Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush coffee plantations, Gukeng Township immerses you in the natural beauty of Taiwan. Chase tumbling waterfalls, discover ancient temples and visit the beautiful Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area.
Things to do in Gukeng Township
Perched just below the summit of Jianhu Mountain, Ciguang Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary. The ancient temple was built in the Tang dynasty and is anchored by an enormous statue of Buddha. Stroll around the grounds shaded by towering pine trees and enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation in the Great Hall of Sadness.
Hsinkang Mazu Temple honours the Chinese sea goddess and will impress you with its ornate swallow-tail roofs and colourful Koji pottery. It’s one of more than 500 Taiwanese temples dedicated to Mazu and welcomes you with furls of fragrant incense. You’ll also see plenty of tiger motifs, as the temple also pays tribute to the Tiger God of Hsinkang.
Lush forests and turquoise water make Shuishe Dam one of the most popular outdoor recreation sites in Gukeng Township. It’s a stone’s throw from the famous Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area and features a family-friendly walking trail. Shuishe Dam is also popular with cyclists. Stay for sunset to see the lake acquire a golden glow.
Formed by the Jhugao River, Penglai Waterfall plunges more than 200 metres into the valley below. Admire the waterfall from the parking area or lace up your boots and hike to the top of the falls. At the main entrance is a great local restaurant serving fried noodles, passionfruit tea and other Taiwanese specialties.
Getting around Gukeng Township
Rental cars and taxis are an easy and comfortable way to get around Gukeng Township. Taichung International Airport is a one-hour drive north.