An enchanting destination and Taiwan’s largest lake, Sun Moon Lake surrounds the tiny island of Lalu situated within the Yuchi Township in the heart of the country. Coveted for its natural beauty and juxtaposing moon and sun shapes, this cultural symbol is home to the Thao tribe, one of the major aboriginal tribes in Taiwan.
The lake sits at the base of the Nantou Mountains, offering a plethora of hiking trails. The 1.5-hour hike up Mt. Maolan rewards you with stunning views of the water below. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, you can also bike around the perimeter of the lake or take a boat across it.
Be sure to check out Ita Thao, the village of the aboriginal people that live there. The Ci-en Pagoda is located nearby, rising 46 metres to the sky in honour of the mother of President Chiang Kai-shek. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a boat out to Lalu Island, revered as sacred land by the locals. A final point of interest is the Wenwu Temple, located on the northern bank of the lake.
Getting there
The best way to get to Sun Moon Lake is by bus or taxi. Some buses route directly from Taichung or Taipei, the road looping around its entirety, providing easy access to popular shore destinations. Ride the cable car overlooking the lake for exquisite views of the area.