Sun Moon Lake is the most famous scenic spot in Taiwan outside the capital, and a rewarding, if long, day trip from Taipei. The lake sits at about 750 metres in the mountains of Nantou county, and takes its name from its shape, with a rounded eastern shore said to look like the sun and a crescent western shore like the moon. Mist drifts over the water in the morning, and the surrounding hills turn blue by evening. The shoreline is dotted with places to stop: Wen Wu Temple, a grand temple complex climbing the hillside above the water; Ci En Pagoda, a nine-storey tower with sweeping views; Xuanzang Temple; and the lakeside village of Ita Thao, home to the Thao indigenous people, where stalls sell tea eggs, mountain pig sausage and millet wine. Boat cruises link the main piers, a cable car climbs to a hilltop cultural park, and a flat, well-signposted cycle path follows part of the shore. Local Assam black tea, grown on nearby slopes, is the regional speciality, and a cup on a terrace over the lake is a good way to end the day.
How it works
The lake is roughly two to three hours from Taipei, and the standard day trip takes the high-speed rail south to Taichung, then a coach or private car into the mountains. Guided day trips handle the transfers and the order of stops, which saves worrying about connections, and the full day is long, so most itineraries start early and return in the evening.
If you would rather not rush, an overnight stay by the lake is much more relaxed, and several guided options include one night. Check the weather before you go, since cloud and rain affect the views.
What to expect
You will spend more time travelling than at the lake itself, so go in the spirit of getting a taste of it. A typical day includes a cruise across the water, a visit to Wen Wu Temple, time to wander in Ita Thao, and perhaps a stop at the pagoda.
Weekends and school holidays are crowded, particularly around the piers and at Ita Thao, while weekdays are calm. The air is cooler than in Taipei, so bring a light layer even in summer. The lake is a good place for photographs in the early morning, but a day tour will not usually let you see the sunrise.
Making the most of it
Choose a weekday, start early, and decide what you most want to see, since you cannot do everything. A short stretch of the cycle path is the best way to feel the shore, and the cable car is worth it on a clear day. If you can stay overnight, you will see the lake in the quiet of the morning, when the mist and the temple bells are at their best.
Combine it with Alishan or Lukang on a longer tour if you have several days. Carry cash for small stalls, wear walking shoes, and bring a rain jacket for the afternoon showers common in the hills. Wet days still have their charms, because low cloud turns the lake silver and the temples quiet, though a cruise may be cancelled in strong wind, so keep your plans flexible and ask your guide about the alternatives.
What to expect
The experience
A long guided day trip by high-speed rail and coach, with a lake cruise and temple stops.
Best time
Weekdays and clear mornings, in autumn or spring.
How long
A full day, with several hours of travelling.
Tips
Start early, bring a light layer and consider staying a night.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want mountains and lake views beyond Taipei.
- Families
- A cruise and cable car suit children, but it is a long day.
- Couples
- Quiet lakeside terraces and misty mornings if you stay a night.
- Pair with
- Alishan or Lukang on a longer trip.
- Time needed
- A full day, or an overnight stay.
Good questions
How far is Sun Moon Lake from Taipei?+
About two to three hours each way using the high-speed rail and a coach or car.
Can I do Sun Moon Lake in a day?+
Yes, but the day is long. An overnight stay is more relaxing.
What is there to see?+
Wen Wu Temple, Ci En Pagoda, Ita Thao village, boat cruises and a cable car.
What is the local speciality?+
Assam black tea grown on nearby hillsides.
When is the best time to go?+
Weekdays in autumn or spring, when skies are clearer and crowds are smaller.
