Sun Moon Lake Hotels

Scenic Sun Moon Lake

With a calm crystalline surface and a 762m-high (2,500ft) alpine backdrop, Taiwan’s largest natural lake only has one fault – you can’t swim in it. ... Read more »

It’s hard to see the logic of this when its waters are littered with a profusion of boats. The strangest are irrefutably the traditional Chinese-style ones, which literally look like motorised temples. Hiking is also huge here with both tourists and locals, so break in your walking boots on Cinglong Hiking Trail or head to Hanbi if you consider yourself a marching maestro. For arresting scenery minus the sweat stains, you can’t miss the pretty Bamboo Stone Garden and nearby Jianjing Temple. And if you’re still bitter about the bathing rules, hang around for the Mid-Autumn Festival when the city loosens up a little by hosting a mass communal swim.

Sun Moon Lake’s Top 10

10. Mount Meihu Trail Takes the adventurous through emerald forests and past roaring waterfalls. Stunning!	5. Lalu Island This teeny island’s weird shape is to blame for the lake’s name.
9. Mount Maolan Take in the views with a nice cuppa from the tea-processing plant nearby.	4. Xuan Zhuang Temple Get in touch with your spiritual side at this colourful Buddhist temple.
8. Syuanzang Temple The Tang dynasty monk had one hell of a collection of ancient relics.	3. Ci En Pagoda If you can manage the stairs, the peak of this pagoda will give you an epic view.
7. Ita Thao This scenic walk is best ended with some traditional Thao fare.	2. Wen Wu Temple This mammoth temple’s three halls are packed with colourful shrines.
6. Peacock Garden This garden is home to everything from peacocks to mountain chickens.	1. Cruise Whether it’s in a craft vessel or a DIY rower, this is the best way to enjoy the waters.

Sun Moon Lake History

Wunwu Temple – Designed in the “palace style” of northern China, this imposing temple is absolutely magnificent.
Jianjing Temple – While it may be relatively small and simple, this earth god shrine has a fascinating story behind it.
Cishih Syuanji Temple – As Taiwan’s only temple dedicated to the worship of Kong-ming, this is definitely worth the visit.
Chung Tai Chan Monastery – The third-largest monastery in the world is sure to not disappoint travellers.
Long Feng Gong – Dedicated to the god of marriage, this famous Sun Moon Lake shrine is sure to add romance to any vacation.

Sun Moon Lake Art & Culture

Ita Thao – This village is the main settlement of the Thao people.
Shueishe Visitor Centre – Dedicated to providing tourists with the best possible service, it is well worth the visit.
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village - An interesting mix of entertainment and education, this Sun Moon Lake establishment offers a comprehensive presentation of all the tribes of Taiwan.
Paper Dome – A church made entirely of paper tubes is certainly a sight you will not forget.
Ji Ji Xian – This railroad is a popular tourist attraction.

Sun Moon Lake Shopping

Puli Brewery – Rice wine tasting and purchasing: who could resist it?
Feeling18 Chocolate Shop – This raw chocolate shop is filled with delectable delights.
Ita Thao shops – Here tourists will find an amazing assortment of aboriginal handicrafts.
Tea shops around the lake – Dotted around Sun Moon Lake, travellers will find an assortment of shops selling specialty black tea.
Kwang Hsin Paper Workshop – A family of paper artisans runs this adorable little shop.

Sun Moon Lake Events

Every February, thousands descend on the area for the Cherry Blossom Festival. If you think the blossoms look good during the day, wait till they’re lit up at night.

Firefly Season lasts only 10 days in April/May, but the glowing impression it leaves will last far longer.

September brings a mass communal swimming event to Sun Moon Lake. The Cross-Lake Swim Meet isn’t just a relaxing dip, though – it’s a 3km (1.9 miles) long race!

September’s Thao Harvest Festival is a Thao tradition. Music comes courtesy of ‘Sounds of Pestle’, a traditional tapping of stones and bamboo.

The lake lights up in October for the Sun Moon Lake Festival. Aside from the fireworks, don’t forget to take advantage of the overflowing food stalls.

When To Go

Sun Moon Lake sees mild winters and toasty summers. The former dips down to 10ºC (50ºF), while summer days average around 30ºC (86ºF).
May to August is the rainiest time of year, with June seeing the worst of it.
For optimum natural surrounds, including some killer cherry blossoms, visit Sun Moon Lake in the early months of the year.

Getting Around

Buses run every hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are a very reliable way to explore.
Hiring a scooter is another popular option but is best left to experienced riders as the roads can be a bit of a challenge.
Walking is the best way to get around the border of the lake – there is no shortage of trails.

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