Things To Do
in Renai

Sticky rice and savory fillings cooked in a bamboo tube—commonly sold at village stalls and indigenous-run eateries in Wushe and Cingjing.

Must-Try!

Fragrant, light oolong grown at altitude near Lishan/Ren'ai; available in tea houses and farm shops for tasting and purchase.

Seasonal wild vegetables and freshly harvested bamboo shoots prepared simply—stir-fried or in soups—found at local restaurants and markets.

Prepared by Indigenous restaurants or night stalls; often uses local game or pork and traditional marinades—ask about sourcing if you have dietary concerns.

Remove shoes when entering homes or some guesthouses; be respectful at temples—observe quiet, don’t point or climb on altars and follow signage.

Ask permission before photographing people, particularly during cultural events or ceremonies. Be mindful and respectful of historic sites and local sensitivities tied to Indigenous communities.

Use basic polite Mandarin phrases (hello, thank you) and follow local norms—Taiwanese tend to queue and expect orderly behavior in markets and on buses.

Do not pick plants, disturb wildlife or leave litter—mountain ecosystems are fragile; follow trail rules and pack out what you pack in.

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Hotels and tourist restaurants may add a service charge (10%) on the bill; tipping for exceptional service or tour guides is appreciated but optional. Small gifts or cash tips for private guides are accepted but not expected.

Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and souvenir shops, but small rural stalls and some guesthouses may be cash-only. ATMs are available in Puli and larger towns; bring enough New Taiwan Dollars (NT$) for remote areas. Mobile payments (LINE Pay, JKoPay, Apple Pay) are increasingly common but vary by vendor.

June–August: Warm during the day but cooler than lowlands; frequent afternoon thunderstorms and typhoon risk (especially July–September). Bring rain gear and flexible plans around weather.

September–November: Clearer skies, cooling temperatures and lower humidity—one of the best times for hiking, photography and tea tasting; autumn foliage appears in higher forests.

December–February: Cold at altitude; Hehuanshan can get snow and ice—great for snow photography but expect road closures and need for warm layers. Some guesthouses may close offseason.

March–May: Milder weather, wildflowers and occasional cherry blossom pockets at higher elevations; still changeable (fog and rain possible)—layers recommended.

Accessible alpine trail near the Hehuanshan parking areas; short ridge walks with panoramic views and sunrise opportunities—snow possible in winter.

Network of boardwalks and forest paths through maple and evergreen stands with waterfall viewpoints—good for birdwatching and autumn colors.

Gentle, family-friendly walks around the pastoral grasslands and nearby farm lanes—great for relaxed photography and close-up nature observation.

Short local trails that combine cultural village visits with hillside viewpoints—ideal for half-day hikes and cultural stops.

Majority population involved in agriculture, tourism and service industries; Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien are widely spoken.

Ren'ai is home to several Indigenous groups, notably Seediq communities around Wushe, preserving languages, traditions and cultural sites—visitors should be respectful and seek permission for cultural participation or photography.

Rural demographic trends include aging populations in mountain townships where younger people often move to cities; local economies are agricultural and tourism-oriented.

Weekends and holidays bring day-trippers and overnight visitors from Taichung and Taipei, especially to Cingjing and Hehuanshan for scenery and seasonal events.

Locals and visitors use the many trails and mountain roads for hiking and trail running; the varied terrain suits both casual walkers and experienced mountain runners.

Recreational horse rides are offered around Cingjing Farm for visitors and are a popular leisure activity.

Challenging mountain passes and scenic roads attract road cyclists, although gradients and weather demand experience and caution.

Like much of Taiwan, baseball and community-level sports are popular in local towns and schools.