{"id":7026,"date":"2025-06-11T18:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T10:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=7026"},"modified":"2025-03-21T21:53:44","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T13:53:44","slug":"puli","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/puli\/","title":{"rendered":"Nantou \u25e6 Puli | Artisan Craftsmanship in the Mountain Town | TAIWAN 368-43"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every summer, I find myself drawn to the mountains. When the city becomes hot and stuffy, the cool, refreshing air of mountain towns instantly revitalizes me. Among them, Puli is my top choice for a summer retreat. But Puli is more than just a beautiful town with a stable climate\u2014it\u2019s also a place where locals are dedicated to preserving traditional crafts and culture. Its richness and depth always make me want to stay a few extra days.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Nantou Travel Guide<\/span><\/h6>\n

01\uff5cTransportation in Nantou<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab Taiwan PASS for Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude8c Shared Shuttle Bus between Taichung and Sun Moon Lake<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude8c Hehuan Mountain Dark Sky Park<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udee5\ufe0f Sun Moon Lake Boat Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udeb2 Sun Moon Lake Biking Day Pass in Nantou<\/a><\/p>\n

02\uff5cPopular Attractions in Nantou<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Qingjing Skywalk and Swiss Garden Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Cona's Chocolate Castle Ticket in Nantou<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab JOJOZOO Park in Nantou<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area Ticket in Nantou<\/a><\/p>\n

03\uff5cThings To Do in Nantou<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf32 Sun Moon Lake & Cingjing Farm Day Tour<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udea3 Sun Moon Lake SUP Experience in Nantou<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 The Past of Puli<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

Before the Qing Dynasty, Puli was home to Indigenous tribes, with the Bunun people in the south and the Atayal people in the north, collectively known as the \"Pumei Fan.\" Being an inland area, Puli Basin was developed much later than the western plains. During the Ming and early Qing periods, the government prohibited Han Chinese from entering to avoid conflicts with Indigenous groups. As nearby areas became settled, some Han people began secretly moving into Puli. In 1815, Guo Bainian and his followers launched an armed invasion. After expelling them, the authorities erected a prohibition stele to reinforce the ban. To protect their land, the Pumei Fan invited the Pingpu people to settle and form an alliance against the Han settlers. However, the rapid growth of the Pingpu population led to their dominance over the Pumei Fan, and Han migration continued to reshape the region\u2019s demographic structure.<\/p>\n

By the 1850s, the Han settlers sought to integrate by adopting Indigenous customs and requesting a name change. Eventually, they were allowed to settle permanently, leading to the formation of \"Puli She.\" Recognizing the town's growing importance, the Qing government officially declared the start of its administrative development in 1875, establishing Puli as a key center in central Taiwan.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Attractions in Puli<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cBaoHu Dimu Temple<\/h6>\n

When it comes to Taiwan\u2019s temples, BaoHu Dimu Temple ranks among my top three for its sheer grandeur! It is the only temple in Taiwan with a green glazed tile roof, a color that exudes a sense of calm and stability. Combined with its traditional palace-style architecture, standing in the plaza and gazing at the distant mountains gave me an exhilarating feeling\u2014almost like ruling over the land.<\/p>\n

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This temple is dedicated to D\u00ecm\u01d4 Ni\u00e1ngni\u00e1ng, a deity unique to Taiwan. She is regarded as the counterpart to the Jade Emperor, symbolizing the Earth's nurturing power and the endless cycle of life.<\/p>\n

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BaoHu Dimu Temple<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0600-2100\nNo. 94, Pipa Rd., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cChung Tai Chan Monastery<\/h6>\n
Chung Tai Chan Monastery is an architectural masterpiece, built primarily with solid stone to represent the unwavering spirit of Buddhist practice. From the side, the structure resembles a meditating monk\u2014calm and composed. From the front, it looks like a jet about to take flight, dynamic and full of energy, embodying the Zen concept of transcendence. This ingenious design seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, creating a sacred space that is both solemn and forward-thinking. It\u2019s no wonder that countless devotees and travelers come here on pilgrimage.<\/p>\n
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Stepping inside, I was overwhelmed by the intricate details\u2014statues, murals, carvings, and paintings\u2014each so mesmerizing that I was afraid of missing even a single element.<\/p>\n
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Chung Tai Chan Monastery<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0800-1700\nNo. 2, Zhongtai Rd., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cGuang Xing Paper Mill<\/h6>\n
Puli's papermaking history dates back to the Japanese colonial era. At its peak, the town was home to more than 50 paper mills. In 1965, founder Huang Yao-Dong established Guang Xing Paper Mill during the golden age of the industry. Thanks to Puli\u2019s pure, iron-free water, the paper produced here had exceptional quality, resisting yellowing over time. This allowed handmade xuan paper to be exported to Japan and South Korea. As times changed, the traditional paper industry struggled against mechanization, forcing many mills to shut down. However, Guang Xing Paper Mill chose a different path, successfully transforming into a cultural tourism factory, where visitors can experience the art of handmade papermaking.<\/p>\n
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Their dedication to cultural preservation is impressive. Guided tours run every 30 minutes, offering an in-depth look at the process\u2014from raw plant materials, pulp preparation, and hand-papermaking to pressing and drying. Watching each step unfold, I couldn\u2019t help but admire the craftsmanship and dedication of these artisans.<\/p>\n
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The hands-on experience area is just as fascinating. The paper rubbing (\u62d3\u5370) section alone had so many stamp designs that I found myself overwhelmed with choices, reluctant to leave this space filled with the rich scent of paper and ink.<\/p>\n
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Guang Xing Paper Mill<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-1700\nNo. 310, Tieshan Rd., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cPaper Dome<\/h6>\n
Before visiting the Paper Dome, I was curious\u2014was it a church made entirely of paper or an exhibition of paper art? It turned out to be much more than that\u2014a symbol of international friendship and post-disaster resilience. The Paper Dome was originally built in Kobe, Japan, after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. The 7.2-magnitude quake devastated countless homes, even burning down a local church, leaving only a surviving statue of Jesus. In response, renowned architect Shigeru Ban proposed using paper tubes as construction materials to build a temporary gathering space, providing survivors with a place of solace and healing.<\/p>\n
Four years later, Taiwan faced its own tragedy\u2014the 921 Earthquake\u2014which caused widespread destruction. During this difficult time, volunteers from Kobe came to Taiwan, working alongside local volunteers to assist in relief efforts and share post-disaster rebuilding experiences. In 2005, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Hanshin Earthquake, the Paper Dome was carefully relocated to Taiwan after two years of planning. Supported by 58 paper columns, the structure allows natural light to filter through, creating a soft, sacred ambiance.<\/p>\n
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Beyond the church itself, the surrounding environment is beautifully preserved, fostering a sense of harmony between architecture and nature. Walking through this peaceful space, I felt a deep connection to both the land and the human spirit.<\/p>\n
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Paper Dome<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0930-1700, closed on Wednesday.\nNo. 52-12, Taomi Ln., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
\ud83c\udfab Puli Paper Dome<\/a><\/p>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Puli<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cMaahapet<\/h6>\n
When it comes to restaurants inside tourist attractions, I usually keep my expectations low. However, Maahapet, located within Paper Dome, completely changed my perspective. Their grilled pork noodle soup was a pleasant surprise\u2014fresh, naturally sweet vegetables, chewy noodles, and tender, juicy pork that wasn\u2019t dry at all. Every ingredient reflected the chef\u2019s dedication to quality, creating a dish that was well-balanced and deeply satisfying.<\/p>\n
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Maahapet<\/strong>Restaurant<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0930-1700, closed on Wednesday.\nNo. 52-12, Taomi Ln., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cYabiao Noodle House<\/h6>\n
\"Don\u2019t order the large bowl\u2014you won\u2019t be able to finish it.\"\nThat was the strong advice from my guesthouse owner when recommending Yabiao Noodle House, a beloved local spot for beef noodles. Before I left, he reminded me again that the large bowl was far bigger than I might expect. When I arrived, I noticed nearly every table had a bowl of beef noodles, and suddenly, I understood what he meant. The large size looked more like a family-sized serving! I played it safe and ordered a small bowl, but when it arrived, it was already what I would normally consider a large portion.<\/p>\n
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But Yabiao isn\u2019t just about generous portions\u2014it\u2019s the flavor that keeps locals coming back. The beef broth, infused with satay sauce, had an irresistible umami aroma, making every sip rich and savory. The springy white noodles absorbed the broth beautifully, carrying a delicate satay fragrance that made every bite incredibly satisfying. As for the beef, the portions were so generous that by the time I neared the end of my meal, I found myself thinking, \"Wait\u2026 there\u2019s still more?\" Add in the free garlic available for extra punch, and the only way to sum up my experience is\u2014absolutely worth it!<\/p>\n
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Yabiao Noodle House<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1030-1500, 1630-2000, closed on Wednesday.\nNo. 13, Yuying St., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cPuli Fried Youtiao<\/h6>\n
Another recommendation from my guesthouse owner was Puli Fried Youtiao, a breakfast specialty you can only find in Puli. Located right across from an elementary school, the shop gets busy early in the morning with locals grabbing a quick bite. Unlike the crispy, hollow youtiao found elsewhere, Puli\u2019s version is deep-fried to perfection, creating a fluffy, crispy exterior with a chewy, springy inside\u2014it actually reminded me of the texture of fried scallion pancakes with egg. Topped with a sprinkle of pepper, then stuffed with a fried egg and sausage, this unique salty youtiao won me over instantly!<\/p>\n
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Puli Fried Youtiao<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0630-1000, closed on Tuesday.\nNo. 9-10, Nanxing St., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cQiyi Rice Ball<\/h6>\n
At first glance, Qiyi Rice Ball doesn\u2019t look like much, but their purple rice balls are a beloved breakfast choice among Puli locals. As I stepped closer, I saw a steaming wooden rice barrel, with fragrant purple rice releasing waves of inviting warmth.<\/p>\n
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Even after a one-hour ride to Sun Moon Lake, my rice ball was still warm. With my first bite, the savory mix of pickled mustard greens and pork floss blended beautifully with the soft, slightly sticky purple rice, creating a flavorful and satisfying start to the day.<\/p>\n
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Qiyi Rice Ball<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0600-1100\nNo. 81-2, Bade Rd., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
05\uff5cFeeling18 LAB<\/h6>\n
If you're looking for a sweet treat or a relaxing afternoon tea in Puli, Feeling18 LAB is my top choice! The airy, high-ceilinged space is designed for relaxation, allowing sunlight to stream into every corner. On one side, there's a beautifully arranged pastry and coffee display, while the air is filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goods and hand-brewed coffee.<\/p>\n
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My personal favorite is their \"Cream Box\"\u2014a thick slice of soft, fluffy milk bread paired with their special aged fresh milk spread. Taking a sip of black coffee between bites of this rich, creamy delight? Absolute perfection!<\/p>\n
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Feeling18 <\/strong>LAB<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-1800\nNo. 69, Taonan Rd., Puli Township, Nantou<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n