Nan-t'ou Off The Beaten Path

Whilst some may consider this a tourist trap - it's one of those tourist shops guides bring you to - I pretty liked this factory. Set in the rural countryside, the surroundings boast of beautiful farms and streams. There is a short introduction to the aborogines of Taiwan who populate the region and the guide was generally helpful and knowledgeable answering questions related to their lifestyle and integration to mainstream society.

Lots of plum produce to purchase such as wine, snacks, sweets etc.

Most places in rural Nantou are practically off the beaten path. Be astonished by the abundant supply of cheap kyoho grapes in the regional farms. They are almost 1/5 of what we have to pay in Singapore. Kyoho grapes are prized in Japan for its succulent flesh tinged with a thick aroma of wine.

After a few days introduction to Taiwan and its numerous Japanese influenced places, I thought I might have some luck asking our guide whether I could find kyoho grapes in the markets. Imagine my astonishment and joy when he told us that Japan actually imports kyoho from Taiwan!! And as luck would have it, we were in Nantou where grapes were in season and I had the time of my life gobbling the juicy grapes.

There are three supporting railways in Taiwan. I have been to two: one is Neiwan and the other is Jiji. Jiji is famous for its ruins after 921 earthquake in 1999. There is not much to see alongside the way, if you want to see something magnificent except for few ruins. BUT in the town of Jiji, there are a lot to see, from twisted sport field, earthquake museum to re-built schools.
There are only few trains from Erhshuei to Jiji, please make sure not to miss any, or you have to wait for a long time. (if u don't want to spend money on taxi)

This was a famous spot but unfortunately corrupted by the earthquake. There are 2 waterfalls and the inner one is bigger but not reachable when i visited. Be careful of the rocks and steps. Some roads are only 10 cm wide. Along the Chung Shan road from the Puli center, When the road gets narrow, it's near. There's a small bridge. Not clear but that's the entrance. I remember there are Nanto Bus passing. 30-40 min by bicycle. (be sure to rent one with transmission)