Sun Moon Lake
- phattharawann
- Apr 19, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 25, 2023
By Phattharawan Nimchanasit April 19, 2023
This blog will tell you what to do when visiting Sun Moon Lake and the best time to go there.
Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in Taiwan's Yuchi Township, Nantou County. Lalu Island, a tiny island in the middle, separates the lake into a part shaped like a crescent moon and another part shaped like a round sun, hence the name. It is Taiwan’s largest lake and is famous for many things: scenic bike paths, beautiful hiking trails, rich indigenous culture, delectable aboriginal cuisine, Assam black tea, and a whole host of other things to do for nature-loving travelers. But what really makes Sun Moon Lake such a must-see on any Taiwan travel itinerary is its incredible setting.
Best time to visit Sun Moon Lake
(Image credit: Mariza from hoponworld)
Sun Moon Lake is a great destination most months of the year, with pleasant temperatures ranging between 19°C and 29 °C.
January is the coldest month, with average temperatures between 14°C and 19°C. In February and March, temperatures are still low, but it’s a great time for cherry blossom viewing, and the annual Formosa Village Sakura Festival is in full swing. In April, the temperatures start to warm up, and it is mostly sunny. October to December are other great months to visit the lake, and you can expect average highs in the mid-twenties with little rain.
The visit to Sun Moon Lake in May is not recommended as this month marks the arrival of Taiwan’s plum rains, and it can rain for days on end. June to September also sees much rainfall, and the heat and humidity can be overwhelming if you’re not used to that kind of climate.
Since Sun Moon Lake is one of the top landmarks in Taiwan, it’s almost always crowded on weekends, and accommodation fills up quickly. It’s also not the cheapest place to visit in Taiwan. So if you can, come during the week when prices are generally a bit more affordable, and there aren’t as many tourists around.
The best things to do in Sun Moon Lake
There are lots of things to do when you visit Sun Moon Lake. Here are my the top picks!
Wander around Wenwu Temple
(Image credit: Phattharawan Nimchanasit)
Wenwu Temple, located on the northern bank of the lake, is the most visited temple in the area. This huge temple, built in 1938, is devoted to the God of Literature, the God of War, and Confuscious. It’s very popular among students and tour groups, so be prepared to join the scrum no matter which time of day you visit.
The temple sits on top of a hill and offers beautiful views over the lake and mountains. Inside the temple, browse the various halls and admire the ornate architecture. There’s also a huge stairway behind the temple where you’ll find beautiful gardens, interesting statues, and even better views!
Visit Xuanguang Temple
(Image credit: Phattharawan Nimchanasit)
Xuanguang Temple is a stunning temple that sits right on the shore of Sun Moon Lake and overlooks Lalu Island. This tiny temple was built in 1955 to honor the Buddhist monk Xuan Zang who traveled all the way from India to China to bring back important Buddhist scriptures. Although his relic is no longer housed in this temple (it can now be found in the Xuan Zang Temple), the temple is still one of the most important attractions in Sun Moon Lake.
The easiest way to get here is to take a boat to Xuanguang Pier. From there, follow the 80m trail to get to the temple. Alternatively, you can also take the Qinglong Mountain Trail from Xuanzang Temple (the closest bus stop) to get there. The trail only takes about 25 minutes to complete, and the scenery is really stunning. But you should know the path is not the easiest and has lots of steep uphill and downhill sections.
Snack your way through Ita Thao Village
(Image credit: Mariza from hoponworld)
The village sits on the southeastern side of the lake and is a cool place to get acquainted with the rich culture of the Ita Thao tribe. And the easiest way to do so is through your stomach!
The Ita Thao Shopping District is famous for its street food market. And while you’ll find all the usual Taiwanese night market favorites here, you’ll be missing out if you didn’t try some of the weird and wonderful aboriginal foods. The most renowned specialty snacks to sample here include wild boar sausages, wild mushrooms, millet donuts, black tea ice cream, gua bao (Taiwanese hamburger), fried cabbage buns, and aruzay fish (also known as president fish). Take your time strolling the streets lined with vendors, and come hungry!
Bike around the Lake
(Image credit: Klook)
One of Sun Moon Lake’s biggest draws is its incredible scenery. And one of the best ways to experience it first-hand is on a fun bike ride.
A 30km-long scenic road runs around the lake where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the surrounding area and mountains. But if you simply want to take it easy, there are many shorter cycling paths to explore. Both the Xiangshan Section and Ita Thao Section bikeways are great low-key options.
Xiangshan bikeway:
Shuishe to Xiangshan Visitor Center
Length: 3.4km
Difficulty: Easy
Ita Thao bikeway:
Shuiwatou Hiking Trail to Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station
Length: 1.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
To conclude
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a quick city break, Sun Moon Lake is the perfect place to enjoy some of Taiwan’s best scenery! While this guide only scratches the surface of things to do in Sun Moon Lake, it’s a good starting point!
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