After spending some time in the southern part of Taiwan, it’s time to go back to Taipei. My trip to Taiwan for 11 days includes exploring both the south and the north. On the other hand, it felt like I hadn’t yet maximized my Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Unlimited Tourist Pass, which made me decide to visit another tourist destination in the central part of Taiwan aside from visiting Alishan National Park. That being said, I decided to visit the Sun Moon Lake for a day, which is located in the heart of Taiwan’s Nantou County and is a picturesque destination renowned for its stunning scenery, tranquil waters, and rich cultural heritage.
This enchanting lake, surrounded by lush mountains, offers amazing natural beauty and cultural experiences. In this blog post, find out how to get to Sun Moon Lake, things to do, and things to see here for a day.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake
Getting to Sun Moon Lake is very accessible. Whether you’re coming from Taipei or Kaoshiung, you can take a high-speed rail or train to Taichung. Then take a bus or taxi to get to Sun Moon Lake. From the train station, there’s a direct bus heading to Sun Moon Lake, which takes about a 1.5-hour drive from Taichung.
Alternatively, you can use the direct shuttle buses available from major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung.
Essential Travel Guide & Tips
- The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier.
- Mandarin is the official language, but English is commonly understood in tourist areas. You can use Google Translate if you find it difficult to communicate with the locals.
- The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available.
- Sun Moon Lake is a safe destination for travelers. However, always follow local advice and respect nature.
- From the train station, there’s a stall that offers Sun Moon Lake tour packages. You can go there to avail of its day tour packages, which include a whole-day tour of Sun Moon Lake, visiting the tourist spots, and bus fares from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake or vice versa.
- If you’re traveling to Sun Moon Lake for a day (Sun Moon Lake Pass), make sure to leave early in the morning so you can maximize your time and explore a lot of spots in the area.
Things to Do in Sun Moon Lake
Take Boat Tours
You can take a boat tour around Sun Moon Lake and enjoy the scenic views surrounding the lake itself. With that, this also allows you to admire the lake’s stunning landscapes and learn about its legends, including the story of the Sun and Moon.
Visit the Wenwu Temple
After taking the boat tour, you may visit the Wenwu temple. This grand temple is dedicated to Confucius, Guan Yu, and Yue Fei. It offers impressive architecture and sweeping views of the lake.
Visit Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Take the cable car to this cultural park that features indigenous culture exhibits, traditional performances, and a thrilling amusement park.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to enter the village since I didn’t have enough time to explore the area, and its entrance fee was not included in the tour package that I had availed of.
See the Ci’en Pagoda
Hike up to see the Ci’en Pagoda for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trek is moderately challenging but rewarding.
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
Enjoy a scenic cable car ride that provides breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
Lalu Island
Visit this small island in the lake, accessible only by boat. It’s a peaceful spot ideal for reflection and appreciating nature.
Go Cycling
If you have enough time, you can also try renting a bike and exploring the around-the-lake bike path. It’s a great way to see the area at your own pace.
Go Tea Tasting
You can visit local tea houses and sample Taiwan’s renowned oolong tea, grown in the nearby hills.
My Thoughts on Visiting Sun Moon Lake
Since I didn’t have enough time to explore Sun Moon Lake, I couldn’t say that much about the place. Nevertheless, I was able to visit the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of nature from above. Sun Moon Lake is a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this scenic gem in Taiwan offers something for every traveler. I wish to come back next time and stay for a few more days!
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.