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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Terraced tea fields on rolling hills provide classic shots at sunrise or with morning mist; best visited early for soft light and minimal haze.
Scenic backroads, irrigation canals and small stone or steel bridges offer intimate rural compositions—especially beautiful in golden hour.
A photogenic bamboo forest with tall stands, walking paths and diffused light; great for long-exposure and portrait work.
Historic small-town station and the nearby tree-lined ‘green tunnel’ make for quaint, nostalgic scenes with trains or cyclists passing.
Iconic lake vistas, piers and mountain reflections—especially striking at sunrise or sunset and from lake-side temples and vantage points.
Food in Guoxing
Guoxing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hard-boiled eggs simmered in a fragrant tea and spice broth; widely available at markets and breakfast stalls.
Must-Try!
Locally foraged or farmed leafy greens and bamboo shoots stir-fried with garlic and soy—found at family-run restaurants and homestays.
A Taiwanese comfort dish of braised minced pork over steamed rice; easy to find at small eateries in town.
Depending on season: citrus, pears, persimmons or strawberries from nearby farms and market stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekday market selling fresh produce, tofu, eggs and simple breakfast snacks—best for trying local dairy-free breakfast items and seasonal fruit.
Within short driving distance—these larger markets offer Taiwanese street foods like oyster omelet, stinky tofu, grilled skewers and sweet snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 你好 (nǐ hǎo) or nod is polite; using 謝謝 (xièxiè) to thank shopkeepers and hosts is appreciated.
Dress modestly at temples, remove hats, and avoid loud behavior. Follow local practices for incense and offerings.
Many homes and some guesthouses require removing shoes—look for shoe racks at the entrance and follow host cues.
Taiwanese generally value order and politeness—wait your turn at counters and be considerate on public transport and narrow paths.
Safety
Tipping in Guoxing
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers and tea-harvest activity; good for hiking and visiting tea farms. Expect occasional showers and muddy trails after rain.
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.
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.
Cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations; nearby mountains may get frost or snow on peaks. Bring warm layers for early mornings and evenings.
Guoxing at Night
Hiking in Guoxing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-developed forest park with bamboo groves, boardwalks and a range of easy-to-moderate trails—excellent for families and photographers.
Higher-elevation alpine trails offering dramatic mountain scenery and, in winter, frost or snow—suitable for experienced hikers and fantastic for sunrise photography.
Short local trails around Jiji and nearby hills that provide countryside views, rural villages and historical sites.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Nantou and Guoxing Township—engaged in agriculture, small business and local services.
Indigenous groups (such as Bunun and other highland peoples) live in the mountainous areas of Nantou County and contribute to regional culture and crafts.
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 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 is Taiwan's national pastime and widely followed; local schools and communities play regularly.
Basketball is a common recreational sport in towns and schools, with many public courts.
Mountain and hill trails in Nantou attract hikers and trail runners, from casual walkers to experienced mountaineers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guoxing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
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.