Travel Guide to 享想旅宿 (Xiangxiang Hostel), Nantou County

Introduction

Tucked in the laid-back mountain town of Puli, the geographic heart of Taiwan, 享想旅宿 (Xiangxiang Hostel) is a cozy, pet-friendly retreat that serves as the perfect base for exploring Nantou’s iconic alpine landscapes, cultural landmarks, and natural hot springs. Far from the crowds of Taiwan’s major cities, this family-run guesthouse balances homey comfort with thoughtful amenities, making it ideal for weekend getaways, family vacations, and even pet-friendly road trips through central Taiwan.

Hotel Overview

享想旅宿 is conveniently located at No. 111-2, Boping Road, Puli Town, Nantou County, just a 10-minute drive from Puli’s city center and within easy reach of Nantou’s top sights. The property caters to groups of all sizes with spacious family rooms, all fitted with air conditioning, heating, free WiFi, and private en-suite bathrooms. As a fully smoke-free property, it offers a clean, comfortable environment for guests with allergies or children.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the property’s sunlit terrace and lush garden, perfect for morning coffee or evening stargazing after a day of hiking. Pet owners are welcome to bring their furry companions at no extra charge, with just a quick advance request required. On-site amenities include free, unreserved public parking, complimentary bicycle rental, badminton equipment for casual games, a shared guest lounge with TV, and 24/7 security via smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, exterior security cameras, and alarms. The friendly, Mandarin-speaking staff are on hand to help with local recommendations and travel planning.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable attractions lie within a 30-minute drive of the hostel:

• Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s most iconic alpine lake, just 25 minutes from Puli, offers cycling paths around its shore, boat rides to the historic Ita Thao indigenous village, and panoramic views from the Ci En Pagoda. It’s perfect for a full day of hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking in mountain lake views.
• Paper Dome: A 10-minute drive from the hostel, this stunning architectural landmark is built entirely from paper, originally designed as a temporary church after the 1999 Jiji earthquake. It now hosts art exhibitions and cultural events, blending resilience, design, and community history into a one-of-a-kind experience.
• Meiheguan Cherry Blossom Park: Located 15 minutes from Puli, this quiet mountain park bursts with pink cherry blossoms every February to March, and offers cool, shaded trails and wildflower displays year-round for casual hikes and picnics.

Travel Tips

Since the property only accommodates Mandarin speakers, it’s helpful to have a translation app handy if you don’t speak Chinese, and always request pet permission at the time of booking. Book your stay well in advance during cherry blossom season (February–March) and peak summer holiday (July–August), as rooms fill up quickly. Because Nantou’s mountain weather can shift suddenly, pack layers and rain gear even on sunny days. If you don’t have a car, local bus routes run regularly from Puli Bus Station to the hostel and all major surrounding attractions, making this accessible retreat accessible for all travelers.