Taking Our Pets to Cingjing Farm — A Pet-Friendly Travelogue of High Mountain Grasslands 2026
Last time I brought my pets up to Cingjing, I got turned down by three accommodations just trying to book a place. Once
Taking Your Furry Friends to Cingjing: A Complete Pet-Friendly Travel Guide
Last time I brought my pets up to Cingjing, I got turned down by three accommodations just trying to book a place. Once we finally made it up the mountain, we hit thick afternoon fog, and my pet got carsick and threw up all over the back seat. To save you from repeating my mistakes, I've compiled every detail of this pet-friendly Cingjing trip—from pre-trip preparation, route planning, to on-site tips—into this one article.
Why Take Your Pets to Cingjing?
Cingjing Farm sits atop the mountains of Renai Township in Nantou at approximately 1,700 meters elevation. It's one of the few places in Taiwan where your pets can actually enjoy a leisurely stroll on a "real grassland." Summer temperatures here run 8-10°C cooler than the lowlands, making it an excellent getaway for heat-sensitive brachycephalic breeds, Maltese, and French Bulldogs.
I've outlined three things that make Cingjing pet-friendly:
1. Cool Mountain Climate
While Taipei can hit 35°C in summer, Cingjing nights often drop to 18-22°C, and daytime temperatures usually stay below 25°C. For heat-intolerant pets, this is one of the few places where you can relax and let them enjoy the outdoors.
2. Spacious Grasslands
The Guanshan Pasture area and livestock trails around Cingjing Farm feature expansive lawns where leashed pets can walk at their own pace and breathe in that crisp mountain air.
3. Away from Urban Noise
Compared to city traffic and night market crowds, Cingjing's mountain roads see far fewer cars and people. You'll notice your pets visibly relaxing.
That said, there are some not-so-friendly aspects: the sheep show and barking sheepdogs can stress sensitive pets, and the livestock areas have higher parasite loads, so be sure to clean your pet thoroughly after walks.
Pre-Trip Preparation: Don't Forget These
Altitude Sickness
Above 1,500 meters, both you and your pets can develop altitude sickness. Symptoms in pets include: lethargy, rapid breathing, vomiting, and excessive drooling. If your pet has a history of heart disease, asthma, or epilepsy, consult your veterinarian before departure.
Prevention tips: - Let your pet rest fully the day before - Keep them well-hydrated during the drive up - Avoid vigorous activity on the first night - Bring familiar bedding or toys to ease environmental stress
Motion Sickness
The drive from Taipei to Cingjing takes about 4-5 hours one way, and the winding Central Cross-Island Highway is the main culprit for pet carsickness. I recommend avoiding food one hour before departure and keeping vomit bags and spare towels in the car.
Pest Prevention
Mountain grasslands have higher flea and tick density than the lowlands. After walks, thoroughly check your pet's whole body—especially the ears, armpits, and between the toes.
Itinerary Suggestions
Day 1: Puli → Cingjing Acclimation
I recommend not rushing on the first day. If you're coming from Taipei or Taichung, stop in Puli for lunch and stock up on pet supplies (Puli has a higher density of veterinary clinics, which provides reassurance in emergencies), then make the gradual drive up to Cingjing in the afternoon.
Once you arrive at Cingjing, let your pet rest at the B&B for 1-2 hours before going out for an evening walk. Nighttime mountain temperatures can suddenly drop below 15°C, so short-haired pets will need a light jacket.
Day 2: Cingjing Farm Core Area
Address: No. 170, Renhe Road, Renai Township, Nantou County
Cingjing Farm is divided into three main areas: Green Green Grassland, Guanshan Pasture, and the Livestock Trail. Green Green Grassland hosts sheep shows on holidays—sensitive pets can skip this; Guanshan Pasture is quieter and better suited for noise-averse pets.
Suggested route: Enter through the ticket gate → Walk to Guanshan Pasture → Take the Livestock Trail back slowly → Take an evening stroll on the small roads near your B&B.
Day 3: Side Trip — Hehuan Mountain or Aowanda
Choose based on energy levels on day three:
Hehuan Mountain: Suitable for pets accustomed to regular exercise. Hehuan Main Peak and Shimen Mountain are famous sunrise spots, but at over 3,000 meters elevation, the risk of altitude sickness increases significantly—reassess before heading out.
Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area: Lower elevation with flat forest trails, easier on your pets. Mosquitoes are plentiful here, so apply pest prevention beforehand.
Practical Information
Transportation
| Departure | Driving Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei | About 4-5 hours | National Freeway 6 to Puli, then Highway 14 |
| Taichung | About 2.5-3 hours | National Freeway 6 to Highway 14 |
| Kaohsiung | About 4 hours | National Freeway 3 to Highway 14 |
Public transit: You can take a bus toward Puli from Taipei or Taichung, then transfer to a Nantou Bus to go up the mountain, but service is infrequent. Driving is recommended when traveling with pets.
Pet Entry Rules
Cingjing Farm does allow pets on the premises, but they must be leashed at all times, and small pets should be carried in a pet carrier. Rules are subject to on-site announcements, so check the entry notices before going in.
Accommodation
There are plenty of B&Bs around Cingjing, but not many that actually accept pets. I recommend searching for keywords like "Cingjing pet B&B" and proactively messaging to confirm before booking: weight limits, extra cleaning fees, whether pet bedding is provided, and whether you need to bring your own crate. For pricing, please refer to each B&B's official website.
Dining
Most restaurants along Cingjing's main street have outdoor seating areas, which are more pet-friendly. A few restaurants allow pets indoors, but outdoor seating is still the norm. Look for seats with rain canopies—afternoon fog and rain are common up here.
Editor's Notes
Q1: Can pets run off-leash at Cingjing Farm?
No. Pets must be leashed throughout the park. There are other visitors and wild birds on the grassland, and letting your pet off-leash could result in collisions or your pet getting lost.
Q2: Do pets need warm clothing?
Summer nighttime temperatures on the mountain can drop to 15°C. Short-haired, young, or senior pets should have a light jacket or blanket.
Q3: Are veterinary clinics easy to find on the mountain?
There are no 24-hour veterinary clinics on Cingjing Mountain. The nearest clinics are in Puli, about a 40-minute drive away. Pets with chronic conditions should have sufficient medication before heading up.
Q4: What if it rains?
Afternoon fog and rain are the norm in Cingjing. Choose a B&B with indoor common areas, or prepare your pet's favorite scent games and puzzle feeders to burn off energy indoors.
Q5: Is drinking water available on the mountain?
Some trails have public restrooms and water fountains, but they're not densely distributed. Bring your own pet water bowl and plenty of drinking water—mountain air is dry, and hydration frequency should be higher than at lower elevations.
Cingjing Farm's pet entry rules may be updated, so please refer to on-site announcements or the official website before your trip. Pet policies at individual B&Bs and restaurants may also change—always confirm the latest regulations directly before booking or dining (weight limits, cleaning fees, advance registration requirements, etc.). Address links will take you directly to Google Maps where you can check that day's business information.