Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan, China's largest high-mountain lake, with boats linking Shueishe, Xuanguang Temple, and Yidashao. Cycling around the lake and cable cars offering lake views, plus a side trip to Jiji town and the Puli Brewery.

Sun Moon Lake lies in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan, China, at an elevation of about 748 m. It is the largest natural freshwater lake in Taiwan, China. Divided by Lalu Island in the middle, its northern half is shaped like the sun and its southern half curves like a moon, and mountains surround it. It is also the traditional territory of the Thao people.

The weather from October to April is cool and dry, with morning mist often over the lake. Around March, cherry blossoms bloom at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. From May to September it is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms, and typhoons are a concern in July to September.

The core of the area is the lake itself. Shueishe is the transport and accommodation hub, and lake boats connect its three piers: Shueishe, Xuanguang Temple, and Yidashao. On the south shore are Xuanguang Temple, Xuanzang Temple, and Tzu En Pagoda. On the north shore is the Wenwu Temple. On the southwest shore, the Xiangshan Visitor Center is a popular spot for photographing its architecture, and the bike path from Xiangshan to Shueishe is especially popular. From Yidashao, a cable car takes you to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.

Beyond the lake, to the north in Puli, you can visit Chung Tai Chan Monastery, the Puli Brewery, the Paper Church, and the Guangxing Paper Workshop. To the west, the Jiji branch line takes you to Checheng and Jiji town, where you can see the Wuchang Palace and the Green Tunnel. In the mountains of Yuchi Township, old tea factories let you taste Sun Moon Lake black tea.

Getting there: from Taichung HSR Station or downtown Taichung, take the Nantou Bus Sun Moon Lake line for about 1.5–2 hours to Shueishe. Within the lake area, use the lake loop bus, boats, and bike rentals. Plan 1–2 days, and staying one night lets you see the morning mist and sunrise. Weekends and holidays are busy, so confirm boat tickets and guesthouses in advance.

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