Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan · Nantou · 748 m
Description
Sun Moon Lake (日月潭), Riyuetan in Mandarin, is the largest lake in Taiwan, held at about 750 metres in the hills of Nantou and named for the shapes of its two halves around a small central island. A paved cycle path runs most of the way round and is regularly listed among the best lakeside rides anywhere. The temples above the water are the fixed points. Wenwu stands on the north shore, the Ci En Pagoda built by Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother on the ridge to the south, and Xuanzang Temple between them. Ita Thao on the southeast shore is the village of the Thao, the smallest recognised indigenous group in Taiwan. A ropeway links the lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, and the hills around Yuchi produce the black tea the lake is known for.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: March – April or November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Sun Moon Lake
- Wenwu Temple
- Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
- Ita Thao Village
- Ita Thao Food Street
- Cingjing Farm(Day trip)
- Shuishe Pier Boat Tours
- Hehuanshan(Day trip)
- Ci En Pagoda
- Xuanzang Temple
- Xuanguang Temple
- Lake Loop Cycling Path
- Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
- Puli Town(Day trip)
- Lalu Island
- Xiangshan Visitor Center
- Yuchi Black Tea
- Jiji Branch Railway Line(Day trip)
- Culture of the Thao People
- Shuishe Village
- Hanbi Trail
- Checheng Wood Industry Museum(Day trip)
- Yidashao Lakeside Trail
- Maolan Mountain Trail
- Songbailun Natural Park
- Meihe Park
- Nine Frogs Stack
- Church of Christ at Sun Moon Lake
Getting there
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry