1D Tour to Cingjing Farm from Taichung

Exploring Taiwan’s Natural and Cultural Gems: The 1D Tour to Cingjing Farm from Taichung

If you’re looking to escape the city buzz of Taichung and step into Taiwan’s tranquil mountain scenery, this private day tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and fun attractions. For $165 per person, you get around 8 to 9 hours of personalized exploration, with pickup from most Taichung hotels, and a licensed guide to help navigate the day. It’s perfect if you want a flexible, intimate experience rather than a big-group bus tour.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines stunning mountain landscapes with insightful storytelling — especially at places like Hehuanshan National Forest, where the views are some of the best in Taiwan, and the Wushe Memorial Park, which offers a sobering glimpse into indigenous resistance. Another highlight is the chance to relax at Hakoune Onsen, soaking away some of the day’s fatigue in a setting that echoes Japanese hot spring culture.

However, keep in mind that entrance tickets to specific sites like Cingjing Skywalk, Carton King, and Hakoune Onsen are not included, which means you’ll want to budget extra for those. Also, the itinerary covers quite a bit in a day—so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, it’s a great option for travelers eager to see diverse highlights without the hassle of planning each stop.

This tour suits nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies who are ready to spend a day discovering Taiwan’s scenic and cultural diversity. If you enjoy learning as you go and appreciate personalized service, you’ll find it especially appealing.

Key Points

• Personalized private tour for a more intimate experience.
• Stunning mountain views at Hehuanshan and Cingjing Skywalk.
• Cultural and historical insights at Wushe Memorial Park and Mona Rudao Monument.
• Relaxing hot spring experience at Hakoune Onsen.
• Flexible pickup from most Taichung hotels.
• Additional costs for entrance tickets and meals.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Transportation

Starting at 9:00 am, your day kicks off with private transportation from your hotel or station in Taichung. This setup means no worries about navigating public transport or finding your way around. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort as you travel through Taiwan’s lush landscapes. The guide, who is fluent in both English and Chinese, acts as both driver and storyteller, adding a personal touch that’s often missing in larger tours.

Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area

Your first stop is Hehuanshan, a mountain region famed for its breathtaking views. There’s no need to climb unless you’re feeling adventurous—this is a scenic visit, not a strenuous hike. Instead, you’ll enjoy a coffee break at the 3158 Café, perched at 3,158 meters altitude. The fact that the admission ticket is included is a bonus, making this part of the tour smooth and straightforward.

Here, the air is crisp, and the vistas are expansive. As one reviewer noted, “The weather was good and clear, and we could see the full view at the top of the mountain.” That’s what makes this stop worthwhile—the panoramic scenery that makes you feel on top of the world. The guide might also take you down a “secret” path, revealing some lesser-known viewpoints, which adds a layer of exclusivity.

Cingjing Skywalk and Mist Plaza

Next, you’ll visit the Cingjing Skywalk at Mist Plaza. This is a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy Taiwan’s high-altitude landscape. The Skywalk offers a picture-perfect view of misty mountains and rolling hills, perfect for photos or a leisurely stroll.

At Mist Plaza, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes, including a Starbucks at 1743.5 meters, making it the highest-elevation Starbucks in Taiwan. Here, you can sample local Yunnan cuisine or try the famous Urn Chicken, a whole chicken roasted in a barrel—something worth tasting if you’re a fan of Taiwanese street food.

Most shops close in the evening, but you’ll find a 24/7 7-11, which adds convenience if you need a snack or drink. The review from BeeSan_N mentions that the farm was “great for kids,” and highlights the wondering sheep and the enjoyment of feeding them. This stop balances natural scenery with a touch of local flavor.

Carton King Creative Park: Art in Paper

A quirky highlight is the Carton King Creative Park in Dakeng. This is not just a paper museum—it’s a place where everything from snacks to furniture is made from cardboard or corrugated paper, with over 100 patents awarded to the creator, Huang Fang-liang.

Expect to see mind-blowingly detailed paper creations that serve as both art and functional decor. The restaurant here is filled with paper-made tables, lamps, and even hot pots, which makes dining a fun, visual experience. The review mentions that most of what you see is made from paper, offering a glimpse into Taiwanese innovation and creativity.

Mona Rudao Memorial Park and the Wushe Incident

This stop is a sobering but vital piece of Taiwan’s history. The Mona Rudao Monument marks the site of the Wushe Incident, an armed uprising in 1930 by the indigenous Seediq people against Japanese colonial rule. The story is intense: over 130 Japanese soldiers were killed, but in retaliation, over 1,000 Seediq were killed using bombs, cannons, and gases.

Your guide will explain how the rebellion shifted indigenous resistance from violence to social movements. The site is powerful, and many travelers, like BeeSan_N, appreciated learning about the indigenous struggles and resilience. It’s an essential stop for understanding the complex history of Taiwan’s indigenous groups.

Hakoune Onsen: Relaxing in Japanese Style

Before heading back, you’ll visit Hakoune Onsen, which offers a chance to soak in natural hot springs surrounded by misty mountains. The onsen has a temporary entrance fee, but the experience is authentic—like stepping into a Japanese onsen resort.

Many find hot springs to be a perfect way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing. As one reviewer noted, “While soaking in the hot spring, you will be surrounded by the misty mountains of central Taiwan,” which creates a zen-like atmosphere. It’s a relaxing, culturally immersive way to end a busy day.

Value and Practicalities

The price of $165 covers private transportation, a licensed guide, insurance, and pickup—that’s a solid value for a full day of diverse activities. Since entrance tickets are not included, you should budget extra for sights like Carton King and Hakoune Onsen, but the flexibility allows you to choose what interests you most.

The 8 to 9-hour schedule means you’ll see a lot, but it also requires a fair bit of travel. Some travelers might find it a bit packed, especially if they prefer to linger longer at each site. Still, the private aspect means your guide can adjust the pace slightly if needed, making it more personalized.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers, families with kids, and culture enthusiasts. If you want to see mountain scenery, learn about indigenous history, and enjoy some local cuisine and hot springs in one trip, this tour balances all those elements. It’s perfect for those who prefer guided, hassle-free travel with the comfort of a private vehicle.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Taiwan’s natural beauty, cultural depth, and quirky creativity. The guided nature of the experience means you’ll get insights that make each stop more meaningful—like hearing about the Wushe Uprising or the ingenious paper art at Carton King. The hot springs provide a satisfying conclusion, especially on cooler days.

While it’s not a slow-paced, relaxed day—expect a full schedule—it’s a great way to maximize a single day if you’re short on time but craving variety. The private setting makes it especially suited for those who want a more personal, flexible experience.

If you love mountain views, cultural stories, and local flavors, this tour could be your perfect day trip from Taichung.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that children enjoy the farm and the sheep, making it a family-friendly option.

Do I need to pay for entrance tickets separately?
Yes, entrance fees for places like Cingjing Skywalk, Carton King, and Hakoune Onsen are not included in the $165 price, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable clothes, especially layers, since mountain weather can change quickly. Also, consider extra cash for entrance fees and snacks.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, making long drives more pleasant.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide may offer some flexibility, but core stops are pre-set.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, enough to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Autumn and winter are especially lovely, with cooler air and colorful foliage, but clear days in general provide the best views.

Is the tour available in languages other than Chinese?
It’s led by an English/Chinese speaking guide, so communication should be smooth for most travelers.

Summing Up

This private day tour from Taichung offers a thoughtful mix of scenery, history, and relaxation. Its strength lies in personalized service, diverse stops, and the chance to see some of Taiwan’s most scenic and culturally significant sites—without the hassle of self-planning. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive yet manageable way to explore Taiwan’s central mountain region, especially if they value a guided experience that educates as well as entertains.