Nantou is full of picturesque spots, and besides Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing, and Jiji, there's a charming little destination called Checheng. Checheng Old Street is about a 30-minute drive from Sun Moon Lake and is a quaint mountain railway town. In addition to its natural beauty, Checheng offers cultural and historical charm. It also has a variety of local foods and unique seasonal attractions. In spring and summer, you can enjoy the May Snow blossoms along the railway, while in autumn and winter, you can stroll under the bald cypress trees for a romantic experience. For international travelers, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Line 6671, which runs between Sun Moon Lake and Shui Li Checheng, is the most convenient and cost-effective transportation option. How do you take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle? What are the ticket prices? What other attractions are nearby? This article provides all the answers!
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Checheng Line Transportation
How to Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Checheng Line:
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Checheng Line connects attractions in Sun Moon Lake, Shui Li, and Checheng. It operates as a single route with 24 stops, making it very convenient for travelers and minimizing the risk of boarding the wrong bus. All travelers can use the service; you can get on and off at any stop without needing to make a reservation or having assigned seats. Tickets can be purchased in advance or onboard with cash, EasyCard, or mobile payments. The buses have a white, yellow, and red color scheme with a map of Taiwan on them. When waiting at a bus stop, make sure to wave to signal the driver to stop.
Departure from Taichung High-Speed Rail Station
Upon arriving at Taichung High-Speed Rail Station, you can first take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Line 6670 to Sun Moon Lake for 1-2 days of sightseeing. From Sun Moon Lake Station or the Xianshan Administration Center Station, transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Checheng Line to reach Checheng.
- Route Guide：To get to Taichung High-Speed Rail Station from Taoyuan International Airport→Take the Airport MRT to A18 Taoyuan HSR Station.→Transfer to the High-Speed Rail (HSR) and travel south to Taichung High-Speed Rail Station.
Departure from Taichung Train Station
Upon arriving at Taichung Train Station, transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Line 6670 to Sun Moon Lake Station. From there, take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Line 6671 to Checheng Station.
- Route Guide：To get to Taichung High-Speed Rail Station from Taoyuan International Airport→A1 Taipei Main Station.→Transfer to the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train and travel south.→Taichung Train Station.
Ticket Prices and Purchase Methods
The journey from Sun Moon Lake to Checheng takes about 30 minutes, with frequent stops and a distance of approximately 1.5-2 minutes between each station. For travelers making round trips between Sun Moon Lake and Checheng in one day, a one-day pass is available for NT$100. This pass allows unlimited rides on the Checheng Line for that day. For single trips between attractions, fares are based on the distance traveled, with prices varying depending on how far you go.
- Tickets can be purchased with cash on the bus, or you can use EasyCard or mobile payments. Simply tap your card when boarding and alighting, making the process very convenient.
- Card Payments: EasyCard, iPASS, A-Cash (tap your card when boarding and alighting).
- Mobile Payments: EasyWallet, LINE Pay, iCash Pay (generate a ride code to scan for payment when boarding and alighting).
Departure Timetable and Frequency
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Checheng Line has 6 round trips per day. On weekends, an additional afternoon trip is added at 2 PM. Buses run approximately every 1.5 hours from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Image source：南投客運
Main Boarding Locations and Route Map
The most frequented boarding and alighting points for passengers are Sun Moon Lake Station, Xianshan Administration Center, Shuishe Station, and Checheng Station. However, there are also attractions at various stops, such as the Snake Kiln and Crescent Bay, allowing travelers to choose based on their interests.
Image source：Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Service
Checheng attractions recommendation
Recommended Itinerary for a Day Trip
Checheng, a small and charming mountain town, can be fully explored in a day! It is recommended that visitors arrive in the morning, start by taking photos at Checheng Station, experience DIY woodworking at Linban Dao, have a wooden bucket lunch, explore Checheng Old Street in the afternoon, enjoy a coffee, and then slowly return to your accommodation.
Checheng Station
The historic Checheng Train Station was built during the Japanese colonial era and is the terminus of the Jiji Railway branch line. Since 1916, the Puli Sugar Factory used rail carts to transport sugar to Checheng Station, which was then shipped out, bringing bustling activity to the area. The name "Checheng" is believed to have originated from the Hokkien pronunciation of "che-chhiú", which means "car park." The current Checheng Station was rebuilt after the 921 earthquake by the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration. It remains in use by train passengers and is a must-visit attraction, featuring its wooden structure and the surrounding grassy area.
Image Credit：IG@chrislin_7759
📍Checheng Station
Address:No. 2, Minquan Ln., Shuili Township, Nantou County Taiwán, R.O.C
Opening Hours: 07:00am~06:00pm
The Grove Taiwan Experience Factory
During the Japanese colonial period, Checheng was bustling due to the transportation and trade of mountain sugar, camphor, and timber, as well as the construction of the Sun Moon Lake hydropower project. As the timber industry declined, the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration revitalized tourism in Checheng by transforming old factory buildings into the Checheng Wood Industry Museum. Additionally, the former timber company "Zhenchang Wood Industry" created the "Linban Road Experience Factory," where visitors can try their hand at making wooden crafts. The Linban Road shopping area features many unique shops offering DIY woodworking and other experiences, making it a great place to spend a morning exploring.
画像の使用許可：IG@pinruleee
📍The Grove Taiwan Experience Factory
Address：No. 4, Minquan Lane, Shuili Township, Nantou County
Opening Hours：9:30-18:00（Closed on Tuesday）
Checheng Wood Museum (temporarily closed during renovation)
If you're interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of the wood industry and its related history, the Checheng Wood Industry Museum is the best place to visit! The museum is housed in a structure that was originally a timber factory from the early 20th century, with its wooden framework thoughtfully preserved. The design blends the old with the new, creating a space rich in visual appeal and filled with the fragrance of wood. The museum not only showcases the culture of the wood industry but also offers a sensory experience. However, the museum is currently closed for renovations, so it's best to check the official website for the latest information on its reopening.
Image source：車埕木業展示館 CheCheng Wood Museum臉書粉專
📍Checheng Wood Museum
Address：南投県水里鄉車埕村民権巷110-2号
Opening Hours：9:30–17:00 on weekdays, 9:30–17:30 on holidays (closed during renovations)
Checheng Old Street
Located not far from Checheng Station, Minquan Alley is the heart of Checheng Old Street. It hosts a variety of souvenir shops, eateries, and old-fashioned buildings and general stores. While it may not be as bustling as other tourist-oriented old streets, it exudes a unique nostalgic charm. During the Japanese colonial period, Checheng was a logging town, and you can still feel the Japanese influence around the station. As you stroll through the old street, you'll encounter a simple, rustic Taiwanese aesthetic. If you have some free time in your itinerary, take a walk through the old street next to the station to discover a different side of Checheng.
Image Credit：IG@chrislin_7759
📍Checheng Old Street
Address：Minquan Lane , Shuili Township, Nantou County
Opening Hours：9:00–17:00
Checheng food recommendation
Steam Tea
The wooden boardwalk at Checheng Station and the wooden buildings beside the log pond are popular photo backdrops for many visitors. The main structure, which resembles the boathouses of Ine in Japan, is actually a teahouse on the water called "Steam Tea." The building was formerly the "Materials Section" of Zhenchang Lumber, with a history of 50 years. After being preserved and carefully renovated by the owner, it has now become a well-known teahouse and restaurant in Checheng, offering tea and Taiwanese-style meals. You can find a cozy corner, order some food, and enjoy a pot of tea while gazing out at the bald cypress trees and log pond. Without traveling to Japan, you can still experience the authentic Japanese ambiance right here.
Image Credit：IG@subi_liu
📍Steam Tea
Address：No. 101-3, Minquan Lane, Shuili Township, Nantou County
Opening Hours：10:00–17:00 (Open until 18:00 on weekends)
Louisa Coffee-Checheng Store
The coffee chain Louisa Coffee is also a well-known attraction in Checheng! Louisa Coffee’s Checheng branch is the only Dream Rabbit-themed store in Taiwan, created in collaboration with the artist MAR2INA, known for the "Dreamy Rabbit" art. The store's entrance features an impressive three-story-high Dream Rabbit mural, and inside, there’s a stunning five-meter-wide graffiti artwork in the seating area that immediately catches your eye! The store also showcases various Dream Rabbit figurines, hand-drawn chalkboards, and exclusive Dream Rabbit coffee cups, making it a must-visit spot for fans and visitors alike.
Image Credit：IG@pineapple0319
📍Louisa Coffee-Checheng Store
Address:No. 127, Villager Lane, Checheng Township, Shuili Township, Nantou County
Opening Hours:9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Open until 5:30 p.m. on weekends)
Cedar Tea House
The "Cedar Tea House," established by the Grove Taiwan Experience Factory, is also located next to the log pond. The restaurant's signature dish is the wooden bucket bento, where meals are served in a lidded wooden bucket, making it a unique experience! After enjoying the exquisite set meal, you can take the wooden bucket to the experience factory for a free branding service and bring the bucket home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Checheng. In addition to the wooden bucket meals, the restaurant also offers simple meals and vegetarian dishes. While dining, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the log pond surrounded by trees and rippling water, which, along with the distinctive cuisine, makes the Wooden Tea House a popular spot.
画像の使用許可：IG@mei_ling_0824
📍Cedar Tea House
Address:No. 101, Minquan Lane, Shuili Township, Nantou County
Opening Hours:9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Open until 5:30 p.m. on weekends)
Nearby attractions
Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge
The Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge, which opened in 2020, has become a new attraction in Xinyi Township, Nantou. The bridge is named after the colorful pathway on the suspension bridge. Stretching 342 meters long and reaching a depth of 110 meters, it is the longest and deepest suspension bridge in Taiwan, spanning a magnificent valley. Crossing the bridge requires a lot of courage, but once you make it across, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Shuanglong Waterfall, cascading through the mountains. Though not wide, the waterfall is powerful and majestic, ensuring that the experience is well worth it.
Image Credit：IG@milly_110110
- Transportation
Image credit：Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Service
- From Sun Moon Lake to Shuanglong Suspension Bridge: Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus No. 6671 (Checheng Line) from Sun Moon Lake Station, Shuishe Station, or Xiangshan Visitor Center in the direction of Checheng. Get off at Shuili Train Station, Electric Power Company (Shuili), Shuili Township Office, or Shuili Junior High School, then transfer to the Fengrong Bus No. 6288 and get off at Shuanglong Station (in front of the Shuanglong Police Station).
- From Checheng to Shuanglong Suspension Bridge: Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus No. 6671 (Checheng Line) in the direction of Sun Moon Lake. Get off at Shuili Train Station, Electric Power Company (Shuili), Shuili Township Office, or Shuili Junior High School, then transfer to the Fengrong Bus No. 6288 and get off at Shuanglong Station (in front of the Shuanglong Police Station).
- From Shuili to Shuanglong Suspension Bridge: You can board the Fengrong Bus No. 6288 at Shuili Train Station, Electric Power Company (Shuili), Shuili Township Office, or Shuili Junior High School. Get off at Shuanglong Station (in front of the Shuanglong Police Station).
📍Shuanglong Rainbow Suspension Bridge
Address:Guangfu Lane, Xinyi Township, Nantou County
Opening Hours:March to September 8:00 to 17:00, October to February 8:00 to 16:30 (every Wednesday and holiday)
Shuili Snake Kiln
Shuili Snake Kiln Pottery Cultural Park was originally an old kiln factory used for wood-fired ceramics. After renovation and planning, it has transformed into a cultural park focused on tourism and pottery exhibitions, exuding the atmosphere of an ancient Japanese town. Visitors can admire various pottery artworks and artifacts related to the snake kiln, and also participate in hands-on activities like DIY pottery and wheel throwing. The park also features a Snake Kiln Café and a product sales section, where you can relax and unwind after your DIY session. With the added experience of trying on traditional kimonos, you may find yourself spending the entire day enjoying the cultural park!
画像の使用許可：IG＠dorisisme_1994、＠kiwiting_daily
- Transportation
- From Sun Moon Lake to Shuili Snake Kiln: Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus No. 6671 (Checheng Line) from Sun Moon Lake Station, Shuishe Station, or Xiangshan Visitor Center in the direction of Checheng, and get off at Snake Kiln Station.
- From Checheng to Shuili Snake Kiln: Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus No. 6671 (Checheng Line) from Checheng Station in the direction of Sun Moon Lake, and get off at Snake Kiln Station.
- From Shuili to Shuili Snake Kiln: You can board the Fengrong Bus No. 6288 at Shuili Train Station, Electric Power Company (Shuili), Shuili Township Office, or Shuili Junior High School in the direction of Shuanglong, and get off at Snake Kiln Station.
📍Shuili Snake Kiln
Address:No. 21, Lane 512, Section 1, Shuixin Road, Shuili Township, Nantou County
Opening Hours:8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Closed on Wednesdays)
When planning a trip, Sun Moon Lake and Checheng can be visited in a single day due to their close proximity and the concentration of attractions in Checheng. The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus No. 6671, with its frequent service and numerous stops, is the most convenient way to travel between Sun Moon Lake and Checheng. You can stay overnight at Sun Moon Lake, make a day trip to Checheng, and return by evening, or you can check out of your accommodation at Sun Moon Lake in the morning, bring your luggage to Shuili, and store it there before heading to Checheng for sightseeing. Both options make for an excellent 2-day itinerary!