[Private Tour] Nantou Xitou｜Ecological Tour｜Guide Explanation｜Ecological Tourism
- Historical evolution: Take you back to the Japanese era and gain an in-depth understanding of the historical evolution of the Tokyo Imperial University Exercise Forest. From timber exports to full imports, understand the importance of forest resources.
- Forest experience: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the forest and become a real forest boy or girl! During the two-hour trip, you will gain an in-depth understanding of forest ecology and enhance your understanding and experience of nature.
- Private tours: In order to provide a more considerate service, we offer the option of private tours. You can freely combine Xitou accommodation, meals, tickets and other services to make your itinerary more flexible and personalized.
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Reservation is required 7 days in advance.
Each group is limited to 30 people.
This tour starts at Xitou Park and does not include Xitou Park entrance tickets.
The weather changes greatly during outdoor activities, so remember to bring an extra layer of warm clothes and pay attention to sun protection.
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
There are many afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains, so please bring rain gear.
The organizer reserves the right to cancel, postpone or change the venue due to weather conditions.
Reminders
Confirm whether the group will be formed 7 days in advance. If the number of people is not reached, the trip will be cancelled.
In case of bad weather such as typhoons, heavy rains, etc., we will decide whether to cancel the tour 1 day before departure (local time 17:00) and will notify you by email at any time thereafter.
Consider the driving time. To avoid delaying your next trip, please leave early.
【Traffic Suggestions】
1. Driving by yourself:
North → Get off the expressway at Zhushan Interchange, head towards Zhushan (not into the city), turn onto Route 151 via Lugu → Xitou
South → Exit the highway at Nanyun Interchange, turn left onto Provincial Highway 3 towards Zhushan, then turn onto Highway 151 via Lugu → Xitou
2. Public Transportation:
Taiwan Travel Taichung → via High Speed Rail Taichung Station → Xitou
3. Private charter car to:
Our company cooperates with Tripool to provide three service modes: one-way private car, time- private charter car, and smart carpooling, allowing you to flexibly arrange your own itinerary.
Reference Price
High Speed Rail Taichung Station - Xitou NTD 1100 yuan up
Forest State member exclusive discount code (lowercase), enter the coupon to enjoy 5% Off on car booking: foutw
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 41 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 31 to 40 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 5% will apply
- For cancellations made 21 to 30 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 11 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Yes, Xitou Nature Education Area is highly recommended for its unique blend of ecological richness and historical depth. Visitors can immerse themselves in lush forests, explore diverse plant and animal life, and learn about its past as the Tokyo Imperial University Exercise Forest, which shaped its development and conservation efforts. The area offers serene walks, a skywalk, and various trails for a comprehensive nature experience, making it a valuable destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Xitou offers a pleasant experience year-round due to its high altitude. However, the best time to visit for ecological tourism is typically from March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, ideal for hiking and exploring the forest trails. Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn showcases beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. Summers are cooler than the lowlands but can be rainy; winters are cool and often misty.
Xitou Nature Education Area is nestled in Lugu Township, Nantou County, central Taiwan. It is situated in the mountainous region, characterized by a cool, misty climate and lush sub-tropical forest landscapes. The area boasts a diverse ecosystem, including a variety of trees like cedar, cypress, and bamboo, and is home to rich biodiversity. Its geographical features make it a prime location for ecological research, environmental education, and provides a refreshing escape from urban heat.
Xitou Monster Village, located adjacent to the Nature Education Area, is a unique themed village known for its distinctive Japanese-style architecture and playful monster-themed decor. Visitors can enjoy quirky souvenir shops offering local products and monster-themed merchandise, try themed snacks and dishes, and immerse themselves in the village's fun and whimsical atmosphere. It's an excellent spot for unique photo opportunities and leisurely strolls, adding a touch of fantasy to your Xitou visit.
To reach Xitou Nature Education Area from major cities like Taichung, you can take a direct bus. From Taichung HSR Station or Taichung Train Station, there are regular Nantou Bus services heading directly to Xitou, offering a convenient public transport option. Alternatively, for greater flexibility and comfort, hiring a private car or joining a private tour can provide convenient door-to-door service, especially if traveling with family, larger groups, or preferring a more personalized journey.
Xitou Nature Education Area and Sun Moon Lake are both popular destinations in Nantou County, making them frequently visited together. The approximate driving distance between the two is about 30 to 40 kilometers. The travel time typically ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour by car, depending on traffic and specific road conditions. Many visitors choose to combine a trip to both sites within a multi-day itinerary to fully experience central Taiwan's natural beauty.
The Tokyo Imperial University Exercise Forest, which forms a significant part of Xitou, carries immense historical importance from the Japanese occupation era. It was established for academic research and timber resource management, reflecting Japan's interest in Taiwan's natural resources. Its legacy has profoundly influenced Xitou's current role as a premier ecological education and conservation area, transitioning from a focus on timber exports to one emphasizing forest preservation, biodiversity research, and environmental education for the public.
During a guided tour in Xitou, visitors can gain in-depth ecological insights by exploring the diverse flora and fauna, understanding native tree growth patterns, and learning about the intricate forest ecosystems. Expert guides share details on the area's historical evolution, including its past as the Tokyo Imperial University Exercise Forest. This immersive forest experience involves serene walks along trails, observing unique species, and engaging with nature through knowledgeable explanations, fostering a deeper appreciation for natural conservation and local ecology.
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