Solo Female Travel in Nantou

Nantou, the only landlocked county in Taiwan, is located in the heart of this stunning island nation. Known for its lush, mountainous landscapes, it's a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Its claim to fame includes the scenic Sun Moon Lake, the breathtaking Hehuanshan mountain range, and the culturally rich Taiwanese aboriginal villages. Travelers can immerse themselves in natural beauty, engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating, or explore the area's rich indigenous heritage. With refreshing tea plantations and old-world temples adding to Nantou's charm, this destination offers a truly authentic Taiwanese experience.

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Travel index

Safety:Very safe

Nantou is generally quite safe for solo female travelers. The crime rate is relatively low and the residents are friendly and willing to assist tourists. Public transportation is reliable and comprehensive. However, like anywhere in the world, it is important to remain vigilant, especially during the night in less crowded areas. Good personal safety practices should always be followed.

Transport:Moderate

Navigating Nantou is relatively manageable once you get the hang of it. Due to its rural setting, public transportation can be less frequent and harder to access than in bigger cities, potentially requiring some planning ahead. Hiring a bike or a taxi can be a useful alternative. There are lovely paths for cycling or walking. However, destinations can be spread out so it might not be convenient for those with limited time or physical ability. Knowledge of basic Mandarin may also be beneficial as not all locals are fluent in English.

Things to do:Interesting

Nantou is a treasure trove for nature and adventure lovers. With picturesque landscapes including the scenic Sun Moon Lake, hiking trails in the Hehuanshan Mountains, and the tranquil ambiance of Xitou Nature Education Area, there's plenty to appeal to the outdoor enthusiast. Historical sites like the Jiji Railway Station, Taiwan's oldest train station, and delicious traditional foods make it culturally rich. The region's tea culture also provides unique experiences like tea picking and tea making. However, transportation can be a bit tricky due to its mountainous terrain.

Food:Above average

Nantou offers an intriguing mix of flavors and experiences for the food lover. Expect a range of staple foods like rice, noodles, and lots of seafood, coated in a variety of mouth-watering sauces and garnished with fresh produce. Local street food in market places is a must-try, revealing a beautiful blend of Chinese and Aboriginal influences. The region is perhaps most famous for its tea, so don't miss on trying the locally grown varieties.

Budget:Moderate

Nantou is moderately budget-friendly. Accommodation options range from budget hostels to pricier hotels. The cost of food is relatively affordable, especially at local markets. Transport, like buses, is also inexpensive. Attractions, such as Sun Moon Lake, have entrance fees but are reasonably priced. However, some activities like boat tours can add to your expenses. Therefore it sits in the middle of the scale in terms of budget-friendliness.

Is Nantou worth visiting?

Zakiah

Zakiah (24)

Singapore

Family travel experience

At the start of July this year, my aunt and I visited the Puli and Ren'ai township in Nantou, Taiwan, which was our first stop before Taipei. We had to take multiple modes of transportation to get from Taoyuan airport all the way to our accomodation in Puli which was tiring since we did not plan to rent a car. Our main aim was to see the milky way, hike Mt Hehuanshan, visit Sun Moon Lake and explore Qingjing farm but we only managed to visit the latter 😅. Puli and Ren'ai are mountainous areas so the weather can get pretty chilly early mornings and at night so anyone who can't stand the cold might wanna bring appropriate clothings to keep yourselves warm. Do try to book an accomodation with heaters in their rooms cos it will come in handy at night! The county has buses that operates at regular and consistent timings which you can ride as long as you have an easycard or cash for the journey. Make sure you're also standing at the right bus stop when hailing the bus or the driver might not see you, which happened to us once, and we had to walk a good 15 mins back to our accomodation since we missed the last bus for the day 😫. Some of the places we visited included the Guanshan trail, Qingjing Skywalk, Qingjing Farm, Green Green Grasslands and lastly Highland Experimental Farm NTU. An interesting fact is that the NTU farm is only open to public at certain periods throughout the year and we got free tickets to visit from the owner of the place we stayed at. Despite a short 4D3N stay in Nantou county we enjoyed our stay and safe to say I would go back to visit the other places we missed on our trip. FYI for my fellow Muslim travellers Nantou has practically little to no halal food establishments and we managed to stay at a place that also operates an ovo lacto vegetarian restaurant which serves surprisingly good food despite the lack of meat and we loved it. DM me if you'd like to know where we stayed!

Posted: October 22, 2023Experienced: June, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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