Nantou Cafe Recommendations | Enjoy afternoon tea at scenic restaurants with mountain views, delicious food, and a leisurely time.

I would first recommend Lai Fu Ju Scenic Restaurant/Café , for a simple reason: it's not just suitable for coffee and afternoon tea, but also for lunch or dinner. For those looking for a café in Cingjing that offers "mountain views, food, and a sense of relaxation," Lai Fu Ju is a highly recommended option.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to cafes. Some prioritize the view, others the food, some want to take photos, and some just want a quiet place to sit. Below are five cafes in Nantou, organized according to different needs, to help you plan your Nantou trip.

How to choose a coffee shop in Nantou?

This article doesn't simply list popular cafes; instead, it selects based on "scenic features, food options, comfort level, convenience for your itinerary, and common feedback from public reviews." Since everyone's needs when looking for cafes in Nantou are different—some want mountain views, some want afternoon tea, some want a proper meal, and some just want a quiet place to unwind—this article will help you choose the most suitable options for each of these different scenarios.

How to choose a coffee shop in Nantou? First, consider what kind of view you want.

(The mobile version of the table can be swiped left and right)

5 Recommended Cafes in Nantou

Lai Fu Ju Scenic Restaurant/Café | Perfect for afternoon tea and main meals with views of Qingjing Mountain.

If you're visiting Qingjing in Nantou, I highly recommend including Lai Fu Ju in your itinerary. Unlike typical cafes that are only suitable for short stays, Lai Fu Ju has both a scenic cafe and a scenic restaurant. If you want to have a simple coffee and dessert, you can arrange afternoon tea; if you want to sit down and have a proper meal, you can also choose lunch or dinner.

Lai Fu Ju Scenic Café is located within the clubhouse. Besides the indoor café, it also features an outdoor seating area and a viewing platform. The official website mentions views of the Qilai and Hehuan mountain ranges. The café primarily offers coffee, drinks, and desserts, and also offers afternoon tea sets for singles and couples. The minimum spend for the scenic café is NT$300 per person. Opening hours are 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and seating may be required during peak hours.

If you're looking for a proper meal instead of just afternoon tea, Lai Fu Ju also has a scenic restaurant. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring a mix of Chinese and Western dishes, priced at NT$880 and NT$1180. Lunch is served from 11:30 to 14:00, and dinner from 17:30 to 20:00. It's recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially on weekends when it gets crowded.

What truly makes Lai Fu Ju memorable is its mountain views and sense of space. Online articles often mention that Lai Fu Ju has glass houses, viewing platforms, flowers and plants, and views of the Qingjing mountain scenery and the Old England Manor. The overall atmosphere is more like "a stop where you can sit down and enjoy yourself slowly when you travel to Qingjing," rather than just taking photos and checking in before leaving.

Compilation of public comments and interview experiences

Based on public reviews and firsthand accounts, Lai Fu Ju is most often praised for its scenic views, glasshouse atmosphere, and Qingjing Mountain views. It's not just a café that relies on its decor; its location itself is advantageous, making it suitable for people who want to enjoy afternoon tea while gazing at the mountains.

I think Lai Fu Ju is most suitable for three types of people: couples on a date who want a place with a view and can sit for a while; families traveling with elders and children who need a space to sit and rest; and a group of friends on a short trip to Cingjing who don't want to rush from one attraction to another and want to arrange a more comfortable afternoon tea time.

It's important to note that Cingjing is always crowded on holidays. If you value the view, it's advisable to avoid peak hours or check opening hours and reservations before you go. If you're planning to have a full meal, it's better not to decide on the spot, as dining at a scenic restaurant and afternoon tea are different experiences; planning ahead is safer. Overall, if you're looking for a Nantou café that offers mountain views, afternoon tea, and a full meal, rather than just coffee, Lai Fu Ju is a highly recommended stop on your Cingjing itinerary.

Key Information about Laifuju Scenic Restaurant/Scenic Cafe

• Address : No. 18-7, Dingyuan New Village, Datong Village, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County
• Suitable for : Qingjing afternoon tea, scenic restaurant, family trip, couple's date
• Features : Mountain views, glass houses, outdoor cafes, viewing platforms, afternoon tea, and scenic restaurants.
• Price : $300 - $1,000
• Business hours : 11:00-20:00
• A friendly reminder : The dining style of the scenic café and scenic restaurant is different. Afternoon tea does not require a reservation, but if there are many people, you will have to wait in line. If you want to arrange lunch or dinner, it is recommended to confirm the reservation and serving time in advance.

<Source: Laifuju Scenic Restaurant >

Lugao Coffee Plantation | A stop with tea plantation views, mountain scenery, and the aroma of coffee, truly embodying the spirit of Nantou.

Located in Yuchi, Nantou, Lucao Coffee Plantation is quite different from typical urban coffee shops. It doesn't focus on lavish decor, but rather combines tea gardens, mountain views, and a coffee plantation. The official description states that Lucao Coffee Plantation belongs to the Taiwan Agriculture and Forestry Bureau and is situated in the Yuchi mountain basin at an altitude of approximately 600-700 meters. The environment is ideal for growing coffee trees and black tea. If you prefer a more natural and open landscape, Lucao would be a great choice.

Judging from publicly available interview articles and reviews, Lucao Coffee Plantation is located on a hillside, overlooking the tea gardens and distant mountain views. The outdoor curved steps seating area is also a popular spot for taking photos. Lucao Coffee Plantation's landscape features a clean and uncluttered appearance with few cluttered buildings, and the tea gardens and mountain views create a relaxing atmosphere.

Compilation of public comments and interview experiences

What makes Lugao Coffee Plantation so appealing is its distinctly "Nantou" character. Nantou is known for its tea plantations, mountain scenery, and the slow-paced atmosphere surrounding Sun Moon Lake. Visiting here isn't just about drinking coffee; it's like strolling through a mountain estate. It's best suited for travelers who appreciate natural scenery, tea plantation views, and the ambiance of a coffee plantation.

If you're looking for exquisite desserts, hearty meals, or glamorous Instagram-worthy decor, Lugao might not be the best choice. However, if you're looking for a Nantou cafe with mountains, tea plantations, and a relaxed atmosphere, Lugao is definitely worth including in your Yuchi or Sun Moon Lake itinerary. It's recommended to incorporate Lugao into a half-day trip to the Sun Moon Lake or Yuchi area, rather than treating it just as a "grab a drink and go" cafe.

Key information about Lugao Coffee Estate

• Address : No. 31-6, Xiangcha Lane, Xincheng Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
• Suitable for : a side trip to Sun Moon Lake, a short trip to Yuchi (Fish Pond), a stroll in a tea plantation, and people who enjoy natural scenery.
• Features : Tea plantation landscape, coffee plantation, mountain views, outdoor walking space
• Price : $120 - $350 (minimum spend on one drink)
• Business hours : 9:00-17:00
• A friendly reminder : Lucao Coffee Estate does not currently offer online or telephone reservations; you will need to find a table on-site. It gets crowded on weekends, so please allow time for waiting and walking.

<Source: Google>

Mountain Bica Cafe | A scenic cafe with a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for taking photos and afternoon tea.

Mountain Bica Cafe is one of the most talked-about scenic cafes in Qingjing in recent years. Located in Renai Township, Nantou, its Facebook page describes it as being located at kilometer 6 of Provincial Highway 14A, next to a FamilyMart convenience store. It is described as a roadside cafe stop surrounded by mountains and shrouded in mist.

Mountain Bica Cafe is distinctive in its scenery, space, and photogenic atmosphere. Based on published articles and reviews, the cafe boasts ample seating across two floors, including an outdoor area with mountain views. Each section of the cafe has a slightly different style, with window seats and the outdoor terrace being the most popular spots. The menu includes coffee, various drinks, light meals, desserts, and hot dishes. The minimum spend is one drink or one meal. It gets crowded on weekends and peak times may involve waiting; arriving on weekdays or early is recommended for a more comfortable experience.

Compilation of public comments and interview experiences

Mountain Bica Cafe is perfect for those who enjoy taking photos, appreciate stylish spaces, and are looking for a beautiful cafe in Cingjing. Its advantages include excellent views of the mountains and a well-designed interior, making it a great stopover during your Cingjing trip. However, if you dislike crowds and want to avoid disrupting your itinerary, be mindful of your visit time. Popular cafes with scenic views in Cingjing often have queues and waiting lists on weekends, which could affect your subsequent plans if you have a tight schedule. It's recommended to treat it as a main stop rather than just a quick 30-minute visit.

Mountain Bica Cafe Highlights

• Address : No. 34-11, Lane 1, Xinyi Lane, Renai Township, Nantou County
• Suitable for : Qingjing cafes, photo spots, short trips with friends, and dates.
• Features : Glass igloos, mountain view seating, outdoor terrace, coffee, drinks, light meals and desserts
• Price : $200 - $400
• Business hours : 10:00-18:00
• A friendly reminder : It's easy to get a seat during peak hours. If you want a window seat or an outdoor view seat, it's recommended to arrive on a weekday or earlier. It's more suitable as a main stop on your Cingjing itinerary, and it's not recommended to just arrange a short visit.

<Source: Google>

Mountain Retreat | A forest-themed cafe near Sun Moon Lake, perfect for a quiet afternoon tea.

Located in Yuchi, Nantou, near Sun Moon Lake, Shanyingrenzhai is a cafe with a forest-themed, courtyard-like atmosphere. Unlike the open feel of Qingjing Mountain View Cafe, Shanyingrenzhai gives a more understated and quiet feeling, like something hidden in the mountains.

Based on the on-site visits and reviews, Shanying Renzhai features glass houses, a garden, and camping-style seating areas. It also offers coffee, tea, desserts, and light meals. The overall space isn't designed for grand views, but rather for relaxing, chatting, enjoying desserts, and appreciating the lush greenery. The minimum spend at Shanying Renzhai is NT$300 per person, and opening hours are mostly from 10:00 to 18:00. Please note that the establishment does not provide parking; you will need to rely on the parking information provided by the establishment or arrange for street parking.

Compilation of public comments and interview experiences

The defining feature of Shanying Renzhai isn't its spectacular mountain views, but rather its quiet, comfortable, and forest-like atmosphere. Frequently mentioned in reviews are its excellent spatial feel, high-quality desserts, lush green environment, and friendly staff. Shanying Renzhai is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and find a relaxing café to unwind. However, parking is not very convenient, and due to the planned water feature in the grounds, some rules may restrict pets or family gatherings. It's advisable to check the latest announcements from the establishment before you go.

If you're planning to visit Sun Moon Lake and Yuchi anyway, and don't want to go to overly commercialized tourist cafes, Shanying Renzhai would be a good quiet option.

Key Information on Mountain Shadow Residential Buildings

• Address : No. 39-11, Xiuzheng Lane, Xincheng Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
• Suitable for : Afternoon tea near Sun Moon Lake, quiet conversations, forest-themed cafes, and dessert lovers.
• Features : Glass house, green garden, camping-style seating, coffee, tea, desserts and light meals
• Price : $200 - $400
• Business hours : Weekdays: 11:00-17:30, Holidays: 10:00-18:00, Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
• A friendly reminder : The store does not provide its own parking lot; parking will be arranged mainly based on nearby parking information or street parking. If you are traveling with children or pets, it is recommended to check the store's latest admission regulations before you go.

<Source: Google>

Zhu Le Cafe | A Japanese garden cafe in Puli, perfect for curry, desserts, and short trips.

Located in Puli, Nantou, Zhule Cafe is a cafe with a Japanese garden feel, featuring a courtyard, bald cypress trees, Japanese architecture, and a relaxed dining atmosphere. For those planning a short trip to Puli, Zhule Cafe is a great option for lunch or afternoon tea.

Judging from publicly available interview articles and reviews, the garden landscaping at Zhule Cafe is very memorable. It offers coffee, curry dishes, cakes, and a Japanese-style garden space. Located not far from Nina Chocolate Castle, it is suitable for family trips or short trips with friends in Puli.

It's important to note that Chu-Le Cafe operates on a reservation system. According to their Facebook page, their business hours are from 11:30 to 17:00. After 14:30, they do not offer main meals, only desserts, coffee, and afternoon tea. Reservations are required for all hours, so it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance.

Compilation of public comments and interview experiences

Zhu Le Cafe is suitable for people who like a courtyard feel, Japanese atmosphere, curry rice and desserts. It is not the kind of cafe that you can just walk into when you happen to be passing by. Because it is by reservation only, it is more suitable to include it in your itinerary in advance.

If you enjoy well-planned short trips, Zhule would be a comfortable choice; but if you are more spontaneous, don't want to make reservations, and don't want to be restricted by time, you might want to consider other more flexible cafes.

Overall, Zhule Cafe is a great option for a half-day trip to Puli, especially for those who plan to visit Nina Chocolate Castle, Taomi Eco-Village, or other attractions around Puli.

Key Information about Zhule Coffee

• Address : No. 12-11, Taomi Road, Puli Township, Nantou County
• Suitable for : short trips to Puli, Japanese garden afternoon tea, curry rice, and gatherings with friends.
• Features : Japanese garden, bald cypress trees, curry dishes, coffee, desserts, tatami seating
• Price : $400 - $600
• Business hours : 11:30-17:00, closed Mondays and public holidays
• A friendly reminder : Chu Le Cafe operates on a reservation system, and the menu differs between lunch and afternoon tea. If you'd like to order curry or light meals, we recommend making a reservation by phone in advance and confirming the opening days for the month.

<Source: Google>

A compilation of cafe recommendations in Nantou: Which one is right for you?

If you still don't know which one to choose, you can directly judge based on your needs:

• For a tranquil mountain view, afternoon tea, and a full meal all in one place : Laifuju.
• Looking for a tea plantation with mountain views and a coffee estate atmosphere ? Look no further than Luchao Coffee Estate.
• Looking for a photogenic, stylish, and tranquil cafe with stunning views? Try Mountain Bica Cafe.
• Looking for a quiet, forest-themed cafe near Sun Moon Lake ? Try Shanyingrenzhai.
• Looking for a Japanese-style garden in Puli, curry rice, and dessert afternoon tea ? Check out Zhule Cafe.

If this is your first time visiting Nantou and you want to minimize the chances of a disappointing experience, I would suggest choosing based on the area you're visiting. For Cingjing, consider Lai Fu Ju or Mountain Bica Cafe; for Sun Moon Lake and Yuchi, consider Lu Gao Coffee Plantation or Shan Ying Ren Zhai; and for Puli, consider Zhu Le Cafe. If you want to quickly compare these five cafes in Nantou, you can refer to the table below. Based on your travel area, target audience, and important considerations, you can quickly determine which one best suits your Nantou itinerary.

Quick Comparison Table of 5 Coffee Shops in Nantou

(The mobile version of the table can be swiped left and right)

Nantou Cafe Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are cafes in Nantou suitable for a half-day trip?

Very suitable. Coffee shops in Nantou are usually not just for drinking coffee. Many combine mountain views, tea gardens, courtyards or forest atmosphere. It is recommended to arrange it in the form of "attraction + coffee shop". For example: Cingjing Farm with Laifuju, Sun Moon Lake with Lugao Coffee Plantation or Shanyingrenzhai, Puli attractions with Zhule Coffee.

What are some recommended cafes in Qingjing District, Nantou?

If you'd like to enjoy mountain views, afternoon tea, and also have a choice of main meals, consider Lai Fu Ju Scenic Restaurant/Café. If you prefer photo opportunities, a sophisticated space, and a scenic café, you can also arrange to visit Mountain Bica Cafe. Both are suitable for a Qingjing itinerary, but Lai Fu Ju is better suited for those who want to accommodate both afternoon tea and main meals.

Which coffee shop in Nantou is suitable for family trips?

For family trips, I would recommend Lai Fu Ju. The reason is that it not only offers coffee and desserts, but also a restaurant with a scenic view. For itineraries with elderly people or children, it provides a more engaging experience than a simple photo-taking cafe. However, it is advisable to confirm reservations, minimum spending requirements, and meal times before departure.

Do I need to make a reservation at the cafes in Nantou?

Not necessarily, it depends on the establishment's policy. For example, Lai Fu Ju Scenic Cafe does not require reservations, but when it gets crowded, people wait in line. However, for restaurants with scenic views, it is officially recommended to make reservations in advance. Zhu Le Cafe, on the other hand, operates on a reservation system for all hours, so it is strongly advised to make a reservation in advance.

Are cafes in Nantou suitable for couples on dates?

It's perfect, especially for cafes with mountain views, courtyards, or forest vibes. For a tranquil mountain view and afternoon tea, choose Lai Fu Ju; for photos and a sophisticated space, choose Mountain Bica Cafe; for a quiet chat, choose Shan Ying Ren Zhai; and for a Japanese garden atmosphere, choose Zhu Le Cafe.

Conclusion: Nantou's cafes are more than just places to drink coffee; they are scenic spots worth lingering in during your travels.

If you're planning a trip to Cingjing and looking for a Nantou café that's not only great for taking photos, but also offers afternoon tea, mountain views, and even a proper meal, Lai Fu Ju would be a top choice for me. Its advantage lies in its comprehensive functionality: it caters to all needs, from scenic views and food to afternoon tea and main meals. For first-time visitors to Cingjing or those who don't want to spend too much time comparing different cafes, it's a relatively stable and easy-to-plan option.