Travel Guide: XiangSheng Hostel (祥盛旅店), Nantou County

Tucked in the heart of Puli Township, Nantou, XiangSheng Hostel is a no-frills, budget-friendly base for travelers eager to explore central Taiwan’s mountain landscapes, local culture, and small-town charm. Far from the crowded resort strips of Sun Moon Lake, this cozy local guesthouse offers an authentic, unpretentious stay for independent travelers, families, and hikers looking to save on accommodation while staying close to all of Nantou’s top attractions.

Hotel Overview

XiangSheng Hostel is located at No. 269, Section 2, Zhongshan Road in Puli Township, putting you steps away from local night market stalls, casual noodle shops, and bus stops connecting to nearby destinations. The property is fully nonsmoking, with comfortable family rooms ideal for groups traveling with kids, and all guest rooms come with air conditioning, heating, and a private en-suite bathroom for privacy. On-site amenities include a shared public lounge with TV where guests can relax and swap travel stories, plus bike rental for exploring Puli’s flat, tree-lined streets at your own pace. Basic safety features include fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, alarms, and 24/7 security cameras in all common areas. Note that the property does not offer on-site parking or Wi-Fi, and staff only speak Chinese, so it’s helpful to have a translation app handy for check-in.

Nearby Local Attractions

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

• Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s most iconic alpine lake is just 25 minutes from Puli. Wander the cycling loop that rings the water, take a scenic boat ride to Lalu Island (the sacred home of the local Thao people), and hike to Ci-en Pagoda for panoramic views of the sapphire-hued lake framed by forested peaks.
• Paper Dome (Tao-tung Sunday Church): A 10-minute drive from the hostel, this stunning architectural landmark was originally built in Japan after the 1995 Kobe earthquake, then disassembled and relocated to Puli after the 1999 921 earthquake. The curved wooden frame lets sunlight filter through the structure, creating a peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere, and the surrounding grounds host regular local craft markets.
• Meishan Village: A 20-minute drive up into the hills brings you to this laid-back mountain tea village, famous for its oolong plantations and sweeping views of the Puli basin. Stop at a local farm for a tea tasting, hike the easy tea trail, and stay for golden hour to watch the sun set over the Central Mountain Range.

Travel Tips

If you’re traveling by scooter or car, there is free street parking available within a 5-minute walk of the hostel, just ask the front desk for the best spots. Since there’s no on-site Wi-Fi, download offline maps and attraction guides before you check in. Puli’s famous street night market runs every Saturday evening just a 15-minute walk from the hostel, so don’t leave without trying local specialties like sticky rice rice balls and Nantou preserved fruit. For day trips, the Puli bus station is 10 minutes away on foot, with regular buses running to Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm, and other Nantou destinations. This hostel is best for travelers who prioritize location and value over luxury amenities, making it perfect for slow explorers of central Taiwan.