Fairytale European-style castle alert: Nantou’s YuanShou Museum features an Instagrammable giant chessboard

▲ Aerial view of the outdoor area at YuanShou Museum, every corner is incredibly dreamy (Photo/Netizenshan331333Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Nantou is renowned for its natural beauty, but its man-made attractions are also highly appealing. Located in Puli, the "YuanShou Museum" was built with over 100 million NTD investment by Dah Hei Song Xiao Lian Kou. The park is designed like a European-style castle, giving the impression that princes and princesses might step out at any moment.

In front of the square lies a huge chessboard grid adorned with uniquely shaped chess pieces in vibrant, pastel colors—so adorable you won’t want to stop taking photos. Additionally, the pumpkin-shaped carriage is a dreamy photo spot that’s getting lots of buzz online.

▲ The large chessboard grid up front features pastel-colored chess pieces (Photo/NetizenxiaopcaiProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲ Climb aboard the pumpkin-shaped carriage and feel like Cinderella (Photo/Netizenl2._.sofiiProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The "YuanShou Museum" offers free admission and has attracted many visitors looking to take photos. The first floor is set up as a merchandise exhibition area, where you’ll find Q-version historical stained-glass windows of former presidents overhead, each painted with remarkable detail. The second and third floors house the Mushroom Bistro, designed around various themes such as playing cards, casinos, and butterflies. Every corner is exquisitely decorated, making you feel like you’re wandering through a fairy tale world. It’s a paradise for those with a sweet tooth for all things cute—you’ll be snapping photos non-stop and won’t want to leave.

▲ The 2nd and 3rd floors feature poker card and butterfly-themed restaurants respectively (Photo/Screenshot fromYuanShou Museum’s official website.)

You can find traces of former presidents throughout the YuanShou Museum. Inspired by the movie "You Are the Apple of My Eye," the museum features Q-version likenesses of past presidents seated together—a fun touch. There’s also a Q-version replica of “Mount Rushmore” featuring not the four U.S. presidents, but five Chinese leaders including Mao Zedong and Sun Yat-sen, all having tea together. Both spots are super photogenic.

▲ Inspired by "You Are the Apple of My Eye," Q-version likenesses of past presidents are seated together in a playful scene (Photo/Netizenjimi_taiwanProvided. All following images are the same. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲ A Q-version replica of “Mount Rushmore” shows Mao Zedong, Sun Yat-sen, and three other leaders having tea together.

Every corner of the YuanShou Museum is worth exploring and full of talking points. It’s like stepping into Alice in Wonderland or becoming the protagonist of Cinderella—perfect for a sweet date with your partner.

Dah Hei Song Xiao Lian Kou - YuanShou Museum KIN GARDEN
Address: No. 219, Section 4, Zhongshan Road, Puli Township, Nantou County
Phone: 049-2918668
Business Hours: Weekdays 09:00–17:00; Holidays 09:00–17:30
Admission: Free