Things To Do
in Guoxing

Guoxing is a rural township in central Taiwan's Nantou County characterized by rolling hills, tea plantations and agricultural landscapes. The area serves as a peaceful base for exploring central Taiwan's mountains, Sun Moon Lake and nearby cultural towns. Local life centers on farm produce, small markets and family-run tea houses, with scenic country roads that appeal to cyclists and photographers.

Though quiet at night, Guoxing offers authentic countryside experiences, seasonal fruit and vegetable harvests, and easy access to larger tourist hubs by car or bus.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival at Guoxing
morning
:

You will arrive in Guoxing Township and settle into your guesthouse surrounded by lush greenery. After unpacking, head over to the Guoxing Visitor Center to gather maps and learn about the region’s history. Finish the morning with a leisurely stroll through the nearby coffee plantations to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Venture into the old Guoxing township and explore its narrow streets lined with traditional shops and snack stalls. Sample local specialties like rice cakes and tea buns from riverside vendors. Learn about the town’s past through the preserved architecture and friendly conversations with residents.

evening
:

Walk along the Beigang River as the sun sets, casting golden hues over the water and rice paddies. Stop by a riverside café for a cup of local black tea and watch fishermen pack up after a day’s work. Conclude the night by settling in at a cozy tea shop to sample flavored oolong under a starlit sky.

day 2
Rice Terrace Exploration
morning
:

Set out early to hike the Fenghuang Tan rice terraces carved into the rolling hills near Guoxing. The morning mist hanging over the paddies creates a dramatic backdrop perfect for photos. Meet a local farmer along the trail who will share insights on sustainable rice cultivation methods.

afternoon
:

Join that same farmer for a hands-on rice planting or harvesting demonstration, depending on the season. Learn about water management practices that keep the terraces fertile and vibrant year-round. Sample freshly made rice snacks prepared by the farmer’s family as a mid-afternoon treat.

evening
:

Return to your guesthouse and freshen up for dinner at a rustic countryside restaurant specializing in farm-to-table dishes. Dine on hearty bowls of rice porridge garnished with local herbs while watching fireflies dance in the twilight. Finish the night by stepping outside to enjoy the quiet sounds of crickets and distant bamboo groves.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Cup of coffee / tea at a café$2-5
🚌Local bus ride$0.5-2
🚕Taxi - short trip$5-12
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful rural scenery and access to nature
  • Fresh local produce and tea culture
  • Good base for exploring central Taiwan and Sun Moon Lake
  • Less crowded than major tourist centers
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options
  • Public transportation is sparse—best visited with a car or bike
  • Fewer international dining options and services in the immediate township
  • Weather risks in typhoon season and narrow mountain roads
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "謝謝" - Thank you
  • "不好意思" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "多少錢?" - How much?
  • "廁所在哪裡?" - Where is the restroom?
  • "我吃素" - I am vegetarian

Places to Visit in Guoxing

Visit one of these nice places.

Tea Terraces and Plantations

Terraced tea fields on rolling hills provide classic shots at sunrise or with morning mist; best visited early for soft light and minimal haze.

Rural Country Roads and Old Bridges

Scenic backroads, irrigation canals and small stone or steel bridges offer intimate rural compositions—especially beautiful in golden hour.

Xitou Bamboo Grove (nearby)

A photogenic bamboo forest with tall stands, walking paths and diffused light; great for long-exposure and portrait work.

Jiji Train Station and Green Tunnel

Historic small-town station and the nearby tree-lined ‘green tunnel’ make for quaint, nostalgic scenes with trains or cyclists passing.

Sun Moon Lake (day trip)

Iconic lake vistas, piers and mountain reflections—especially striking at sunrise or sunset and from lake-side temples and vantage points.

Culinary Guide

Food in Guoxing

Guoxing's cuisine reflects its agricultural surroundings: fresh vegetables, local tea, seasonal fruits and simple home-style Taiwanese cooking. Expect farm-to-table flavors, with small eateries and tea houses showcasing regional produce. Nearby towns and markets offer more street-food variety and night-market specialties.

Guoxing Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tea-Smoked Eggs / Tea Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs simmered in a fragrant tea and spice broth; widely available at markets and breakfast stalls.

Must-Try!

Mountain Vegetable Stir-Fry

Locally foraged or farmed leafy greens and bamboo shoots stir-fried with garlic and soy—found at family-run restaurants and homestays.

Stewed Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)

A Taiwanese comfort dish of braised minced pork over steamed rice; easy to find at small eateries in town.

Fresh Seasonal Fruits

Depending on season: citrus, pears, persimmons or strawberries from nearby farms and market stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Morning Market

Small weekday market selling fresh produce, tofu, eggs and simple breakfast snacks—best for trying local dairy-free breakfast items and seasonal fruit.

Puli / Jiji Night Markets (nearby)

Within short driving distance—these larger markets offer Taiwanese street foods like oyster omelet, stinky tofu, grilled skewers and sweet snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Guoxing experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild, drier winters. Mountain areas nearby are cooler year-round and can be significantly colder at higher elevations; rainfall is heaviest in late spring and summer (plum rains and typhoon season). Expect comfortable temperatures in autumn and spring with occasional rain showers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Polite Greetings

A simple 你好 (nǐ hǎo) or nod is polite; using 謝謝 (xièxiè) to thank shopkeepers and hosts is appreciated.

Respect at Temples

Dress modestly at temples, remove hats, and avoid loud behavior. Follow local practices for incense and offerings.

Shoes Off Indoors

Many homes and some guesthouses require removing shoes—look for shoe racks at the entrance and follow host cues.

Queueing and Consideration

Taiwanese generally value order and politeness—wait your turn at counters and be considerate on public transport and narrow paths.

Safety Guide

Safety

Guoxing is generally safe with low violent crime; common concerns are road safety (narrow roads, fast-moving scooters) and weather-related hazards during typhoons or heavy rain (landslides, flooded roads). Take standard precautions: wear helmets on scooters, check weather before heading into mountains, carry a basic first-aid kit, and avoid isolated roads at night. Tap water is treated—many locals drink boiled or filtered water; bottled water is widely available for travelers.

Tipping in Guoxing

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally unnecessary; rounding up small amounts is occasionally appreciated but not expected. Service charges may be included at hotels or restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cash (NTD) is widely used in rural areas and markets. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, but small shops and stalls often require cash. Contactless payment (e.g., EasyCard, Line Pay, Apple/Google Pay) is increasingly common in urban areas—carry cash when exploring Guoxing.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming flowers and tea-harvest activity; good for hiking and visiting tea farms. Expect occasional showers and muddy trails after rain.

Summer

Hot and humid with the highest rainfall and typhoon risk from June to September—plan indoor backup activities and check weather forecasts. Early mornings are best for outdoor work.

Autumn

Cooler and drier weather with clear skies—one of the best times for outdoor activities and photography. Harvest season for some fruits and tea varieties.

Winter

Cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations; nearby mountains may get frost or snow on peaks. Bring warm layers for early mornings and evenings.

Nightlife Guide

Guoxing at Night

Guoxing itself is quiet after dark with few late-night venues; nightlife centers on relaxed teahouses, small bars in neighboring towns and night markets in Puli or Jiji. For more lively bars, live music or a broader selection of restaurants, travel to Taichung (45–75 minutes by car) where the evening scene is much busier.

Hiking in Guoxing

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Xitou Nature Education Area

A well-developed forest park with bamboo groves, boardwalks and a range of easy-to-moderate trails—excellent for families and photographers.

Hehuanshan Trails (day trip)

Higher-elevation alpine trails offering dramatic mountain scenery and, in winter, frost or snow—suitable for experienced hikers and fantastic for sunrise photography.

Jiji Old Trail and Surrounding Hills

Short local trails around Jiji and nearby hills that provide countryside views, rural villages and historical sites.

Sun Moon Lake Trail Network

A network of lakeside and mountain trails ranging from gentle walks to steeper hikes with lookout points across the lake area.

Airports

How to reach Guoxing by plane.

Taichung International Airport (RMQ)

The closest airport for domestic and some international flights—about 1–1.5 hours' drive from Guoxing. From the airport you can rent a car, take a taxi or use buses to reach Nantou county towns.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

The main international gateway to Taiwan, approximately 2–2.5 hours by car depending on traffic. High-speed rail or intercity buses connect Taoyuan/Taipei to Taichung and Nantou.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)

Smaller domestic and regional airport in Taipei—useful if arriving from Taipei via ground transport to central Taiwan; travel time to Guoxing is 2–3 hours by car or a combination of train and bus.

Getting Around

Walkability

The central village area is walkable on foot, with shops, markets and eateries clustered together. However, many scenic spots and tea plantations are spread out and require a bicycle, scooter or car to reach—walking between attractions is often impractical due to distance and hilly terrain.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Taiwanese (Hoklo and Hakka)

The majority population in Nantou and Guoxing Township—engaged in agriculture, small business and local services.

Indigenous Communities

Indigenous groups (such as Bunun and other highland peoples) live in the mountainous areas of Nantou County and contribute to regional culture and crafts.

Aging Rural Population

Like many rural areas, Guoxing has a sizable older population as younger residents often migrate to cities for work; local life is community-oriented and traditional.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

Cycling is extremely popular—both road cycling on scenic rural routes and recreational e-bike rides. Many visitors rent bikes to explore local roads and nearby lake circuits.

Baseball

Baseball is Taiwan's national pastime and widely followed; local schools and communities play regularly.

Basketball

Basketball is a common recreational sport in towns and schools, with many public courts.

Hiking and Trail Running

Mountain and hill trails in Nantou attract hikers and trail runners, from casual walkers to experienced mountaineers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Guoxing itself but roads are narrow and winding; scooters are a common mode of transport and can be fast. Expect heavier traffic and occasional congestion when traveling to popular attractions like Sun Moon Lake, especially on weekends and holidays. Public transportation consists of local buses and scheduled intercity buses—schedules can be infrequent, so plan connections in advance or rent a car for flexibility.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Guoxing.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available at markets and many restaurants—look for dishes labeled 素 (sù) or ask for no meat. Buddhist vegetarian eateries are common in central Taiwan towns.

Vegan

Vegan options are more limited in rural areas; communicate clearly (e.g., 我吃全素 wǒ chī quán sù) and expect to rely on vegetable dishes, tofu and rice. Bringing snacks can help on longer excursions.

Gluten-free

Cross-contamination can occur; soy sauce and wheat-containing items are common. Ask staff about ingredients and favor plain rice, steamed vegetables and fresh fruit.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics are available locally for minor illnesses and injuries; for hospital-level care, Puli and Taichung have larger hospitals and emergency facilities within driving distance. Taiwan's healthcare system is high-quality—foreign travelers should carry travel insurance and know the location of the nearest hospital. Pharmacies and clinics can handle common ailments and prescriptions.

Discover Taiwan

Read more in our Taiwan 2025 Travel Guide.

Taiwan Travel Guide