Travel Guide to Zhushan Tianti – Digu Valley Inn, Nantou County

Introduction

Tucked into the forested hills of Nantou’s Zhushan Township, Zhushan Tianti – Digu Valley Inn is a quiet escape for travelers tired of crowded tourist hubs. Surrounded by misty mountains, gurgling mountain streams, and some of central Taiwan’s most underrated hiking trails, this inn caters to slow travelers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to disconnect from the digital noise of daily life. Whether you’re here for a weekend hiking trip or a longer retreat to recharge, this rustic, welcoming spot puts the best of Nantou’s natural beauty right at your doorstep.

Hotel Overview

Located at No. 589, Dinglin Road, Zhushan Township, Nantou County, Digu Valley Inn prioritizes comfort and convenience for outdoor-focused travelers. All rooms come with private en-suite bathrooms stocked with free toiletries, a hair dryer, and either a roomy bathtub or standalone shower – perfect for soothing sore muscles after a long day of hiking. On-site facilities include a licensed restaurant serving home-style local Nantou cuisine, a scenic picnic area, outdoor dining space, and shared barbecue grills for group gatherings. A paid terrace is also available for guests looking to enjoy sunset views over the valley.

Practical perks include free, unreserved private parking on site, including accessible spaces for disabled guests. The inn offers daily housekeeping, luggage storage, a tour咨询 desk to help plan local outings, and paid shuttle and public transport ticket services for guests arriving without a car. Note that the inn does not provide internet, a deliberate choice to encourage guests to fully disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The property is fully non-smoking with a designated outdoor smoking area, and all public spaces are fitted with air conditioning, smoke detectors, and security cameras for guest safety. Only Mandarin Chinese is spoken by staff, so non-Chinese speakers may want to bring a translation app for ease of communication.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions are just a short drive from the inn:

• Zhushan Sky Ladder (竹山天梯): The namesake attraction of the area, this 136-meter suspension bridge hangs 70 meters above the gorge of the Zhuoshui River. Crossing it gives you sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding canyon and forest, with a gentle sway that adds a thrill for adventure seekers. It’s a moderate 20-minute hike to reach the bridge from the trailhead, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
• Shuiyuan Suspension Bridge (水雲吊橋): A shorter, quieter alternative to the more crowded Zhushan Sky Ladder, this 187-meter wooden bridge crosses a tributary of the Zhuoshui, surrounded by dense subtropical forest. The area around the bridge is perfect for birdwatching, and the trail along the riverbank is ideal for a leisurely morning walk.
• Xitou Nature Education Area: A 40-minute drive from the inn, this 2,500-hectare forest park is home to giant cedar trees, a famous university-led forest research center, and miles of well-maintained hiking trails. Don’t miss the iconic sky walk through the treetops for unmatched views of the forest canopy.

Travel Tips

If you’re driving from Taichung, the journey takes just under an hour, and the free on-site parking makes it easy to explore the area at your own pace. Since there is no internet at the inn, download offline maps and any entertainment before you arrive. Pack layers – even in summer, the mountain evenings can get cool, and sturdy hiking shoes are a must for exploring the local trails. Book your dinner at the on-site restaurant in advance, as