Nantou County, Administrative division in central Taiwan
Nantou County is an administrative division in central Taiwan, landlocked within mountain ranges that dominate the landscape. Steep peaks, river valleys, and dense forests define the terrain, while settlements cluster along the valleys and lower slopes.
Settlers under Lin Yi arrived from the west in 1677, establishing early villages within the present boundaries. Japanese colonial rule brought roads and administrative structures that reshaped life in the mountains.
The name comes from the Hoanya phrase 'Ramtau', which settlers adapted into the current form over centuries of use. Tea plantations and bamboo forests still shape the rural economy, particularly around the foothills where families harvest crops by hand.
The central bus station offers connections to other regions and simplifies travel between towns and tourist sites. Roads in the highlands can be steep, so sturdy shoes and warm clothing are recommended for higher elevations.
The highest mountain massif in Taiwan lies within these boundaries and attracts hikers from across the country. The largest natural freshwater lake on the island offers boat rides and shoreline walks with views of forested slopes.
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