Sun Moon LakeThings To Do

01

Shuishe Marina

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:scenic
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Shuishe Marina curves gracefully along the teal waters of Sun Moon Lake. Wooden boardwalks stretch outward, lined with small boats

Shuishe Marina feature
Shuishe Marina view 1
Shuishe Marina view 2
02

Hanbi Trail

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:nature
PEAK:06:00 - 18:00
MAP

This red-brick path winds along the quiet, emerald edge of Sun Moon Lake. Shaded by tall camphor trees and green bamboo, the trail

Hanbi Trail feature
Hanbi Trail view 1
Hanbi Trail view 2
03

Sun Moon Lake Bicycle Trail

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:08:00 - 17:00
MAP

A smooth boardwalk curves gently above emerald waters, framed by towering green mountains. Cyclists glide along the shoreline, fee

Sun Moon Lake Bicycle Trail feature
Sun Moon Lake Bicycle Trail view 1
Sun Moon Lake Bicycle Trail view 2
04

Xiangshan Visitor Center

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:modern
PEAK:10:00 - 15:00
MAP

Designed by Japanese architect Norihiko Dan, this fair-faced concrete pavilion rises like organic landforms from the earth. The st

Xiangshan Visitor Center feature
Xiangshan Visitor Center view 1
Xiangshan Visitor Center view 2
05

Sin Shan Wei Restaurant

Sin Shan Wei Restaurant welcomes diners with warm wooden tables and local indigenous decorations. The rustic interior hums with th

06

Shuishe Shopping Area

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:urban
PEAK:10:00 - 17:00
MAP

Shuishe Shopping Area serves as the bustling entry point to Sun Moon Lake. Modern storefronts and local hotels line the clean stre

Shuishe Shopping Area feature
Shuishe Shopping Area view 1
Shuishe Shopping Area view 2
07

Xuanguang Pier

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:10:00 - 15:00
MAP

The wooden pier projects into the turquoise waters of Sun Moon Lake under forested hills. Traditional wooden shuttle boats dock al

Xuanguang Pier feature
Xuanguang Pier view 1
Xuanguang Pier view 2
08

Xuanguang Temple

ACTIVITY:sightseeing, spiritual
VIBE:heritage, serene, spiritual
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Xuanguang Temple sits on a gentle slope beside Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. The temple faces calm blue water ringed by foreste

Xuanguang Temple feature
Xuanguang Temple view 1
Xuanguang Temple view 2
09

Syuentzang Temple

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:10:00 - 12:00
MAP

Syuentzang Temple stands on Qinglong Mountain, overlooking the quiet waters of Sun Moon Lake. Its architecture mimics the classic

Syuentzang Temple feature
Syuentzang Temple view 1
Syuentzang Temple view 2
10

Ci'en Pagoda

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:10:00 - 16:00
MAP

Rising elegantly above the lush mountains, Ci'en Pagoda commands attention. The traditional octagonal structure stands tall agains

Ci'en Pagoda feature
Ci'en Pagoda view 1
Ci'en Pagoda view 2
11

Chun Hua Restaurant

Chun Hua Restaurant feels warm and unpolished, with the easy rhythm of a lakeside dining room. Tables fill with shared plates, fra

12

Ita Thao Pier

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Wooden boardwalks stretch over the quiet, teal waters of Sun Moon Lake. Moored passenger boats bob gently against the docks as mor

Ita Thao Pier feature
Ita Thao Pier view 1
Ita Thao Pier view 2
13

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:10:00 - 15:00
MAP

The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway offers breathtaking aerial views of Taiwan's most famous alpine lake. Vibrant cable cars glide smoothly

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway feature
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway view 1
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway view 2
14

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:10:00 - 15:00
MAP

This sprawling park sits in lush green mountains near Sun Moon Lake. Traditional indigenous homes and beautiful European gardens f

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village feature
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village view 1
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village view 2
15

Ita Thao Shopping District

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:11:00 - 18:00
MAP

This lakeside street market buzzes with the scent of roasted tea and sweet millet mochi. Red lanterns hang above narrow lanes line

Ita Thao Shopping District feature
Ita Thao Shopping District view 1
Ita Thao Shopping District view 2
16

Sun Moon Lake Full Home Resort

This garden dining room features a rustic timber structure adorned with local art and vibrant flowers. Dining tables look out over

17

Ita Thao Waterfront Hiking Trail

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:nature
PEAK:15:00 - 17:00
MAP

This elevated wooden pathway winds along the quiet southern shore of Sun Moon Lake. Tall bamboo forests shade the trail while calm

Ita Thao Waterfront Hiking Trail feature
Ita Thao Waterfront Hiking Trail view 1
Ita Thao Waterfront Hiking Trail view 2
18

Sun Moon Lake Wenwu Temple

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:10:00 - 17:00
MAP

Two massive vermilion stone lions stand guard at the entrance of this magnificent palace complex. Sweeping orange rooftops cascade

Sun Moon Lake Wenwu Temple feature
Sun Moon Lake Wenwu Temple view 1
Sun Moon Lake Wenwu Temple view 2
19

Year of Steps

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:15:00 - 17:00
MAP

A steep stone staircase cuts through the dense green forest rising from the lake. Shaded steps wind upward toward the temple as ri

Year of Steps feature
Year of Steps view 1
Year of Steps view 2
20

Ah Rong Thao Noodles

This compact noodle shop feels warm, practical, and rooted in Ita Thao life. Steaming bowls pair springy noodles with fresh greens

21

Longfeng Temple

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Longfeng Temple stands as a colorful beacon of traditional architecture along the shores of Sun Moon Lake. Intricate carvings and

Longfeng Temple feature
Longfeng Temple view 1
Longfeng Temple view 2
22

Zhaowu Holiday Inn

This lakeside eatery sits directly on the wooden deck of Chaowu Pier. Open-air dining tables overlook the emerald waters and the r

23

Chaowu Pier

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:05:00 - 07:00
MAP

Chaowu Pier extends over calm water, facing layered mountains across Sun Moon Lake. At dawn, pale light spreads behind the ridges

Chaowu Pier feature
Chaowu Pier view 1
Chaowu Pier view 2
24

The Lalu

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:modern
PEAK:16:00 - 18:00
MAP

Clean lines of teak wood and grey granite define this minimalist sanctuary. Long corridors open to quiet courtyard gardens where w

The Lalu feature
The Lalu view 1
The Lalu view 2
25

Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Shop

Polished concrete floors and warm cypress wood frames overlook the misty lake waters. Soft ambient light filters through large gla

26

The Lalu Dining

The dining room overlooks the mist rising from Sun Moon Lake. Minimalist dark wood frames the view of the quiet water. The air car

27

Ci En Pagoda

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Ci En Pagoda is a striking tower rising above the forested hills of central Taiwan. The nine-story structure stands at the peak of

Ci En Pagoda feature
Ci En Pagoda view 1
Ci En Pagoda view 2
28

Ita Thao Village

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:11:00 - 17:00
MAP

This lakeside settlement serves as the ancestral home of the indigenous Thao people on Sun Moon Lake. Timber docks extend from the

Ita Thao Village feature
Ita Thao Village view 1
Ita Thao Village view 2
29

Ita Thao Food Street

Bright lanterns illuminate the narrow lakeside alleyway where steam rises from busy food stalls. The aroma of roasted Assam tea le

30

Lalu Island

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:10:00 - 16:00
MAP

This small, lush island rests gracefully in the center of a vast emerald lake. Floating gardens wrap around its green edges while

Lalu Island feature
Lalu Island view 1
Lalu Island view 2
31

Fleur De Chine Restaurant

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame the calm waters of Sun Moon Lake. The interior features minimalist wood decor and polished dark

32

The Lalu Bar

Polished teak floors and floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame the ink-dark waters of Sun Moon Lake. Warm lighting glows from low-slu

33

Ambassador Hotel Restaurant

Inside, the dining room feels composed, with polished tables and soft lake country light. Plates arrive neatly arranged, letting s

34

Ita Thao Tribal Kitchen

The lakeside dining space blends dark wood structures with open-air views of the misty water. Steam rises from split bamboo tubes,

35

Shuishe Lakeside Teahouse

Natural wood tables line the quiet balcony overlooking the glassy waters of Sun Moon Lake. The aroma of house-roasted coffee beans

36

The Lalu Restaurant

Minimalist teak wood, local slate, and towering glass panels frame this lakefront dining room designed by Kerry Hill. The pavilion

37

Lalu Island Scenic Viewpoint

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Lalu Island sits low in the middle of Sun Moon Lake, framed by green hills and still water. From the viewing platform, the small s

Lalu Island Scenic Viewpoint feature
Lalu Island Scenic Viewpoint view 1
Lalu Island Scenic Viewpoint view 2
38

Shuishe Waterfront Cafe

Polished concrete and warm cedar panels frame the quiet waterfront seating area. In-house roasters release the rich aroma of singl

39

Thao Flavor Restaurant

The restaurant welcomes guests with warm wooden panels and displays of indigenous carvings. Dimly lit lanterns cast soft shadows o

40

Ita Thao Market Street

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:11:00 - 17:00
MAP

Red lanterns hang above the narrow street where steam rises from row after row of food stalls. Visitors walk past vendors grilling

Ita Thao Market Street feature
Ita Thao Market Street view 1
Ita Thao Market Street view 2
41

Maolan Mountain Tea Garden

Terraced rows of Assam tea plants cover the misty slopes of Maolan Mountain. A minimalist wooden pavilion serves single-origin cof

42

Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Emerald waters mirror the peaks of Nantou County, creating a tranquil landscape often wrapped in light mist. Paved paths hug the s

Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area feature
Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area view 1
Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area view 2
43

Shuishe Village

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Shuishe Village acts as the vibrant main gateway to the breathtaking Sun Moon Lake. Bustling piers jut into emerald waters that re

Shuishe Village feature
Shuishe Village view 1
Shuishe Village view 2
44

Meihe Garden

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:lakeside heritage
PEAK:11:00 - 17:00
MAP

Meihe Garden sits above Shuishe Wharf with open views across Sun Moon Lake. Trees, lawns, and shaded paths soften the old military

Meihe Garden feature
Meihe Garden view 1
Meihe Garden view 2
45

Xuanguang Temple Trail

ACTIVITY:hiking, sightseeing
VIBE:heritage, nature, spiritual
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

The Xuanguang Temple Trail hugs the misty edge of Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. Stone steps lead through green forest to a smal

Xuanguang Temple Trail feature
Xuanguang Temple Trail view 1
Xuanguang Temple Trail view 2
46

Xiangshan Trail

ACTIVITY:hiking
VIBE:nature
PEAK:16:00 - 20:00
MAP

Xiangshan rises steeply above Taipei's Xinyi district. The trail climbs 813 stone steps through dense, green forest. Giant boulder

Xiangshan Trail feature
Xiangshan Trail view 1
Xiangshan Trail view 2
47

Dayuling Scenic Road

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Dayuling is a high mountain pass where the road winds through thick white clouds. Steep green slopes rise on both sides while cool

Dayuling Scenic Road feature
Dayuling Scenic Road view 1
Dayuling Scenic Road view 2
48

Sun Moon Lake Hot Springs

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:relaxing
PEAK:16:00 - 21:00
MAP

Hidden beneath a scenic mountain landscape, clear thermal waters invite deep relaxation. Steam rises gently into the cool winter a

Sun Moon Lake Hot Springs feature
Sun Moon Lake Hot Springs view 1
Sun Moon Lake Hot Springs view 2
49

Sun Moon Lake Tricycle Tour

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:scenic
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Cruising Taiwan’s largest alpine lake on a tricycle offers a serene escape. The paved bikeways wind gracefully through lush forest

Sun Moon Lake Tricycle Tour feature
Sun Moon Lake Tricycle Tour view 1
Sun Moon Lake Tricycle Tour view 2
50

Ci'en Temple Memorial Hall

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

The grand hall shines with golden light and rich wooden details. A large bronze statue of the monk sits peacefully in the center.

Ci'en Temple Memorial Hall feature
Ci'en Temple Memorial Hall view 1
Ci'en Temple Memorial Hall view 2
51

Sun Moon Lake Memorial Park

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:architectural
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Sun Moon Lake Memorial Park stands on a lush hillside with sweeping views of the blue water. The modern architecture features clea

Sun Moon Lake Memorial Park feature
Sun Moon Lake Memorial Park view 1
Sun Moon Lake Memorial Park view 2
52

Ita Thao Shopping District

ACTIVITY:shopping
VIBE:cultural, vibrant, lakeside
PEAK:17:00 - 21:00
MAP

Ita Thao Shopping District sits beside Sun Moon Lake with glowing stalls and narrow lanes. The air smells of grilled wild boar sau

Ita Thao Shopping District feature
Ita Thao Shopping District view 1
Ita Thao Shopping District view 2
53

Dashanpi Theme Park

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

This lakeside park spreads around calm water at the foot of Maluan Mountain. Blue running lanes, quiet trees, and open viewing dec

Dashanpi Theme Park feature
Dashanpi Theme Park view 1
Dashanpi Theme Park view 2
54

Shuishe Lakeside Trail

ACTIVITY:walking
VIBE:nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

This lakeside path follows Sun Moon Lake through quiet trees and low wooden walkways. The water stays close beside you, shifting f

Shuishe Lakeside Trail feature
Shuishe Lakeside Trail view 1
Shuishe Lakeside Trail view 2
55

Ita Thao

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage, lakeside, indigenous
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Ita Thao sits by the lake with piers, low hills, and bright shop signs. Boats rock near the shore, and the air carries smoke, tea,

Ita Thao feature
Ita Thao view 1
Ita Thao view 2