Sun Moon Lake: A Complete Guide to Tours and Packages
Take in the lake from the water, the shore, and the sky!
Sun Moon Lake is a famous scenic destination in Nantou County, celebrated for its stunning mountain and lake landscapes. Taiwan’s largest natural lake, it sits in the mountains of Nantou County and is known for the changing colors of its shoreline and surrounding peaks. Lalu Island, at the center of the lake, is sacred to the Thao, an indigenous tribe living in the area. The lake takes its name from its shape. It has a round eastern half, resembling the sun, and a crescent-shaped western half, resembling the moon. Among the fun activities are cycling, boat cruises, and taking the cable car. See one of Taiwan’s most beautiful lakes from different angles: from the water, along the shore, and from high up!
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1. How to Get to Sun Moon Lake
Intercity Bus
From Taipei, Kuo-Kuang Bus 1833 runs direct to Sun Moon Lake, but the ride takes about three hours each way, so a day trip can feel rushed. If you’re coming from Taipei, plan on staying at least one night. From Taichung, the trip is much shorter, and a day trip is very doable.
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle “Sun Moon Lake Line” runs between TRA Taichung Station or THSR Taichung Station and Sun Moon Lake, with stops at major attractions along the way.
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Taiwan Travel Sun Moon Lake Ticket
Private Charter / Car Rental
Traveling with heavy luggage, elderly family members, or young children? A private charter is a convenient and comfortable way to get around.
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2. Water Activities!
Sightseeing Boat Cruise
A sightseeing boat cruise is a great way to take in the beauty of Sun Moon Lake from the water. Boats operate daily from around 9 am to 5 pm, traveling counterclockwise and stopping at Shuishe Pier, Xuanguang Pier, and other piers along the route. A one-day ticket allows unlimited rides, so you can hop on and off as you explore. Along the way, enjoy views of majestic mountains, shimmering waters, Lalu Island, Wenwu Temple, and the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway.
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Sun Moon Lake Cruise Tickets in Nantou | Sun Moon Lake Cruise Tickets
SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is another popular way to enjoy Sun Moon Lake. Standing on a wide, stable board and paddling gently across the water, even beginners can quickly get the hang of it. Take in the peaceful mountain scenery and sparkling lake views as you glide across the water – it’s a wonderfully relaxing way to experience the lake.
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3. Land Activities!
Cycling
Cycling is one of the most popular ways to explore Sun Moon Lake. The Sun Moon Lake Cycling Trail circles the lake for around 30 kilometers and has been recognized by CNN Travel as one of the world’s most beautiful cycling routes. If you don’t want to circle the entire lake, just ride from Shuishe Pier to Xiangshan Visitor Center. Around 400 meters of this 3.4-kilometer stretch extends over the water, giving you the feeling of cycling right across the lake. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic spots including Shuishe Dam, Yongjie Bridge, and Tongxin Bridge.
Xiangshan Visitor Center
Add: No. 599, Zhongshan Rd., Yuchi Twp., Nantou County
Ita Thao Old Street
This is the ancestral village of the local Thao indigenous people. Its lively shopping street is lined with local eateries and souvenir shops. Take a stroll and sample some local specialties, including Sun Moon Lake black tea, tea-infused eggs simmered in black tea, and millet mochi.
Location: Around Yiyong St., Yuchi Township, Nantou County
Wenwu Temple
Built in 1934, Wenwu Temple is an imposing temple complex consisting of three halls, designed in the Northern Palace style of imperial China. At the rear of the complex, Dacheng Hall is dedicated to Confucius and houses a seated bronze statue of him. The temple is said to be the only one in Taiwan to enshrine a seated statue of Confucius, making it a particularly distinctive Confucian temple.
Add: No. 63, Zhongshan Rd., Yuchi Township, Nantou County
4. Aerial Views!
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway connects Ita Thao with the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, covering approximately 1.9 kilometers in just seven minutes. The cable cars reach a maximum elevation of 1,044 meters, offering spectacular views over Sun Moon Lake. Looking down on the lake from above is a truly memorable experience.
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Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Take the ropeway up to the mountain, and you’ll arrive at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, a theme park that showcases the cultures and traditions of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. Explore traditional homes and artifacts, and enjoy lively tribal song and dance performances. The park also features a European-style Baroque Garden and an amusement area with a variety of rides, making it easy to spend a full day exploring and having fun.
Add: No. 45, Jintian Ln., Dalin Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
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Nantou Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Admission Ticket
5. Recommended Nearby Attractions
HOHOCHA (Taiwan Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Factory)
The area around Sun Moon Lake is known as the “Home of Taiwanese Black Tea.” If you have some extra time, be sure to visit a local tea factory. HOHOCHA is a working tea-processing facility where you can learn about the history and production of the region’s renowned black tea, take in its rich aroma, and savor its distinctive flavor.
Add: No. 443-36, Yuchi St., Yuchi Township, Nantou County
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Nantou HOHOCHA Tea Shop Tickets
6. Tour Packages & Guided Day Trips
If you’d rather leave the transportation and itinerary planning to someone else, or want to visit both Taichung and Sun Moon Lake in one trip, consider joining an organized day tour or booking a package that combines transportation and sightseeing.
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Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village & Sun Moon Lake Cable Car Day Tour｜Depart from Taichung
7. Accommodations at Sun Moon Lake
Fleur de Chine
Fleur de Chine is the first five-star hot-spring hotel at Sun Moon Lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the property offer panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The hotel has more than 200 guestrooms, each featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, a private balcony with beautiful views, and an in-room marble bathtub where you can soak in natural hot-spring water. Relax in the privacy of your own room, take a deep breath, and enjoy a soothing hot-spring experience.
Add: No. 23, Zhongzheng Rd., Sun Moon Lake, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
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