Weekend Travel Guide: Must-Visit Spots in Nantou for Photography & Dreamy Dining

Text and photos by /A Perfect Travel Journal

Taiwan’s only non-coastal county/city, Nantou, has no shortage of fun attractions. With numerous hidden natural gems, romantic LOVE-themed spots, and fairy-tale castles, it's a dream destination for couples. Photography enthusiasts shouldn’t miss its seasonal beauty—like cherry blossom season, plum blossom season, rainy season cypress forests, and snowy landscapes. Add these spots to your travel notebook, and follow our perfect guide to explore Nantou this weekend.

Instagrammable Spots

Nantou Attractions > Jhushan Alishan Fairy Village & Mingshan Forest Hotel

The lively and whimsical Alishan Fairy Village takes on a different charm at night. Stay in its themed fairy rooms—cozy, playful, and adorable. The village is lined with fairy-tale shops, offering delicious food and souvenirs. You can even try on Japanese kimonos for a magical photoshoot.

Jhushan Alishan Fairy Village
Address: No. 2-3, Xingchan Rd., Neihu Village, Lugu Township, Nantou County
Business Hours: 9:00 – 20:00
Phone: 04 9261 2121

Nantou Attractions > Neihu Elementary School

A famous free attraction in Nantou’s Lugu—Neihu Elementary School boasts nostalgic Japanese-style architecture that’s full of charm. Stroll through the campus and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Lucky are the students who get to “go to school” like they’re on a field trip. There’s also Taitung’s %Dou Song Chui, also known as 'Tuo Lu Ben' Mo Duo Zha. (These are local delicacies unique to the region)

Neihu Elementary School
Address: No. 51, Xingchan Rd., Lugu Township, Nantou County
Opening Hours: Sat–Sun, 8:00 – 17:00
Phone: 04 9275 2437

Puli Attractions > Mitian Gong Sightseeing Park

A new “triple-free” attraction in Puli—Mitian Gong Sightseeing Park offers free entry, free parking, and even free Mitian Gong treats. The park features beautiful green architecture, play areas for kids, and complimentary delicious snacks. One bite and you’ll be hooked. Visit during the holidays for fun, food, and great local gifts to take home.

Mitian Gong Sightseeing Park
Address: No. 1004, Zhongzheng Rd., Puli Town, Nantou County
Business Hours: 10:00 – 17:30 (Closed Tue–Wed)
Phone: 0800 020096

Puli Attractions > Love Story Museum & Moonlight Church

The Love Story Museum in Puli, Nantou, has a new attraction—a colorful European-style Moonlight Church, plus a Pumpkin Restaurant, a Ferris wheel, and a white horse carriage. These romantic backdrops are sure to delight couples. Whether you’re single or in love, it’s a perfect place to visit.

Moonlight Church
Address: No. 219, Section 4, Zhongshan Rd., Puli Town, Nantou City
Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 – 17:00
Weekends 9:00 – 17:30
Phone: 04 9291 3088

Puli Attractions > Puli Visitor Center. Cute Animal Mural Wall

Even the visitor center is surprisingly photogenic. Welcome to the Animal Café, where a cute green frog serves travelers. The mural wall features mouthwatering pastries and sandwiches, with monkeys and butterflies joining for afternoon tea. Take a break here when you’re tired from traveling—you’ll discover beauty everywhere.

Puli Visitor Center
Address: No. 191, Section 4, Zhongshan Rd., Puli Town, Nantou County
Business Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Phone: 04 9291 6060

Puli Attractions > Paper Dome – Taiwan’s Delicate Paper Architecture

Taomi in Nantou boasts rich ecological resources, with frogs, dragonflies, and butterflies thriving in its forests and fields. The Taomi Eco-Village is also home to the uplifting Paper Dome, a symbol of light and hope both day and night. It’s a favorite spot for photography lovers.

Nantou Paper Dome
Address: No. 52-12, Taomi Lane, Taomi Village, Puli Town, Nantou County
Business Hours: 9:30 – 17:30 (Closed Wed)
Phone: 04 9291 4922

Puli Attractions > Dah Hei Song Xiao Liang Kou · Yuan Shou Guan

Puli in Nantou features a dreamy European-style castle with a large chess plaza in the front yard. Named “Yuan Shou” (meaning “Head of State”), it encourages everyone to “dare to dream” and create their own number one life.

Dah Hei Song Xiao Liang Kou - Yuan Shou Guan
Address: No. 219, Section 4, Zhongshan Rd., Puli Town, Nantou County
Business Hours: 09:00–17:00
Phone: 04 9291 8668

Ren’ai Attractions > Qingjing Little Swiss Garden

A must-visit beautiful garden in Nantou’s Qingjing. The stunning bald cypress scenery left a deep impression. During the day, vibrant flowers bloom; at night, colorful lanterns shine. The garden also added many dreamy L.O.V.E. installations—perfect for photography lovers.

Swiss Little Garden
Address: No. 28, Dingyuan New Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County
Business Hours: 9:00 – 21:00
Phone: 04 9280 3308

Ren’ai Attractions > Qingjing Farm – Qingqing Grassland

Nantou’s Ren’ai is famous for “Qingjing Farm,” where sheep shearing shows are a crowd favorite. The newly completed “Sheep Castle” is another major draw, attracting many visitors. Visiting during the Year of the Sheep is believed to bring good luck all year.

Qingjing Farm
Address: No. 170, Renhe Rd., Ren’ai Township, Nantou County
Business Hours: 8:00 – 17:00
Phone: 04 9280 2172

Nantou City Attractions > Wei Re Shan Qiao Pineapple Cakes – Nantou Triad Courtyard Branch

Wei Re Shan Qiao is famous for its pineapple cakes, beloved by anyone who tries them. Their Nantou triad courtyard branch also sells exquisite souvenirs. Stop by for tea and snacks in a relaxing atmosphere. When in Nantou, treat yourself to an afternoon tea here, and check out the nearby Farmer’s Market and No. 29 Garden.

Wei Re Shan Qiao
Address: No. 2, Lane 1100, Bagua Rd., Nantou City, Nantou County
Business Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Phone: 04 9229 2767

Scenic Restaurants / Sightseeing Factories

Nantou City Attractions > No. 29 Garden

There are plenty of lively spots along Nantou’s Provincial Highway 139, but the fairytale-like No. 29 Garden is something special. Surrounded by vast tea plantations and adorable little potted plants, its spacious café offers a comfy, relaxing vibe. Open only on weekends, it’s still a hit with travelers.

Address: No. 29, Lane 1066, Bagua Rd., Nantou City, Nantou County
Business Hours: Sat–Sun, 8:00–18:00
Phone: 0928 926 275

Nantou City Attractions > Starry Sky Landscape Restaurant

A top-recommended scenic restaurant in Nantou—Starry Sky offers a vast space with an amazing panoramic viewing platform. Overlook southern Nantou and western Taiwan, spot animals roaming around like a mini zoo, and enjoy both nature and night views.

Starry Sky
Address: No. 200, Lane 146, Hou Tan Jing St., Nantou City
Business Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00–12:00
Sat–Sun AM 11:00 – PM 12:00
Phone: 049 2292 999

Puli Attractions > Olea Helle Castle

A French royal palace in Nantou—Olea Helle Castle is an elegant foreign-style castle that feels like a princess’s dream. Enjoy exquisite afternoon tea and a luxurious experience, and write your own romantic story here.

Olea Helle Castle
Address: No. 27, Liyu Lane 1, Puli Town, Nantou County
Business Hours: 8:30 – 17:00
Phone: 049 299 3636

Puli Attractions > Sightseeing Distillery · Shaoxing Wine Culture Museum

The Puli Distillery in Nantou is a popular attraction. Thanks to its superior water and geography, it’s the birthplace of Shaoxing wine, attracting wine enthusiasts. Explore the cellar tunnels to uncover brewing secrets. PS: Don’t drink and drive.

Puli Distillery
Address: No. 219, Section 3, Zhong 3rd Rd., Puli Town, Nantou County
Open: Mon–Fri 8:30 – 16:00
Holidays 8:30 – 17:30
Phone: 049 2984 006

Chichi Attractions > Ijibanana Ji Yuan Guan Sightseeing Factory

What~~ Bananas have a sightseeing factory too? Seems like anything yellow is extra appealing.
Bananas aren’t just monkey favorites—squirrels love them too. Visit the super cute Ji Yuan Guan Sightseeing Factory for a banana adventure. Great news—it’s open year-round and free of charge indefinitely.

Ji Yuan Guan Sightseeing Factory
Address: No. 38, Daping Lane, Fushan Village, Chichi Town, Nantou County
Business Hours: Tue–Sun 9:00 – 17:00
(Closed Mon)
Phone: 049 2764562

Nantou Attractions > Forest Railway Story House

Xinyi Attractions > Plum Dream Factory

Xinyi in Nantou is the “homeland of plum blossoms.” Beyond admiring the graceful blooms, don’t miss the delicious “plum-based cuisine.” The Plum Dream Factory satisfies all your taste buds.
No need to just gaze at plums—come taste them now.

Plum Dream Factory
Address: No. 11, Xin Kai Lane, Xinyi Township, Nantou County
Business Hours: 8:00–17:00
Phone: 0975 801 959

Hidden Gems / Seasonal Attractions

Nantou Attractions > Forget-Worry Forest

Ren’ai Attractions > Hehuan Mountain First Snow

Taiwan is truly a beautiful island. If you haven’t discovered its wonders yet, maybe you haven’t climbed high enough. Hehuan Mountain is perfect for hiking, cloud-gazing, and enjoying snowscapes. Media reports on mountain “snow updates” create quite a buzz. Join others in scaling heights and building snowmen.

Hehuan Mountain
Address: Ren’ai Township, Nantou County
Best Snow Viewing: December

Nantou Attractions > Hehuan Mountain Starry Sky

Ren’ai Attractions > Huzhu Elementary School Plum Blossom Spot

Early January marks plum blossom season, drawing crowds to admire the blooms. But behind Huzhu Elementary School in Ren’ai Township lies a hidden plum grove—what a privilege for the kids studying amid such beauty. Join them in admiring the “plum” scenery.

Huzhu Elementary School
Address: No. 19, Zhonghua Rd., Huzhu Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County
Phone: 04 9294 1016
Best Plum Viewing: January

Xinyi Attractions > Liu Family Plum Garden

Plums bloom more vibrantly in the cold. Admire the snow-white, fragrant blossoms swaying in the breeze. The season of snow plum pilgrimage has arrived. Heard of a secret plum garden in Nantou? Let’s check it out.

Address: No. 87, Yanghe Lane, Xinyi Township, Nantou County
Business Hours: 8:00 – 18:00
Phone: 04 9283 1191

Yuchi Attractions > Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village · Cherry Blossom Season

Chinese New Year is always a blast!! With such a rare long holiday, you can’t let it go to waste!! This year, Perfect and Kevin visited the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village—not for the rides, but for the sea of pink cherry blossoms.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Address: No. 45, Jintian Lane, Dalin Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, 55544
Business Hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Phone: 04 9289 8835

These are some of the best spots we’ve explored in Nantou in recent years, including scenic restaurants, couple getaways, castles, sightseeing factories, and seasonal flower blooms. Over 20 beautiful and romantic attractions—we’re sharing them with those planning a trip to Nantou.

Hi, I’m Perfect, a girl who loves beauty and adventure. I believe seeing the sights in person is far more moving than looking at photos.
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