Starbucks at the highest elevation to shut down on the following Monday
In the heart of Taiwan's picturesque Nantou County, the Starbucks branch nestled in Cingjing Farm has announced its closure, set to take place on Monday. This high-altitude coffee shop, situated at an elevation of 1,743 meters above sea level, has been a local landmark and a symbol of tourism in mountain regions, according to local tourism operator Chen Wei-lin.
The closure of the Cingjing Starbucks, however, is part of a broader trend in the area. The Mist Plaza 7-Eleven, the nation's highest-elevated convenience store, is also set to close due to insufficient staffing and a sluggish domestic tourism industry. Meanwhile, the Cingjing 7-Eleven and the Small Swiss Garden 7-Eleven are no longer operating 24 hours due to low foot traffic at night, higher operating costs, and a broader decline in consumer spending in the Cingjing area.
Despite these closures, Cingjing remains accessible via frequent Taiwan Tourist Shuttle buses from Taichung to Puli and hourly buses from Puli to Cingjing. The Tourism Administration continues to organise summer stargazing events in Cingjing, and the Mist Plaza houses the highest-elevated 7-Eleven in the nation.
As for the future of the Starbucks location, Uni-President, the conglomerate that owns Starbucks, has yet to announce specific plans. However, potential alternatives include rebranding or repurposing the location for other businesses such as local tea houses or cafes, which could better align with the area's cultural and natural attractions. The site could also be converted into an area for conservation or educational purposes, focusing on local flora and fauna, or used for community projects or events, enhancing community engagement and supporting local tourism.
Cingjing Farm is taking proactive steps to boost tourism, launching in-depth indigenous culture tours and an outdoor starlight cinema to encourage overnight stays. The farm has also stopped raising cattle to reduce carbon emissions. In a positive note, students from Ren-ai Vocational High School will perform traditional indigenous dances at Taipei 101 on Aug. 1.
Moreover, Cingjing Farm is hosting a special exhibition at Taipei 101 to showcase local scenic beauty, historical artifacts, and photographs from the Seediq and Yunnan-Burma communities. Customers are invited to visit the closest Starbucks branch in Nantou's Puli Township after the Cingjing branch's final day of operations.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend checking local news sources or official announcements from Starbucks or the local authorities in Nantou County.
The Starbucks closure at Cingjing Farm signals a shift in the local tourism industry, potentially paving the way for establishments that align better with the area's cultural and natural attractions, such as local tea houses or cafes. Meanwhile, Cingjing Farm is diversifying its offerings to entice visitors, with plans for indigenous culture tours, an outdoor starlight cinema, and a reduction in cattle farming to reduce carbon emissions.
