Tutingzi Trail. The Tutingzi Trail is a relaxed 600-meter-long trail with an elevation change of about 80 meters, suitable for visitors of all ages to stroll and explore. The Tutingzi Trail is a relaxed 600-meter-long trail with an elevation change of about 80 meters, suitable for visitors of all ages to stroll and explore. The trail entrance features a stone carving inspired by the Thao people's mascot, the owl, symbolizing the guardianship of this mountain forest. Along the way, there are several interpretive signs introducing the culture and history of the Thao people, allowing visitors to experience the profound indigenous cultural heritage during their nature journey. The trail is mostly elevated wooden boardwalks winding through dense forest canopy, offering a cool forest ambiance even on summer afternoons. Rich birdlife such as the Taiwan barbet, Taiwan blue magpie, and Japanese white-eye can be seen along the path. At the end of the trail stands the "Tutingzi Lighthouse," the highest altitude, smallest scale, and only non-coastal lighthouse in Taiwan. The adjacent two-story viewing platform offers panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake, Shuishe Pier, Wenwu Temple, and other famous attractions, with a tranquil and beautiful scenery of great viewing value. The Tutingzi Trail holds deep significance in Thao culture as it is located in their early ancestral settlement and is an important site for the tribe's ancestral spirit rituals. According to Thao legend, their ancestors, while hunting, pursued a rare white deer that eventually leaped into Sun Moon Lake. This location, known as "Puzi" (Tutingzi), is where the Thao ancestors chose to settle, discovering the land was fertile and rich in fish, suitable for farming and hunting, thus becoming the origin of the tribe.
Address: 南投縣魚池鄉土亭仔土亭仔步道
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Nantou