The Complete Guide to Black Forest Manor (黑森林莊園), Nantou County

Introduction

Tucked into the misty mountain slopes of Nantou’s Ren’ai Township, Black Forest Manor is a quiet mountain escape that trades the crowds of popular Alishan and Cingjing Farm for intimate, forest-fringed relaxation. Designed for slow getaways with family and friends, this boutique property leans into Nantou’s reputation for cool alpine air, panoramic mountain views, and unrushed outdoor time, making it perfect for weekend breaks from Taipei or longer retreats for nature lovers.

Hotel Overview

Black Forest Manor is located at No. 30-5, Dingyuan New Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, a secluded residential enclave surrounded by towering coniferous forests that give the property its name. Accommodation centers on spacious, well-appointed family rooms ideal for groups, with all rooms designated non-smoking for a clean, fresh stay. On-site amenities cater to outdoor gatherings: multiple barbecue facilities, a dedicated picnic area, outdoor furniture, and a sun-dappled terrace (private terrace access available for an extra fee) all let guests make the most of the cool mountain climate. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas, and complimentary private parking is offered with advance reservation, a major plus for visitors driving up from central Taiwan. Additional services include private and express check-in/out, a shared guest lounge with TV, and full security features including smoke detectors, 24/7 public area CCTV, and fire extinguishers for peace of mind. Note that Mandarin is the primary language spoken on property.

Local Attractions

Three standout nearby attractions make Black Forest Manor an ideal base for exploration:

• Qingjing Farm: Just 20 minutes’ drive from the manor, this iconic alpine farm is famous for rolling green pastures, grazing sheep, and dramatic views of the Central Mountain Range. Catch the daily sheep shearing show, hike the scenic trails, or browse the local handicraft market for homemade jams and organic teas.
• Hehuan Mountain: A 45-minute drive up Provincial Highway 14 brings you to this beloved alpine recreation area, with trails ranging from easy paved walks to challenging multi-day hikes. In winter, visitors come for rare snowfall, while summer brings cool, flower-filled meadows perfect for picnics.
• Wuling Green Tunnel: This 3-kilometer tree-lined path is a hidden gem just 10 minutes from the manor. Shaded by tall cedar and pine trees, it’s ideal for gentle morning or evening walks, with frequent spots to stop and watch for native birds or admire views of the valley below.

Travel Tips

Book your parking spot at least three days in advance, as the property has limited private spots. Pack layers: mountain temperatures drop 5–10°C after sunset even in summer, so bring a jacket for evening barbecues. If you plan to barbecue, stop for supplies at the grocery stores in Puli Township on your drive up, as options near the manor are limited. Finally, the property is only accessible by car or scooter, so plan your route ahead and watch for sharp turns on the mountain roads.