SUN MOON LAKE
Hugged by mountain ranges on all sides and often coated in low-lying clouds and layers of mist, Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s must-visit destinations and one of its most iconic and accessible mountain landscapes. Only a 1-hour drive into the Central Mountain Range from Taichung, Sun Moon Lake is home to first-class resorts, a tea research center, indigenous cultural experiences and tribal tourism, water sports and an internationally-lauded bicycle path.
With so much to do in a small area, it’s the perfect attraction to visit for a weekend getaway. We offer customizable options for a private 2-day tour tailored to your preferences. However, if you have the luxury of more time, we highly recommend our multi-day tours of Taiwan, all of which include an enriching stop at Sun Moon Lake. Take your time to explore and immerse yourself in the beauty of this captivating destination.
The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area has received multiple awards, including being named in the Top 100 Green Destinations worldwide for multiple years in a row. Naturally, the best way to experience the natural serenity of the area is a 30-mile-long lakeside cycling trail built that circumnavigates the lake itself.
This idyllic alpine lake is also the ancestral home of the Thao indigenous tribe. In the Thao language, the lake is called “Wazaqan”, which is the same word used to refer to the sea. The Thao Performance Center in the lakeside indigenous village of Ita Thao offers an opportunity to experience and participate in their rich customs and traditions.
Besides biking, outdoor recreation opportunities also include hiking, tea tourism, sunrise stand-up paddle tours and a mass swim (once a year in September).
Other all-ages attractions at Sun Moon Lake include popular temples like Wenwu Temple, Xuanguang Temple, Syuentzang Temple, and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
A wish talisman hanging on the wall of the temple. (right)
For a relaxing day, rent an electric bike and stop by Ho Ho Cha – a Japanese-styled tea house along the trail, and simply take in the tranquility at this piece of paradise. If you want something challenging, try climbing up any of the nearby peaks for a unique vantage point of the lake or waking up early enough to view the sunrise while standing on the lake in a stand-up paddle tour.
