On holidays, we just want to head into the mountains. Besides Sun Moon Lake and Cingjing Farm, Nantou hides many treasure spots worth secretly keeping to yourself. This time, we detoured to the mountainside in Shuili Township and arrived at this adorably named cafe with stunning views, "Yiding Xiaofang".
There’s no hustle and bustle of the city here, only endless greenery and valley scenery. If you’re also looking for a place to unwind, grab a coffee, and enjoy some dessert, this article is worth saving!
Yiding Xiaofang is located in Dingkan Village, Shuili Township, Nantou County. Simply search for the store name in your navigation app to get there. It’s about a 10+ minute drive from downtown Shuili. If you’re planning a trip around Checheng, Shuili Snake Kiln, or Sun Moon Lake, it makes a great rest stop along the way.
Best of all, there’s a spacious dedicated outdoor parking lot, so no need to worry about finding a spot when driving here.
📍Store Info｜Yiding Xiaofang
Address: No. 3, Lane 61, Dingping Rd., Dingkan Vil., Shuili Township, Nantou County
Phone: 0988-513-002
After parking, you’ll see a low-key dark-colored building. No flashy signs or forced photo spots, but standing on the outdoor deck looking out, you’ll instantly understand why so many people make the trip.
Layers of mountains stretch into the distance, and on clear days the view is wide open.
Inside, the most captivating feature is still the view outside the windows. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light. With minimal decor, the mountain scenery becomes the perfect backdrop.
Window seats are the most popular spots. Once seated, watching the changing mountain peaks and sky, you’ll naturally put your phone down and focus on the view outside.
Even with quite a few customers that day, the atmosphere remained comfortable. Some chatted with friends, others simply sat quietly in a daze. That effortless sense of leisure is the hardest thing to find.
Yiding Xiaofang mainly offers a variety of handmade desserts, specialty coffee, and drinks.
Minimum spend and notes for dining in:
Minimum per person: NT$200.
Time limit: 90 minutes, whether on weekdays or weekends.
Refill discount: Enjoy NT$20 off on a second cup or for takeout.
Seating: The store adjusts seating based on availability. The popular “sofa area” requires 3 or more people.
Reminder: No outside food allowed.
Also, if you accidentally break any cups or plates, a fee may be charged depending on the situation. Please handle the tableware gently while taking photos.
The dessert case has a limited selection but everything looks tempting. After hesitating for a while, we chose the Muscat Grape Chiffon Cake, Ceylon Cinnamon Apple Pie, and a cup of the intriguingly named “Warm Forest” latte.
Muscat Grape Chiffon Cake
This cake looked delightful as soon as it arrived. White cream paired with green grapes—clean and refreshing. The chiffon was soft and slightly moist, light on the palate.
We loved the muscat grapes in the layers—each bite delivered natural grape aroma and sweetness. The cream’s sweetness was well balanced, making the whole cake easy to enjoy even for those who don’t usually like sweets.
Ceylon Cinnamon Apple Pie
A must-order for cinnamon lovers! The crust is perfectly crisp and flaky. Inside, the stewed apples are soft and flavorful, infused with elegant Ceylon cinnamon aroma. Each bite feels substantial and comforting, made with real ingredients.
Warm Forest (Medium/Dark Roast) Latte
This hot latte has such a fitting name—it warms you up both inside and out while sitting among the mountains. We chose a medium-dark roast bean with rich body, featuring charming nutty and cocoa notes that blended smoothly with the steamed milk.
The heart-shaped latte art held its shape for a long time. The milk foam was velvety and the balance of bitterness and sweetness was perfect. Paired with dessert, it made the ideal afternoon tea.
More than the desserts or coffee themselves, what I loved most was the feeling this place gives. It’s rare to have such unhurried moments during a trip—not rushing to the next stop, just sitting by the window, watching the distant mountains, and slowly finishing your coffee.
Before leaving, I glanced back at the view outside and suddenly understood why some people drive all the way up the mountain just for a cup of coffee. Some places attract you not just for the food, but for the time spent there.
If I visit Shuili again, I’ll definitely come back—maybe try different desserts or simply find a window seat and spend an afternoon gazing at the mountains.
■ More Nantou travel and food:
https://eeooa0314.tw/blog/categories/9003734048
⚠️ Notes:
Everyone’s travel, sightseeing, and dining experiences vary. This article is based on personal experience—please use your own judgment when deciding whether to visit.
Check information before heading out to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip!