Shanlinxi & Xitou Forest Retreat in 3 Days: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Zhushan’s Tianti bridge and Zinan Temple, Xitou’s bamboo groves and canopy walkway, Lugu’s Dongding tea gardens, then Shanlinxi’s waterfalls — three days of forest recharging.
TaiwanNatureHikingRoad tripFamily
Length3 days / 2 nights
CitiesNantou, Zhushan, Lugu
CurrencyTWD New Taiwan dollar
Best time to goSpring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the most comfortable. Summer is hot below but cool in the hills, with frequent afternoon storms; winters are cold up high. The roads wind, and mountain stays should be booked early.
Day-by-day overview
Day 1 Zhushan Tianti × Zinan Temple × XitouDay 2 Xitou Forest × Dongding tea × ShanlinxiDay 3 Shanlinxi waterfall trails × head home
Day 1Zhushan Tianti × Zinan Temple × Xitou
09:30🚗 Transport
HSR to Taichung and pick up a rental car
Type / No.Train
LocationTaichung HSR Station 🧭
The mountains need a car or chartered driver; roads wind, so drivers should rest regularly.
10:45🚗 Transport
12:30🍽 Food
Lunch in Zhushan: bamboo shoots & bamboo-tube rice
MealLunch
LocationZhushan local food 🧭
Zhushan is known for bamboo shoots and sweet potatoes — try the home-style local cooking.
🍜 Must-eat
14:00📍 Sight
Zhushan Tianti suspension bridge
Suggested time1.5 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationZhushan Tianti 🧭
Slippery when wet and busy on weekends; take care on the bridge and steps.
📸 Photo spot🚶 Lots of walking
15:45📍 Sight
Zhushan Zinan Temple
Suggested time1 hr
TicketsFree
LocationZhushan Zinan Temple 🧭
A Tudigong temple famous for its “lend-me-fortune-money” tradition; follow the temple’s rules.
📸 Photo spot
17:30🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out15:00 / 11:00
LocationXitou 🧭
Xitou has guesthouses and hotels; book early for weekends.
18:30🍽 Food
Dinner of mountain produce & bamboo-shoot dishes
MealDinner
LocationXitou restaurants 🧭
Meals up here end early — check opening hours.
🍜 Must-eat
Day 2Xitou Forest × Dongding tea × Shanlinxi
08:00📍 Sight
Xitou Nature Education Area
Suggested time4 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationXitou Nature Education Area 🧭
Daxue Pond, the moso bamboo grove, the ginkgo forest and the canopy walkway are all inside. It’s big with sloping trails, so wear comfortable shoes; some paths close for repairs.
🌲 Forest air🚶 Lots of walking📸 Photo spot
12:30🍽 Food
Lunch in Xitou
MealLunch
LocationXitou bamboo-tube rice 🧭
Bamboo-tube rice and mountain vegetables are local choices.
🍜 Must-eat
14:00📍 Sight
Dongding tea gardens in Lugu
Suggested time2 hrs
LocationLugu Dongding tea gardens 🧭
The home of Dongding oolong — tea shops usually let you taste before buying. Roads are narrow; take care when passing.
🛍 Shopping list🍜 Must-eat
16:30🚗 Transport
Drive to Shanlinxi (about 1 hour)
Type / No.Rental car
The road winds and fog rolls in at dusk — arrive before dark.
18:00🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out15:00 / 11:00
LocationShanlinxi 🧭
Park lodging must be booked well ahead; nights are cold, so bring a jacket and warm layers.
19:00🍽 Food
Day 3Shanlinxi waterfall trails × head home
08:00📍 Sight
Shanlinxi waterfalls & the Eye of Heaven trail
Suggested time3 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
Songlongyan Falls, Qinglong Falls and the Eye of Heaven are the highlights. Trails have many steps — bring rain gear and non-slip shoes; flower seasons and open areas follow official notices.
🌲 Forest air🚶 Lots of walking📸 Photo spot
11:30🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Double-check passports, phone and valuables; most hotels will hold your bags.
12:00🍽 Food
13:30🚗 Transport
Descend to Taichung (about 2 hours)
Type / No.Rental car
LocationTaichung HSR Station 🧭
The road winds, so bring motion-sickness pills and leave time to return the car and board the train.
17:00🚗 Transport
HSR home
Type / No.Train
LocationTaichung HSR Station 🧭
Weekend evening tickets sell fast — book a seat ahead.
🎟 Book these before you go
Nothing in this template strictly requires booking, but it’s still wise to check popular sights and restaurants early.
🌦 Monthly temperatures: Nantou, Zhushan, Lugu
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xitou High / low | 15° 6° | 16° 7° | 19° 9° | 22° 12° | 24° 15° | 26° 17° | 27° 18° | 27° 18° | 25° 17° | 23° 14° | 20° 10° | 16° 7° |
| Shanlinxi High / low | 12° 2° | 13° 3° | 15° 5° | 18° 9° | 20° 12° | 21° 14° | 23° 15° | 22° 15° | 21° 13° | 19° 10° | 16° 7° | 13° 3° |
(typical averages — check the forecast before you go)
FAQ
How many days does Shanlinxi & Xitou Forest Retreat in 3 Days take?
It’s planned as 3 days / 2 nights with 18 stops (5 sights and 5 meals). Copy it and add or remove stops to suit your pace.
What should I book in advance?
Nothing in this template strictly requires booking, but it’s still wise to check popular sights and restaurants early.
How do I make this template my own?
Tap “Use this template”, enter a name and start date, and an editable copy is created. Add your flights and hotels, adjust times and stops, then export a PDF or image to share.
Make it your trip
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Note: opening hours, prices, timetables and entry rules change often — check official sources. This page offers general suggestions, not bookings or professional travel advice.