The Complete Guide to Xiangting Homestay (香亭民宿), Nantou County

Introduction

Tucked in the charming mountain town of Puli, the geographic heart of Taiwan, Xiangting Homestay blends cozy hospitality with unbeatable access to Nantou’s most iconic natural landscapes. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic retreat, families craving a quiet break from Taipei’s chaos, or independent travelers exploring Central Taiwan, this family-run guesthouse balances comfort, convenience, and authentic local warmth.

Hotel Overview

Xiangting Homestay is conveniently located at No. 66, Section 1, Zhongshan Road, Puli Township, putting you within walking distance of local markets, street food stalls, and transit connections. All guest rooms are non-smoking, fitted with air conditioning, solid wood flooring, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi, with unobstructed views of either the gentle Jishui River or the rolling mountain ranges that frame Puli. Each en-suite bathroom comes with a deep soaking bathtub perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking, plus complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, fluffy towels, and slippers. The property also features an on-site SPA and hot spring bath to soothe sore muscles, a communal kitchen with a fridge, electric kettle, and cleaning supplies, a lovely paid-access garden, and paid barbecue facilities for group gatherings. Other thoughtful free amenities include on-site public parking (no reservation required), daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and wake-up calls, while paid services include bicycle rental, karaoke, tour booking, and fax/photocopying for business travelers. Only Mandarin is spoken by staff, so a translation app is useful for international visitors.

Local Attractions

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

• Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s largest alpine lake is just 25 minutes away. Rent an electric bike to cycle the 30km perimeter trail, ride a cable car to the panoramic viewing platform, or visit the iconic Wenwu Temple perched on the lake’s northern shore.
• Chung Tai Chan Monastery: One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world, this stunning architectural masterpiece is a 10-minute drive from Xiangting. Its towering modern facade and serene, art-filled interiors offer a peaceful retreat from busy sightseeing.
• **Puli Brewery: A 15-minute walk from the homestay, this historic brewery lets visitors sample award-winning Taiwanese sorghum wine and homemade rice snacks, with walking trails through the property’s scenic malt fields.

Travel Tips

If you’re driving from Taichung, take National Highway 6 directly to Puli and exit at the Puli interchange, a 10-minute drive from the homestay. Book your hot spring SPA treatment and barbecue pit at least 3 days in advance, especially on weekends and national holidays. Pack layers if you’re visiting between November and February – mountain evenings can drop to 15°C even in winter, while summer afternoons are warm and humid, so bring breathable hiking clothes. Don’t leave Puli without trying local street food just outside the homestay: try Puli’s famous sesame oil chicken and mochi rice cakes from the night market two blocks away. For hikers heading to Jade Mountain or Hehuanshan, Xiangting makes the perfect pre-hike base to acclimatize and stock up on supplies before your ascent.