Nantou and Sun Moon Lake Adventure - 5 Days Itinerary

Kick off your day with a visit to the Hehuan Mountain. This mountain is part of the Central Mountain Range and offers some of the most breathtaking views in Taiwan. The crisp morning air and panoramic vistas make it an ideal spot for hiking and photography. For breakfast, stop by Cingjing Farm Restaurant, where you can enjoy hearty local dishes while soaking in the stunning mountain scenery.

After a refreshing morning, head to Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area. This expansive forest area is perfect for nature lovers, offering numerous trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots. It's a great place to unwind and connect with nature. For lunch, visit Aowanda Forest Restaurant, which serves delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Puli Paper Dome, an architectural marvel made entirely of paper. This unique structure is not only visually striking but also serves as a symbol of resilience and creativity. For dinner, dine at Sun Moon Lake Restaurant, known for its exquisite Taiwanese cuisine and serene ambiance.

Begin your day with a visit to Wenwu Temple, one of Sun Moon Lake's most iconic landmarks. This majestic temple is dedicated to Confucius and other deities, offering stunning views of the lake from its elevated position. After exploring the temple grounds, enjoy breakfast at Old Papa Black Tea House, where you can savor traditional Taiwanese breakfast items along with freshly brewed tea.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat tour around Sun Moon Lake. This is one of the best ways to appreciate the lake's natural beauty and learn about its history from knowledgeable guides. Make sure to include Ita Thao Village in your itinerary; this charming village offers unique shopping opportunities and cultural experiences. For lunch, try out Fleur de Chine Hotel Restaurant, which serves delectable local cuisine with stunning lake views.

As evening falls, head to Xiangshan Visitor Center for some peaceful moments by the lakeside. The visitor center is an architectural gem designed by renowned architect Dan Norihiko, offering beautiful sunset views over Sun Moon Lake. For dinner, visit The Lalu Hotel Restaurant, which provides an elegant dining experience with gourmet dishes crafted from fresh local ingredients.

Ci'en Pagoda is your first stop today. This towering pagoda offers incredible views of Sun Moon Lake from its top floor. The climb up is well worth it for the panoramic vistas that await you. Enjoy breakfast at Sun Moon Lake Tea House, where you can savor traditional Taiwanese breakfast items along with freshly brewed tea.

Shuishe Pier is next on your itinerary. This bustling pier is one of the main gateways to Sun Moon Lake and offers various activities such as boat rides, shopping, and dining. Take some time to explore the area and perhaps enjoy a boat ride around the lake. For lunch, try out Fleur de Chine Hotel Restaurant, which serves delectable local cuisine with stunning lake views.

Meihe Garden is a beautiful garden located near Shuishe Pier that comes alive in the evening with colorful lights and tranquil pathways. It's an ideal spot for a peaceful evening walk or simply to relax by the lakeside. For dinner, visit The Lalu Hotel Restaurant, which provides an elegant dining experience with gourmet dishes crafted from fresh local ingredients.

Start your day early with a visit to one of Nantou's famous tea plantations: Pinglin Tea Plantation. Here you can learn about Taiwan's rich tea culture while enjoying picturesque views of rolling tea fields. Participate in a guided tour that includes tea picking and tasting sessions led by knowledgeable locals. Enjoy breakfast at Tea Aroma Café, where you can indulge in freshly brewed teas paired with delicious pastries.

Continue your exploration by visiting another renowned plantation: Lugu Tea Plantation. This plantation is famous for producing high-quality Oolong tea. Take part in interactive workshops where you can learn about different types of teas and their processing methods directly from expert tea masters. For lunch, dine at Lugu Tea House, which offers dishes infused with delicate tea flavors.

Conclude your day at Fenghuanggu Bird & Ecology Park, located near several tea plantations in Nantou County. This park not only showcases diverse bird species but also provides insights into ecological conservation efforts in Taiwan’s central region—a perfect way to unwind after an immersive day among nature’s wonders! Enjoy dinner at nearby restaurant Green Light Forest Restaurant known for its eco-friendly practices & organic menu options.