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Overview
Qingjing Farm (清境農場) sits at roughly 1,750 metres above sea level in Nantou County, Ren-ai Township, in the central mountains of Taiwan. Originally established in the 1960s as a resettlement community for Nationalist soldiers who had retreated from mainland China and later from Southeast Asia, it gradually evolved into one of Taiwan's most popular mountain tourism destinations.
The farm is best known for its expansive green lawns, free-roaming sheep, and the distinctly un-tropical feeling it offers in an otherwise subtropical island nation. On clear days the surrounding peaks — part of the Central Mountain Range — create a dramatic backdrop that draws photographers and day-trippers alike.
The area remains a working agricultural community as well as a tourism zone. Small guesthouses, sheep-shearing shows, walking trails, and vegetable stalls coexist with the pastoral landscape. It is a genuinely unusual corner of Taiwan that rewards a slower pace.
Before You Go
Visas
Taiwan's entry requirements vary significantly by passport. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance and verify your specific situation with Taiwan's Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.tw) well before travel.
Weather and clothing
Temperatures at Qingjing are substantially cooler than lowland Taiwan throughout the year. Even in summer, evenings can drop to 15 °C or below. In winter (November–February) nights regularly approach 5–10 °C, occasionally colder. Pack layers regardless of your travel month. A waterproof jacket is strongly advised; mountain fog and afternoon rain are common year-round.
Crowds
Qingjing is extremely popular with domestic Taiwanese tourists, particularly on weekends and public holidays. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday. Golden Week periods (around Lunar New Year and National Day in October) bring heavy crowds and require accommodation bookings well in advance.
Health
The altitude is unlikely to cause serious altitude sickness for most visitors coming from lowland Taiwan, but take it easy on arrival if you have cardiovascular concerns. Sunburn risk is elevated at altitude even on overcast days — use sunscreen.
Getting There
From Taichung
The most common gateway is Taichung City. From Taichung's Gancheng Bus Station (干城站), Nantou Bus Company operates services through Puli and up the mountains toward Qingjing. Journey times and schedules change seasonally — verify current timetables and fares at the bus station or on the operator's official website before travel.
From Puli
Puli (埔里) is the main transit hub for this part of Nantou County. Several bus services connect Puli to Qingjing Farm. If you miss a direct connection, Puli also has taxis and tour vans that serve the mountain area — negotiate fares before departure.
Self-drive and scooter
Many visitors rent a car or scooter in Taichung or Puli. Provincial Highway 14A (台14甲線) is the primary mountain road and offers spectacular views, but it is winding, narrow in sections, and can be hazardous in fog or rain. Drive cautiously and check road conditions locally before setting out. An International Driving Permit is required for foreign nationals renting vehicles in Taiwan.
Tours
Organised day tours from Taichung or Sun Moon Lake are widely available through local operators and online booking platforms. These can simplify logistics, particularly if you are not comfortable with mountain driving.
Getting Around
Qingjing itself is compact enough to explore largely on foot. The main attractions — the Green Green Grassland (青青草原) and the Small Swiss Garden (小瑞士花園) — are within walking distance of most accommodation clusters, though the terrain is hilly.
Local shuttle services and taxis operate within the farm area; verify availability and fares with your guesthouse upon arrival. Scooter rental is available locally for those who want to explore further along Highway 14A toward Hehuan Mountain (合歡山) or Wuling (武陵). Road conditions and weather should always be checked first.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Qingjing consists almost entirely of small family-run guesthouses and B&Bs (民宿, mínsù), many of which are styled to evoke European alpine lodges — a deliberate aesthetic choice that has become part of the area's identity. Standards vary considerably; reading recent guest reviews on reputable booking platforms before reserving is advisable.
Most guesthouses offer mountain or garden views, and staying overnight is genuinely worthwhile for the cooler evenings, star-filled skies, and quieter atmosphere after day-trippers leave. Book well ahead for weekends and any public holiday period, as popular properties fill up quickly.
Large international hotel chains are not present in Qingjing. Prices vary by season and property type — verify current rates directly or through booking platforms.
Things to See & Do
Green Green Grassland (青青草原)
This is the centrepiece of the farm — a broad, sloping lawn where sheep graze freely. Sheep-shearing and feeding demonstrations are held at scheduled times; check the on-site board for the day's showtimes. The open meadow provides some of the best panoramic mountain views in the area.
Small Swiss Garden (小瑞士花園)
A landscaped garden with European-influenced floral displays and hedgerows. It is particularly photogenic in spring when seasonal blooms are at their peak, and during winter when it occasionally sees frost.
Hiking and mountain scenery
Several walking paths branch off from the main farm area. More ambitious trekkers use Qingjing as a base for day trips to Hehuan Mountain (合歡山, approx. 3,400 m), one of Taiwan's most accessible high-altitude zones and a rare spot to see snow in Taiwan during winter. Check road and weather conditions carefully before attempting Hehuan.
Local produce and night views
The area's highland farms produce temperate-climate vegetables, strawberries (seasonal), and stone fruits unusual for Taiwan. Clear nights at this altitude offer exceptional stargazing away from lowland light pollution — a reason in itself to stay overnight rather than day-tripping.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and small eateries along the main road and near the farm entrances serve a mix of Taiwanese comfort food and dishes featuring local highland produce. Wild boar (山豬肉) and mountain vegetables are regional specialities worth trying. Stone-pot dishes and hotpots are popular, particularly in cooler months.
Breakfast at your guesthouse is often included or available for a small additional charge — confirm when booking. Most accommodation owners can point you toward reliable local eateries. Dedicated vegetarian or vegan options exist but may be limited; it is worth flagging dietary needs in advance.
Alcohol is available at some restaurants. There are no significant bar or nightlife facilities — evenings here are quiet by design.
Practical Information
Money
The nearest ATMs are in Puli. While some guesthouses and restaurants accept card payments, cash remains important in this rural area. Withdraw sufficient NTD before heading up the mountain.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (4G/5G) from Taiwan's major carriers is generally available in the main farm area, though it can be patchy on some hiking trails and mountain roads. Most guesthouses offer Wi-Fi.
Emergency contacts
Taiwan's national emergency number is 110 (police) and 119 (fire and ambulance). The general tourist hotline operated by the Tourism Administration is 0800-011-765 — verify this is current before travel.
Facilities
Public restrooms are available at the main farm entrances. There is no large supermarket on-site; stock up on any essentials in Puli or Taichung before arriving.
Admission
Entry fees apply for some sections of the farm (Green Green Grassland and Small Swiss Garden). Fee structures can change — verify current charges at the gate or on the official Qingjing Farm website.
Safety
Qingjing is a safe destination for travellers. The primary risks are environmental rather than personal: mountain roads can be treacherous in rain or fog, particularly for unfamiliar drivers. Typhoon season (roughly June–October) can bring heavy rainfall and road closures — monitor weather forecasts during this period and be prepared to adjust plans.
Hikers venturing beyond the immediate farm area toward Hehuan Mountain should inform someone of their itinerary, carry sufficient water and warm layers, and not underestimate how quickly mountain weather can change. Do not hike alone on remote trails.
