Sun Moon Lake
A tranquil alpine oasis where the mountains meet the mist, and cycling is poetry in motion.
Fluid Duality
Nestled at 748 meters in the Central Mountain Range, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest body of water. Its name comes from its distinct geography: the east side resembles a sun, while the west curves like a crescent moon. It is the ancestral home of the Thao tribe and a place of profound spiritual calm.
Pedaling on Water
The Sun Moon Lake Bikeway has been named by CNN as one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world. A section of the path is built on stilts directly over the water, giving the illusion of gliding across the lake’s glassy surface amidst morning mists.
Wenwu Temple
Perched on the northern mountainside, the grandiose Wenwu Temple offers the best panoramic views of the lake. Guarded by two colossal stone lions, this temple is dedicated to both the God of Literature (Wen) and the God of War (Wu), symbolizing a balance of wisdom and strength.
What To Expect
Lake Cruises
Electric boats shuttle visitors between the three main piers: Shuishe, Xuanguang, and Ita Thao (the aboriginal village).
Cable Car
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway offers a breathtaking aerial view, connecting the lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
Thao Delicacies
Try the famous “President’s Fish,” millet wine, and Assam black tea, a unique tea variety grown in the surrounding hills.
Ah-Po Tea Eggs
Don’t miss the legendary tea eggs sold by Grandma at Xuanguang Pier—simmered for hours in shiitake mushrooms and tea.
Nantou County
Sun Moon Lake is located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County—the only landlocked county in Taiwan. It is geographically the center of the island.
Access: The most direct route is taking the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Route 6670) from the HSR Taichung Station (approx. 90 mins).
Ticket Options
Lake Pass
NT$ 480Includes unlimited hop-on hop-off boat rides for the day + Ropeway (Cable Car) round trip ticket.
Bike Rental
NT$ 200+Standard bike rental for 2 hours. Electric bikes (recommended for the hills) start around NT$ 500.
Bus from Taichung
NT$ 195One-way ticket on the Tourist Shuttle from Taichung High-Speed Rail station to Shuishe Visitor Center.
Visiting Tips
- Stay Overnight: The lake is overcrowded during the day but magical at dawn. Stay in Shuishe or Ita Thao to see the mist.
- Direction: Cycle the route in a clockwise direction if you plan to do the whole loop (30km), it makes the climbs easier.
- Mosquitoes: The lakeside environment attracts biting midges (black mosquitoes). Bring strong insect repellent.
- Swimming: Swimming is strictly forbidden except during the annual “Swimming Carnival” in September.
