Things To Do
in Puli

Local distilleries produce rice-based wines and spirits; tastings and bottles make great souvenirs. Visit the Nantou/Puli distillery for tours and purchases.

Must-Try!

A Taiwanese staple—slow-braised pork belly over steamed rice—available in local lunch shops and night-market stands.

Seasonal greens foraged from nearby hills, often stir-fried with garlic or served as cold dishes in local restaurants.

Smoked or grilled meats, millet-based items, and dishes featuring indigenous ingredients are available in specialty eateries and cultural villages.

Small local markets and evening food stalls offer Taiwanese snacks like stinky tofu, scallion pancakes, bubble tea, and local sweets. Markets are a good spot to try cheap local specialties and mingle with residents.

On the route to Sun Moon Lake you'll find lakeside stalls selling local fried items, black tea-related drinks, and indigenous-influenced snacks.

Use polite greetings, bow slightly or nod when meeting, and avoid loud or confrontational behavior; a friendly tone goes a long way.

Dress modestly, remove hats, speak quietly, and avoid pointing your feet at altars. Follow temple signage and observe worshippers respectfully.

When invited to a home, bringing a small gift or fruit is appreciated. Use both hands when offering or receiving items to show respect.

Remove shoes when entering certain homes or traditional spaces if requested; watch for signage indicating shoe removal.

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Good service is appreciated but not expected to be rewarded with tips; some tourist services may include service fees.

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is still widely used in Puli; credit cards are accepted at hotels, some restaurants, and larger shops. Contactless transit and payments use EasyCard/IC cards, but many rural vendors are cash-only—carry small bills and coins.

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make spring ideal for hiking and cycling; mountain trails can still be cool in the mornings and evenings—dress in layers.

Hot and humid in the basin with frequent showers and the peak of typhoon season (July–September). Plan indoor backup activities and check weather forecasts for mountain travel.

Generally pleasant, with cooler nights and clearer skies—one of the best times for outdoor activities and photography, with less rain than summer.

Mild to cool in Puli proper but near-freezing or below at higher elevations (Hehuanshan can get frost and occasional snow). Pack warm layers if heading to the mountains.

A popular high-elevation destination accessible from Nantou; offers short ridgeline hikes, sunrise viewpoints, and alpine landscapes—be prepared for colder weather.

A short trail that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake—excellent at sunrise for reflections and mist photography.

Low-elevation trails focused on wetland ecology and art installations; good for birdwatching and family-friendly walks.

Smaller local trails near Puli offer easy to moderate hikes through rice terraces, secondary forests, and viewpoints over the basin.

The largest demographic in Puli and central Taiwan; Mandarin and Taiwanese (Hokkien) are commonly spoken.

Hakka communities are present in parts of Nantou County; they maintain distinct cultural traditions and cuisine.

Nearby mountain areas are home to indigenous groups such as the Thao (near Sun Moon Lake) and Bunun; their cultures influence local crafts and food offerings.

Puli has a significant rural and agricultural population, with many older residents involved in farming and small businesses.

Vegetarian options are common; Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (called zhai or su cai) are available thanks to local monasteries. Still, clarify ingredients as some sauces may contain fish products.

Vegan choices exist, particularly at temple-affiliated eateries and some modern cafes, but always confirm no egg/dairy in dishes and ask about fish sauce.

Halal-certified restaurants are rare in Puli itself; for strict halal needs, plan to eat at larger cities like Taichung or bring packaged food. Some seafood and vegetarian dishes may be safe if confirmed.

Rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and wheat-based items are common—ask staff about ingredients if you need to avoid gluten.