Nantou Isn't Just Sun Moon Lake – Five Natural Attractions So Beautiful You Won’t Want to Leave

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Although Nantou isn’t coastal, it still boasts abundant natural landscapes. Among the most famous is the Sun Moon Lake scenic area, where the vast lake surface surrounded by lush green mountains resembles a traditional Chinese ink painting, beloved by both domestic and international tourists. But besides Sun Moon Lake, Nantou has many majestic hidden gems that are perfect for visitors to explore and enjoy.

1. Shimen Mountain
As one of Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks, Shimen Mountain stands over 3,000 meters tall with gentle slopes and a flat, expansive summit. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, making it one of the easier peaks to conquer. Here, you can enjoy sweeping views of vast grasslands. Spring and autumn are the best times for sunrise viewing, while nighttime stargazing offers equally stunning and enchanting views of the Milky Way.

2. Wan-da Power Plant
Located on the Wushe River in the upper reaches of the Zhuoshui River, Wan-da Power Plant boasts breathtaking valley scenery and is especially picturesque during cherry blossom season, making it one of Nantou’s popular cherry blossom viewing spots.

3. Qilin Pond
Nestled at the eastern foot of Dongding Mountain in Lugu, Qilin Pond is a poetic spot recognized as one of Nantou’s Eight Great Scenic Views. Surrounded by rolling hills, although only about 13 hectares in size, its scenery rivals that of Sun Moon Lake. In the early morning and evening, mist shrouds the landscape, creating a mesmerizing view that feels like stepping into a hidden paradise.