Cingjing Farm, also spelled Qingjing, is a highland leisure farm in Ren'ai Township, Nantou County, high enough in the mountains to feel cooler and misty compared with the city. It is known for grassy slopes, flower gardens and Swiss-style buildings, and the Little Swiss Garden is one of its best-known corners, with a skywalk and garden areas. Tickets are available in advance on the booking page, including a Little Swiss Garden entry ticket. The tickets are reported to be nonrefundable and to allow same-day re-entry, so read the conditions before you buy. Because the road from Taichung climbs through winding mountain routes, Cingjing is usually visited as a day trip with a tour or a hired driver, often combined with Sun Moon Lake.
What to see
Walk the sloping paths of the Little Swiss Garden, enjoy the views from the skywalk if you have bought the ticket that includes it, and look for the wide grass slopes where sheep are shown to visitors. On a clear day the mountains stretch away in layers, and on a misty day the farm feels atmospheric and moody. Cafes and small restaurants around the farm serve warm drinks and simple meals, which is welcome in the cooler air.
Planning the visit
Dress in layers, because the temperature drops with altitude and the weather can change quickly, and bring a rain jacket in the wet season. The booking page offers several tickets, such as skywalk only, skywalk plus Swiss Garden and a Little Swiss Garden entry, so choose the one that matches what you want to see.
Mountain roads can be affected by heavy rain or typhoons, so check conditions and be ready to change plans. Opening hours are not shown on the booking page, so confirm them with the farm or your tour operator.
Getting there and combining it
Most travellers go with a day tour from Taichung, which often also includes Sun Moon Lake, because the combined route covers two of central Taiwan's best-known mountain sights in one day. Those who prefer a longer journey could look at Lishan or Wuling Farm, which are further into the mountains, but Cingjing is the easier choice for a single day. Couples will enjoy the misty views, families will like the animals and open slopes, and photographers will find plenty of scenery.
What to expect
The experience
A highland farm visit with garden paths, a skywalk, Swiss-style buildings, grass slopes and animal shows, usually done as part of a day trip.
Best time
Go on a clear morning for views and cooler air, and avoid weekends if you want fewer crowds.
How long
Plan a full day with two to three hours of travel each way from Taichung.
Tips
Bring layers and rain gear, read the ticket conditions, and check road and weather reports before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want cool mountain scenery and open farmland as a break from the city.
- Families
- Open slopes and animal shows are appealing, but the long drive can tire young children.
- Couples
- Misty views and quiet garden paths make it a romantic escape.
- Pair with
- Sun Moon Lake on the same day trip.
- Time needed
- A full day including travel.
Good questions
How far is Cingjing Farm from Taichung?+
It is roughly two to three hours each way by road, so it is usually done as a full-day trip.
What does the ticket include?+
The Little Swiss Garden entry ticket covers admission to that garden, while transport, meals and insurance are not included. Other tickets on include the skywalk.
Can I re-enter on the same day?+
The booking page says same-day re-entry is allowed with your ticket, wristband or stamp. The ticket is described as nonrefundable, so read the conditions.
What should I wear?+
Dress in layers because it is cooler than the city, and bring rain protection. Wear shoes with a good grip for the slopes.
Is there an alternative in the mountains?+
Lishan and Wuling Farm are further into the mountains and take longer to reach. Cingjing is the easier choice for a single day.
