【日月潭】Sun Moon Lake Guide
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Sun Moon Lake is located in Nantou County and holds the title of “Taiwan's largest body of water”. It captivates visitors with its unique shape resembling both the sun and a crescent moon. This picturesque destination has earned its spot as one of Taiwan's top attractions, drawing in a diverse range of tourists.
Sun Moon Lake has been on my travel bucket list for years, and finally experiencing its beauty was incredible. Even with just a day and a half of fun and adventures with my parents, Gabriel and I wished we had more time to explore this beautiful place.
I’ll be sharing the insights and tips I gained during my visit, offering a guide with personal experiences to help you make the most of your Sun Moon Lake adventure.
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table of contents
☀︎ Things to Do
☾ FAQ
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brief history
Legend has it that the discovery of Sun Moon Lake can be traced back to an ancestor of the Thao tribe, who stumbled upon this breathtaking gem while chasing a white deer.
Enchanted by the abundance of fish and shrimp, the Thao people decided to make Sun Moon Lake their home, contributing to the birth of a captivating legend.
Named for its distinctive shape, Sun Moon Lake features Lalu Island, which divides the water into two parts resembling a crescent moon and a round sun.
Beyond its mythical origins, Sun Moon Lake holds a significant place in Taiwanese history.
Resting in the middle of five major attractions — Huantan, Shuili River, Puli, Zhuoshui River, and Jiji — this alpine lake has been a focal point of cultural and historical importance.
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know before you go!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
November to April.
These months avoid the heat and humidity that the other months have. Which makes your visit to Sun Moon Lake more enjoyable and comfortable.
BEWARE of MIDGES!
Don't let the serene landscape fool you. Sun Moon Lake also has annoying, tiny, bloodsucking bugs called… Midges.
Midges may be small (than what our eye cam see), but their bites are ferocious. These elusive creatures can inflict discomfort with their tiny, painful bites that often go unnoticed until the next day.
MOSQUITO SPRAY
To prevent midges and mosquitoes from biting, be sure to BRING and REGULARLY APPLY mosquito spray.
Learn from my mistake! I forgot to spray mosquito spray all over while flying our drone and got bit A TON! 🥲
CASH IS KING
Many establishments are small businesses, which means — no credit cards! So remember to bring cash!
💡 PRO TIP
Bring mosquito spray at all times with you and consistently spray yourself to avoid being bit by midges and mosquitoes!
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plan your trip
TRIP DURATION LENGTH
When visiting Sun Moon Lake, my biggest regret was only being there for a day and a half and realizing that there was too much to do to fit in the half day the next day afterward.
To enjoy the most of Sun Moon Lake, consider staying around 2 - 4 days.
This timeframe allows you to check off the most enticing spots without feeling rushed.
SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Sun Moon Lake has its own unique allure in every season.
However, if you’re like me and want to avoid the heat AND stay away from those annoying midges and mosquitoes… Plan your visit from mid-November to April of next year.
November, although is still semi-warm, but it’s more of a comfortable time without the intense heat and humidity.
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Sun Moon Lake bucket list
Unsure
what to do?
I’ve created a Sun Moon bucket list filled with different types of activities to inspire you for your next visit there!
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getting around
While exploring Sun Moon Lake, there are a ton of different ways to get around the area.
Rent a bike
Renting a bike is not just a practical but also a fun way to enjoy your time and soak in the beauty of Sun Moon Lake. Electric bikes and traditional pedaled bikes are available for rent!
Keep in mind that electric bikes get rented out very quickly near trail entrances.
Hop on the boat and explore around the area!
Ride the boat
Gabriel and I purchased our boat tickets in advance through Klook, which gave us a discounted price. The only problem is that even when we purchased it digitally, we still needed to go to the ticket booth to get our physical ticket before we boarded the ferry.
Make sure to hold onto your physical ticket, as it serves as your passage to explore the various stops around the lake.
The ferry, arriving every 10 to 15 minutes, not only offers breathtaking panoramic views but the ferryman also provides insights into the rich history of Sun Moon Lake (currently only spoken in Chinese).
Drive
While driving is an option, it might be best suited as a last resort.
Finding parking spaces, particularly during peak tourist seasons, can be a bit of a challenge. If you decide to drive around, plan accordingly by checking out nearby parking spaces on maps.
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where to stay
There’s an endless amount of accommodation options catering to every traveler’s preferences.
We decided to stay in the Ita Thao area during our first visit.
This area is not only convenient but it’s bustling with different types small businesses. Even though it may be a bit touristy, but I highly recommend staying around this area when it’s your first time visiting Sun Moon Lake!
【湖悦景觀旅店】
Hu Yue Lake View Hotel
This was probably the best first-time location.
Not only does it have beautiful panoramic windows to view the stunning Sun Moon Lake, but it’s also conveniently close to the Ita Thao Shopping District and the Visitor Center to purchase your ferry tickets.
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things to do
There are so many things to do at Sun Moon Lake, such as hiking, visiting temples, and enjoying the local food! Here are some suggestions:
【伊達邵商店街】
Ita Thao Shopping District
Enjoy and discover new tastes through the local Taiwanese dishes, trying the delicious offerings in the vibrant Ita Thao Shopping District.
【 九蛙疊像】
Nine Frogs Stack
These cute frog statues basking in the water serves as a quirky ruler that measures the lake's level.
It’s become an iconic spot to take a picture of and know that you were at Sun Moon Lake before!
【伊達邵親水步道】
Yidashao Lakeside Trail
Ita Shao Trail is 2.4 km long, making it an ideal biking place with its relatively new path.
The journey starts off at Chunghwa Telecom and takes you through the Sun Moon Lake Cable Car Station to Shuiwatou.
【玄光寺】
Xuanguang Wharf
Head to the Xuanguang Wharf and visit the Xuanguang Temple.
At this place, you can take some stunning pictures with your beautiful Sun Moon Lake as the scenic backdrop.
You can also try their delicious tea eggs from Grandma's Tea Eggs (金盆阿婆香菇茶叶蛋).
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FAQ
Q: What is so special about Sun Moon Lake?
A: Sun Moon Lake's specialty lies in its picture-perfect landscape, shaped like a sun and a moon, and its captivating legend. According to folklore, the lake was discovered by an ancestor of the Thao tribe while chasing a white deer. The abundance of fish and shrimp in the lake led the Thao people to settle in the area, creating a rich cultural heritage.
Q: Why is it called Sun Moon Lake?
A: The lake's name came from its distinctive shape, resembling a sun and a moon when viewed from above. Lalu Island, a small island located in the center of the lake, divides the water into two parts, creating a unique sun and moon formation.
Q: What is the legend of Sun Moon Lake?
A: The legend of Sun Moon Lake traces back to the Thao tribe's discovery of the lake while hunting. Impressed by its natural beauty and abundant resources, the Thao people made Sun Moon Lake their home, contributing to the local folklore and culture.
Q: Is visiting Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan worth it?
A: Yes! Being there in person is SO much better than just seeing the pictures online. If you love nature, street food, and not to mention, tea, you definitely have to visit Sun Moon Lake! The lake itself is so beautiful — it doesn’t matter if it’s overcast or sunny, just being there feels incredible.
Q: Can you swim in the Sun Moon Lake?
A: While swimming in Sun Moon Lake is generally not recommended due to boat traffic and the use of the lake as a drinking water source, there is an annual 3-kilometer swimming race held during the Mid-Autumn Festival. If you're a strong swimmer and interested in participating, you can sign up for the race.
You can also participate in paddleboarding on the lake with a professional instructor, so you don't have to worry about experience! They provide the equipment and gear for paddleboarding, and you can take amazing pictures and simply enjoy being on top of the lake!
Q: Can you cycle around Sun Moon Lake?
A: Yes! You can rent bikes and cycle around, but there are steps where you may need to carry your rented bike up and down the stairs to bike all around Sun Moon Lake. There are electric bikes and regular bikes for rent. The electric bikes tend to get rented out pretty quickly, so I suggest pre-booking your bike online first.
Q: Can you walk around Sun Moon Lake?
A: Yes! Walking around Sun Moon Lake is another great way to appreciate its beauty. While it may take longer than cycling, walking allows you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
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final thoughts
Is Sun Moon Lake worth the trip? Hell yes!
This place seamlessly blends nature, history, and tradition — perfect for people who love the outdoors, history and culture, and lastly, want to experience street food!
While I've shared some of my memorable experiences, there's still so much more to explore at Sun Moon Lake.
Once I get to experience them, I'll uncover more and share valuable tips.
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Sun Moon Lake: FAQ
Sun Moon Lake: Historic Tracks
Sun Moon Lake: Planning Your Trip
Sun Moon Lake: Ita Thao Water Trail
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check out my Taiwan travel vlog!
If you’re interested in seeing the beauty of Sun Moon Lake, it starts at 3:50!
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