Sun Moon Lake
East Asia · Taiwan
Did you know?
- At 760 m above sea level, this is Taiwan's largest lake.
- The 30 km cycling loop takes about 4½-6 hours for a semi-fit rider.
- Lalu Island in the lake is sacred to the Thao tribe.
See also
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Alishan
Taiwan23.52°N 120.80°E
Overview
Set 760 metres above sea level amid a mountain backdrop, the lake is a peaceful base for cycling and boat trips. Ita Thao village, temples, and the Thao people's living culture add depth to a slower escape from Taiwan's major cities.
Languages: Chinese
Why Go?
Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan, set 760 m above sea level with clear, sparkling blue water against a picturesque mountain backdrop. It has been a center of aboriginal life for thousands of years, with the Thao tribe as original inhabitants, and their culture remains visible in Ita Thao village. The lake is a traditional honeymoon spot for newly-wed couples, offering cycling loops, boat tours, and temple visits without the chaos of Taiwan's major cities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
No trains go directly to Sun Moon Lake; the closest major station is Taichung, from where you will need to take a bus or taxi. Buses from Taichung Railway Station take approximately 1.5-2 hours to reach Shuishe Visitor Center, the main transit hub on the lake's western shore.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
You can get around by bus, car, scooter, bike, or boat. A loop road more or less circles the lake, though you'll need to leave the road for lake views. The most direct way from one side of the lake to another is by boat. Bicycles can be rented near Shuishe Visitor Center for NT$200-300 per day, with dedicated cycling paths on the western shore.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
The lake is a year-round destination. Summer (June-August) offers warm weather ideal for cycling and boating but draws the largest crowds. Winter (December-February) is quieter with cooler temperatures around 10-15°C. The lake sits at 760 m elevation, so temperatures are moderate year-round compared to the Taiwan lowlands.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Accommodation clusters around Shuishe on the western shore and Yuchih (Yuchi) on the eastern shore. Budget options include Sun Moon Lake Backpacker's Paradise at NT$350 per night with WiFi and hot water, and Min Ren Hotel at NT$1,000 for a twin/double room (NT$1,200 weekends). Mid-range choices like Harbor Shui Sha Lian Hotel include lake views with dinner and breakfast. The five-star Lalu Hotel and Fleur de Chine Hotel cater to luxury travelers on the northern peninsula.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Local specialties include Jin Men Ah Ma Cha Ye Dan (金門阿嬤茶葉蛋), famous tea-braised eggs available at Xuan Guang Si pier, and Shaw tribe traditional food at Shuishe Pier. Ita Thao village has many aboriginal-owned shops selling local food. For drinks, Tenshubar Black Tea and Tea Liquor Tasting Laboratory opens 16:00-23:00 at No.58 Jhongjheng Rd, while Luna Lounge at No.3 Shueishalian St serves drinks from 12:00-23:00.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Yuchi (九族文化村) showcases nine of Taiwan's indigenous ethnic groups for NT$900 per adult, open 09:00-17:00 daily. Wenwu Temple is the largest temple on the northern bank. Ci-en Pagoda (46 m tall, built 1971) offers the best lake overview, open 09:00-16:30. Lalu Island in the middle of the lake is sacred to the Thao tribe. Cycling the 30 km loop takes 4½-6 hours for a semi-fit person at NT$200-300 per bicycle. Boat tours cost about NT$300 per person and visit multiple locations. Rowboats are NT$200 per hour plus NT$200 security deposit.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Aboriginal handicrafts—mostly made from wood or bamboo—are sold throughout the area. Ita Thao village has many shops owned by aboriginal vendors, offering authentic handmade goods. The Antique Assam tea farm north of the lake near Puli is open 08:00-17:00 for tea purchases.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
From Sun Moon Lake, popular day trips include Puli (for the Chung Tai Chan Temple and paper factory), the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, and the tea farms of the surrounding Nantou County. Taichung is the main hub for onward travel, with connections to Taipei, Alishan, and other Taiwanese destinations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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Del Lago Hotel
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Fleur de Chine Hotel
A five-star resort on the Northern Peninsula of the Sun Moon Lake.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Harbor Resort Hotel
42-room hotel, on lake, with restaurant and sauna. Rooms are decent and location is good.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Harbor Shui Sha Lian Hotel
Yuchih Township. Rooms with lake view, dinner and breakfast included (limited choice buffet at night, Taiwanese-style breakfast).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Min Ren Hotel
The place is basic, and there's no lake view, but the beds are comfortable and every room has its own bathroom, AC and TV.
Recorded price: NT$1,000 for twin or double room (NT$1,200 during weekends/holidays), breakfast not included
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Sun Moon Lake Backpacker's Paradise
The place provides basic and necessary equipments, and there's Wi-Fi access and hot water provided.
Recorded price: NT$350 for one person and night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Sun Moon Lake Teacher's Hostel
This is a very nice hostel, intended for credentialed teachers. Non teachers can also book rooms on a space available basis. Well located in Yuchuch.
Recorded price: Rooms start at NT$2,200 midweek
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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The Lalu Hotel
A five-star hotel in Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi available at some accommodations including Sun Moon Lake Backpacker's Paradise. Taiwan uses Type A/F power plugs (same as US/Japan, 110V).
Culture
The Thao tribe are the original inhabitants. Ita Thao village is the center of Thao culture. Aboriginal involvement in tourism dates to the 1930s.
Money
Currency is New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Most hotels and restaurants accept cards, but carry cash for markets and smaller vendors.
Transport
No train station at Sun Moon Lake—take a bus or taxi from Taichung (1.5-2 hours). The main hub is Shuishe Visitor Center.
Weather
Lake sits at 760 m elevation. Summer is warm; winter cools to 10-15°C. Year-round moderate temperatures compared to Taiwan's lowlands.