Nantou County

Nantou County (南投縣) is in the Central Region of Taiwan. It is famous for its mountain scenery and is the only county in Taiwan without a coastline.

Cities

 * – the county capital.


 * – Location of the Taiwan Times Village and the Nan Tun Old Street.
 * – A small scenic town.
 * – More than half the area is comprised of "Experimental Forest", a government initiative where universities conduct research into environmental issues.
 * – a town located at the geographic center of the island and often gateway to Sun Moon Lake
 * – An area with a nice environment and sporting a number of European-style B&Bs.
 * – an alternative to Puli due to its closer distance to Sun Moon Lake, with a scenic and historic train from down the valley in Ershui
 * – The highest peak in Taiwan is located here.
 * – The location of the Sun Moon Lake. The area is also the home of the indigenous Thao people (邵族).
 * – The location of the Sun Moon Lake. The area is also the home of the indigenous Thao people (邵族).

Other destinations

 * – The largest lake in Taiwan, famous for its clear, sparkling blue water set against a picturesque mountain backdrop. It has also been a center of aboriginal life for thousands of years.
 * – The highest mountain of Taiwan and also the name of the related National Park that lies partly in Nantou County, Hualien County and Kaohsiung County.
 * – Hot spring resort village with hiking options.

Get in
Many people come in through Puli from Taichung by bus or car, especially for Sun Moon Lake. However, also consider taking the scenic and historic train from Ershui to Shuili (worth a visit) or vice-verse when heading out again.

By bus
Many bus services run in the region. Try Google Maps, which has many connections available, but is a little bad on the timing.

By thumb
Due to the remote nature of the region and fewer urbanisation, hitch-hiking is straight forward. You can easily hitch-hike from Sun Moon Lake into Taroko Gorge, or vice-versa.

Drink
There are many good teas coming from the Nantou area. Donding Oolong (凍頂烏龍) is famous worldwide.

Sleep

 * Also, near Hehuanshan but in Hualien County the more affordable Kuan Yun Youth Activity Center can be found.
 * Also, near Hehuanshan but in Hualien County the more affordable Kuan Yun Youth Activity Center can be found.