Sun Moon Lake - Discovering Taiwan

Travelling to Sun Moon Lake

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Sun Moon Lake, a pretty good destination in Taiwan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Sun Moon Lake and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Sun Moon Lake, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Taiwan, here's everything to know about Sun Moon Lake for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful lake located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, with a total area of approximately 7.93 km². The name "Sun Moon Lake" comes from the unique shape of the lake, which resembles the shape of a sun and a moon. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and mountains, and it is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty, natural hot springs, and cultural attractions such as temples and pagodas. There are also many outdoor activities available, such as hiking, biking, and boating. The best times to visit Sun Moon Lake are in the spring and fall when the weather is most pleasant.

What to visit in Sun Moon Lake

Here are some of the top tourist attractions to visit in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan: 1. Sun Moon Lake Ropeway - This cable car offers incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It is a great way to get an aerial perspective and take some amazing photos.
2. Wenwu Temple - This temple is located on the northern side of Sun Moon Lake and has a history dating back to the early 1900s. It is dedicated to Confucius, Guan Gong and Yue Fei, and is considered one of the most important temples in Taiwan.
3. Xiangshan Visitor Center - This visitor center is located on the eastern side of the lake and offers information and exhibits about the history, culture and ecology of the Sun Moon Lake area.
4. Ci'en Pagoda - This pagoda is also located on the northern side of the lake, and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Sun Moon Lake. It was built in honor of Chiang Kai-shek's mother and offers magnificent views of the lake.
5. Shuishe Village - Shuishe is a popular tourist area on the southern side of Sun Moon Lake, featuring restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels. It is also a great launching point for boat tours of the lake.
6. Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village - This theme park is located on the mountain above Sun Moon Lake and offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional culture of Taiwan's aboriginal tribes, as well as thrill rides and other attractions.
7. Syuentzang Temple - This temple is nestled in the mountains above Sun Moon Lake and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. It is a great place to escape the crowds and connect with nature.
There are plenty of other attractions as well, but these are some of the most popular and highly recommended ones. I hope this helps!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Taiwan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Sun Moon Lake.

When to go on holiday to Sun Moon Lake

The best time to visit Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan is during the months of April to June or September to November. These months have comfortable temperatures, less rainfall and are less crowded. The hot summer months of July and August can be very crowded and also have higher chances of rain. Winter months from December to February can be very cold, particularly at night. Therefore, it's recommended to plan your visit during spring or fall season.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Sun Moon Lake

To get to Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan, there are a few transportation options: 1. By Bus: From Taipei, take a bus from Taipei Bus Station to Sun Moon Lake. The journey takes around three hours. There are also direct buses from Taichung and other major cities in Taiwan. 2. By Train: Take a train to Taichung Railway Station, then transfer to a bus to Sun Moon Lake. 3. By Car or Taxi: You can rent a car or take a taxi directly to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung or Taipei. Once you arrive at Sun Moon Lake, you can explore the area by foot, bicycle, or take a boat tour around the lake.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Sun Moon Lake, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Sun Moon Lake

Here are some typical foods of Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan along with a short description for each: 1. Sun Moon Lake Black Tea - Grown in the mountains surrounding Sun Moon Lake, this tea is famous for its rich aroma, sweetness, and smoothness.
2. Bamboo Rice - A specialty dish of the aboriginal Thao tribe, bamboo rice is cooked with glutinous rice, meat, and vegetables inside a bamboo tube, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.
3. Grilled Wild Boar Sausage - Made from wild boar meat, these sausages are grilled over charcoal fire and seasoned with garlic and other spices, resulting in a unique smoky flavor.
4. Roasted Tea Duck - A specialty dish of Sun Moon Lake, tea duck is made by marinating duck meat in black tea leaves, soy sauce, and other seasonings, then roasted until tender and juicy.
5. Stewed Pork Knuckles - A traditional Taiwanese dish, stewed pork knuckles are slow-cooked in soy sauce, rice wine, and spices until tender and flavorful.
6. Stir-Fried Wild Vegetables - Sun Moon Lake is also known for its wild vegetables, which are abundant in the surrounding mountains. They are stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and other seasonings to create a healthy and delicious dish.
7. Freshwater Fish - Sun Moon Lake is home to several species of freshwater fish, including tilapia and carp. They are often grilled or steamed and served with soy sauce and scallions.
8. Chestnut Soup - Made from roasted chestnuts, this soup is sweet and nutty, and is often served as a dessert or a snack.
You can find general info about typical foods in Taiwan here.

Is Sun Moon Lake an expensive destination for tourists?

Sun Moon Lake is a popular destination for tourists in Taiwan, and the prices can vary depending on the type of accommodation, activities and transport. Generally speaking, compared to other destinations in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake can be considered as a mid-range to high-end destination. Accommodation prices can range from budget guesthouses to high-end resorts. Transportation costs can add up if you choose to travel by taxi or private transfer, but there are also affordable bus options available. Activities such as biking, boat tours, and cable car rides can also add to the expense. However, there are also free or affordable activities such as hiking and visiting temples that can help offset the cost.
Overall, whether Sun Moon Lake is an expensive destination for tourists will depend on your travel style and budget. With a bit of research, it is possible to experience Sun Moon Lake without breaking the bank.

Where to find accomodation in Sun Moon Lake

The best areas to find accommodation when visiting Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan are: 1) Yuchi: This is the most convenient area as it is located right next to Sun Moon Lake and has the largest selection of hotels and guesthouses.
2) Shuishe: This area is also located near Sun Moon Lake and is a popular choice for its beautiful lake views and waterfront accommodations.
3) Ita Thao: This area is on the eastern shore of Sun Moon Lake and offers a more traditional cultural experience as well as a variety of accommodations ranging from guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Overall, Yuchi and Shuishe are more commonly recommended for travelers visiting Sun Moon Lake due to their proximity to the lake and availability of accommodations.
You can check hotel prices at Sun Moon Lake here:
Booking.com

Is Sun Moon Lake a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any tourist destination, it is always best to take normal precautions like not leaving your belongings unattended in public places and being aware of your surroundings. It is also advisable to research and be aware of any safety concerns specific to the area before planning your trip. Additionally, it's a good idea to check for any travel advisories or alerts issued by your country's government before traveling.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Taiwan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Sun Moon Lake.

What type of travelers will enjoy Sun Moon Lake the most?

Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan is an excellent destination for a wide range of travelers, including couples, young people, and families. Here are some of the factors that might appeal to each group: - Couples: Sun Moon Lake offers a range of romantic experiences, from scenic boat rides on the lake to leisurely walks through beautiful gardens. There are also many luxury resorts and spas in the area that cater specifically to couples.
- Young people: While Sun Moon Lake may not be known for nightlife or partying, there are still plenty of fun activities to keep younger travelers engaged. Biking around the lake and taking part in watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular options. There are also several hiking trails in the area that provide stunning views of the lake.
- Families: Sun Moon Lake is a great spot for a family vacation, with plenty of kid-friendly activities available, such as boat rides and visits to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. The area is also home to several family-friendly resorts with amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds.

How to get around Sun Moon Lake

To move around Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan, the most common mode of transportation is by bus and bicycle. There are public buses that run around the lake and connect the various attractions. Many visitors also rent bicycles to explore the scenic trails around the lake. Another option is taking a boat tour, which provides a unique and picturesque perspective of the lake. Private transportation, such as taxis or rental cars, is also available but not necessarily recommended due to traffic flow and lack of parking at popular attractions.

What to see around Sun Moon Lake

Here are some suggestions for places to visit in a day trip from Sun Moon Lake: 1. Wenwu Temple: located at the north end of Sun Moon Lake, this Taoist temple features stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
2. Puli: a small town located 30 minutes from Sun Moon Lake, Puli is known for its Night Market, Chung Tai World Museum, and Paper Dome, a unique attraction made entirely of paper.
3. Xitou: a charming mountain village located less than an hour from Sun Moon Lake, Xitou is known for its beautiful forests, hot springs, and tea gardens.
4. Cingjing Farm: located about two hours from Sun Moon Lake, this picturesque farm features stunning views of the mountains along with sheep grazing and a variety of gardens.
5. Taichung City: the third-largest city in Taiwan is located about one hour from Sun Moon Lake. Taichung is known for its vibrant night markets, many parks and gardens, and cultural attractions like the National Museum of Natural Science and the National Taichung Theater.
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