Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide

🌊 Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide

🚍 Transportation

1. From Taipei

High-Speed Rail: Take the train to Taichung HSR Station → Transfer to Nantou Bus "Taichung HSR—Sun Moon Lake" direct route, approximately 90 minutes.

Bus: Kuo-Kuang Bus and Taichung Bus offer direct routes, taking about 3.5–4 hours.

2. Driving

From Taichung: About 1.5 hours by car.

From Taipei: About 3.5 hours by car.

🚤 Activities

1. Lakeside Road

The road around the lake is about 30 kilometers long. You can drive, rent an electric scooter, or ride a bicycle.

There are dedicated bike paths along the way, once named one of the "Top 10 Most Beautiful Bike Paths in the World."

2. Sun Moon Lake Boat Tour

You can take a boat between Shuishe Pier and Ita Thao Pier. Both one-way tickets and package tickets are available.

It is recommended to buy a day pass for unlimited boarding.

3. Cable Car

Take the cable car from Sun Moon Lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, enjoying a panoramic view of the lake from above.

📍 Must-Visit Attractions

Shuishe Pier: The transportation hub of Sun Moon Lake, bustling and fun to explore.

Ita Thao Pier: A Thao tribe village with a night market offering local snacks.

Wenwu Temple: Built on a hillside, offering a stunning view of the lake.

Xuanguang Temple: Famous for its "Grandma's Tea Eggs."

Xiangshan Visitor Center: Designed by Tadao Ando, a must-visit for photo enthusiasts.

Bike Path: Recommended section "Xiangshan—Shuishe," offering the most beautiful lake views.

🍴 Local Cuisine

Thao Tribe Cuisine: Bamboo rice, wild boar meat, and wild vegetables.

Grandma's Tea Eggs (Xuanguang Temple): A must-try snack.

Ita Thao Night Market: Wild boar sausage, grilled mochi, and fried wild vegetables.

Black Tea: Sun Moon Lake Black Tea (Assam Black Tea, Ruby No. 18).

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

Lakeview Hotels: The Lalu, Fleur de Chine Hotel, ideal for a relaxing vacation.

Budget Options: Guesthouses near Shuishe Pier.

Unique Experience: Ita Thao tribal guesthouses, offering indigenous cultural experiences.

⏰ Suggested Itineraries

One-Day Trip

Morning: Arrive at Sun Moon Lake → Take a boat tour

Noon: Lunch at Ita Thao Pier → Try local snacks

Afternoon: Cable car ride → Xiangshan Visitor Center → Bike around the lake

Evening: Ita Thao Night Market → Return

Two-Day Trip

Day 1: Boat tour → Wenwu Temple → Xiangshan Visitor Center → Stay at Ita Thao Night Market

Day 2: Early morning bike ride to enjoy the lake view → Xuanguang Temple → Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village or Puli Winery → Return

✅ Tips

The scenery at Sun Moon Lake is most beautiful at dawn and dusk, so consider an early morning bike ride.

Summer can be hot, so remember to use sunscreen, while autumn and winter are perfect for boat tours.

Weekends can be crowded, so book your accommodation and boat tickets in advance.