Travel Guide: Jiang Yi Su (匠．藝宿), Nantou County

Introduction

Tucked in the mist-shrouded hills of Puli Township, Jiang Yi Su (Jiangyi Su) is a quiet boutique retreat that celebrates Nantou’s slow, craft-focused way of life. Far from the crowded tourist hubs of Sun Moon Lake but close enough to explore all of central Nantou’s highlights, this family-run guesthouse blends cozy comfort with warm, personalized service, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, and accessibility-focused visitors seeking an authentic Taiwanese countryside escape.

Hotel Overview

Jiang Yi Su is located at No. 48, Lane 537, Section 1, Xi’an Road, Puli Township, Nantou County, set back from the main road to ensure quiet nights surrounded by greenery. All guest rooms are non-smoking, fitted with plush linens, flat-screen cable TVs, air conditioning, and mountain-facing balconies or terraces that frame panoramic views of Puli’s rolling peaks. Each en-suite bathroom comes with complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, bidet, soft slippers, and a choice of bathtub or walk-in shower, while in-room conveniences include a mini-fridge, electric kettle, microwave, and bedside charging ports.

The property is remarkably accessibility-focused, with ground-floor barrier-free rooms, accessible parking, an elevator for upper floors, and wide clear pathways throughout. Free Wi-Fi covers the entire guesthouse, and complimentary private parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis with no pre-booking required. Guests start each day with a hearty local breakfast, can relax in the sunlit garden or shared lounge, and rely on the staff’s expert tourist advice to plan itineraries. All essential safety features—including smoke detectors, security cameras, and keycard access—offer added peace of mind.

Nearby Attractions

Three standout local spots are within a 20-minute drive of the guesthouse:

• Paper Dome (Tao Mi Church): Just 10 minutes away, this iconic earthquake memorial is a stunning architectural landmark built from folded paper and wood, honoring the resilience of the local community after the 921 earthquake. It’s surrounded by lush parkland perfect for casual walks and photography.
• Puli Brewery Culture Park: A 12-minute drive from Jiang Yi Su, this historic brewery offers guided tastings of Taiwan’s iconic rice wine and yuliang meat, interactive exhibits on traditional brewing techniques, and a scenic lake for picnics.
• Sun Moon Lake: A 25-minute drive gets you to Taiwan’s most famous alpine lake, but you can skip the lakeside crowds and return to the quiet comfort of Jiang Yi Su after a day of cycling or hiking.

Travel Tips

Jiang Yi Su’s staff only speak Mandarin, so non-Chinese speakers may want to use a translation app for check-in and queries. Book at least two weeks in advance during peak seasons (cherry blossom season in March, autumn hiking season from October to November) to secure your preferred room type. Since Puli’s mountain weather can shift quickly, pack layers and a light rain jacket even on sunny days. If you’re driving from Taichung, the guesthouse is a 45-minute drive along Provincial Highway 14, with clear signage leading from Xi’an Road to the property. For guests traveling without a car, the Puli bus station is a 10-minute taxi ride away, and the staff can help arrange local transport for day trips.