Nantou Hotels

Nantou is located in a county of the same name in the middle of Taiwan. Its location makes it the only completely landlocked county on the island. The many natural resources that live or grow in the area have earned it the nickname ‘Mother Earth of Taiwan’. The stunning views and beautiful turquoise waters of Sun Moon Lake attract tourists who flock to see the breathtaking scenery. Gondola rides around the lake are very popular, as are the bike trails that take you around the lakeside hills.

The cable-car ride at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is another must-see destination that is adjacent to Sun Moon Lake. This is the setting for Taiwan’s best amusement park. You can tour around picturesque gardens, learn from scientific displays, take a trip back into history or have fun on the many amusement park rides. Nantou is also the venue for the world’s top hot spring at Lushan, with an altitude of approximately 400 kilometres (249 miles) and a temperature high enough to boil an egg. A small suspension bridge separates the hot spring from the two major rivers that pass by below.

When To Go

This part of Asia is prone to heavy rains and typhoons at certain times of the year, with potential for flooding and mudslides. The rainy season lasts just under two months, from July through August. As typhoons are a serious threat in these two months, the best times to visit would be either between March and April or October and November, when temperatures and humidity levels are at their most comfortable for the year.

• December, January, February: Average temperatures 12-21°C (54-70°F), rainfall 97 mm (4 inches)

• March, April, May: Average temperatures 21-25°C (70-77°F), rainfall 193 mm (8 inches)

• June, July, August: Average temperatures 24-33°C (75-91°F), rainfall 275 mm (11 inches)

• September, October, November: Average temperatures 20-27°C (68-81°F), rainfall 144 mm (6 inches)

Getting There

Nantou’s nearest major airport is Taichung Ching Chuang Kang, located 40 km (25 miles) away. A second airport at Chiayi is 60 km (37 miles) away. Nantou is also accessible via a combination of bus and rail. A shuttle bus service takes visitors to the Taichung railway station to connect with the Taiwan High Speed Train (THSR). The Chi Chi Railway is an alternative option if you are travelling between Changhua County through to Nantou County and is one of the most scenic route in Taiwan.

Public transportation can be confusing in Nantou, but there is an around-the-town tour bus that can be a great option. Nantou’s town centre is accessible by foot.

• By air: Taichung Ching Chuang Kang

• By bus/rail: Shuttle bus, Taiwan High Speed Train (THSR), Chi Chi Railway

• Town is accessible by foot

HotelClub Blog

iPhone App Guide to Asia