amusement Park, Dream Coaster, Aerial Monorail, and Surfing Boats. The clear waters of the Beigang River flow gently through the front courtyard canyon, backed by the majestic and graceful Guandao Mountain Range;…
A kiln is a structure used for firing bricks, tiles, and ceramics. Official kilns are generally called dragon kilns, while snake kilns originated in Fuzhou on the mainland and were operated by civilians, hence also referred to as folk kilns. Snake kilns are typically built along a slope using earthen bricks, and the kiln body is very long, resembling a snake when viewed from afar—hence the name. ShuiLi Snake Kiln is the oldest and most traditional rural cultural...
The Wenwu Temple at Sun Moon Lake is a temple located on the northern mountainside of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, Taiwan. It primarily enshrines Guan Yu (the God of War), along with Confucius and Yue Fei, with all deities represented by bronze statues. Facing south and nestled against surrounding mountains, with the famous lake serving as its front courtyard, the temple boasts a magnificent layout and grand atmosphere, embodying both excellent feng shui and geographical advantages. Viewed from the lake…
Yushan is located at the junction of Xinyi Township in Nantou County, Taoyuan District in Kaohsiung City, and Alishan Township in Chiayi County in central Taiwan. The Tsou people call it Batongguan, while the Japanese referred to it as Niitakayama. Its main peak stands at an elevation of 3,952 meters, making it the highest mountain in East Asia. Among Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks, Yushan, along with Snow Mountain, Xiuguluan Mountain, Nanhu Mountain, and Beidawu Mountain, is collectively known as the “...
Qingjing National Guesthouse, also known as Qingjing Farm National Guesthouse, was established in July of the 74th year of the Republic of China (July 1985). It is a guesthouse located within Qingjing Farm in Ren'ai Township, Nantou County. It is the largest hotel in terms of land area in the Qingjing region and the only officially operated accommodation in the area that holds a wastewater treatment, sanitation, and safety inspection certificate...
The Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area is located at the southeastern end of Da’an Village, Zhushan Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It lies on a small river valley plain in the upper reaches of Jiacheauo Stream and is a well-known scenic spot in central Taiwan. It is famed for its “Ten Scenic Spots of Shanlinxi,” “Nine Major Hiking Trails,” and rich animal and plant ecological landscapes, attracting large numbers of tourists every year for spring outings, flower appreciation, and…
The Azure Dragon Waterfall is a waterfall located in the mountainous region of central Taiwan. It sits within the territory of Da'an Village, Zhushan Township, Nantou County, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area. Along with attractions such as Songlong Rock, Heaven and Earth Eye, JuYing Village, Shanlinxi Lake, and the Giant Taiwan Azalea Forest, it forms the renowned Ten Scenic Spots of Shanlinxi. The Azure Dragon Waterfall belongs to the Qingshui River system...
The Green Tunnel is a section of provincial highway located in Chichi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It earned its name from the lush green canopy formed by the old camphor trees lining both sides of the road, creating a tunnel-like landscape of vibrant greenery. It is said that this section of the highway was first built in 1931 during the Japanese colonial period. The camphor trees along the road were planted and preserved by local residents, and have now thrived for over sixty years. Their branches and leaves…
The Hehuan Mountain Forest Recreation Area is located at the border of Hualien County and Nantou County in Taiwan, connecting seven mountain ranges to form the Hehuan Mountain Range. The peaks of the Hehuan Mountains range in elevation from approximately 2,900 to 3,422 meters and serve as the watershed for Taiwan’s major rivers—the Dajia River, Zhuoshui River, and Liwu River. Among Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks, this towering massif, which originally required at least…
Originally named Jiji Waterfall, Fairy Waterfall is located behind the junior high school in Jiji Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is an artificially carved waterfall on a roughly thirty-meter-high circular cliff face. The idea to carve the waterfall was proposed by former Jiji Township Mayor Lin Ming-Zhen to enhance the town’s tourist attractions. After geological surveys and negotiations with the landowner, it was excavated in the 86th year of the Republic of China…
Also known as the World Peace Pagoda, Zhenguosi Temple is situated on the slopes of Guangming Village in Jiji Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. Surrounded by an elegant environment and offering expansive views, it is not only a sacred Buddhist site but also a beautiful recreational destination, blending religious significance with tourism. Zhenguosi Temple serves as a Pure Land Buddhism chanting sanctuary and is also recognized as a spiritual retreat in Nantou County that purifies the mind...
Aowanda Forest Recreation Area is located on the north bank of the middle reaches of the WanDa River in A’Ai Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is one of the most well-known maple-viewing spots in all of Taiwan and is often referred to as the “Hometown of Maple Leaves.” The park covers a total area of 2,787 hectares, with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,600 meters. The area features a distinct canyon terrain, and every autumn and winter...
Huisun Forest Recreation Area is located in the Wu River catchment area of Ren'ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is an experimental forest managed by National Chung Hsing University. The area is named in honor of former university president Tāng Huìsūn, who died in the line of duty while inspecting the forest. Covering a total area of 7,477 hectares, the forest features elevations ranging from 450 to 2,419 meters and encompasses subtropical…