【南投 日月潭】Sun Moon Lake Guide
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Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) in Nantou County is Taiwan’s largest lake — and easily one of its most iconic escapes. It captivates visitors with its unique shape, resembling both the sun and a crescent moon. With misty mountain views, scenic cycling paths, and peaceful temples along the shoreline, it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down a little.
This spot had been on my Taiwan bucket list forever, so finally visiting with my parents and partner felt extra special. Even after a day and a half of exploring, biking, eating, and soaking in the views, we still weren’t ready to leave.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything I wish I knew before going — how to get there, how to get around, and tips to help you enjoy Sun Moon Lake without the stress.
get to know Sun Moon Lake
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.
Absolutely captivated by the amazing variety of fish and shrimp, the Thao people chose Sun Moon Lake as their home, weaving together a truly enchanting legend! How beautiful is that?
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.
Sun Moon Lake map
getting there & around
Inside Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail (HSR)
— From Taipei
HSR + bus (most popular option)
Take the High Speed Rail from Taipei to Taichung (about 1 hour), then hop on a Nantou Bus directly to Sun Moon Lake (around 90 minutes). Buses leave regularly right outside the HSR station, making this the easiest public transit combo.
Private day trip
Short on time but still want to experience Sun Moon Lake? A private day trip from Taipei is honestly one of the easiest ways to go. You get transportation, a guide, and all the must-see stops handled — so you can just enjoy the scenery instead of stressing over logistics.
— From Taichung
Bus (budget-friendly)
TAIWAN TOURIST SHUTTLE: A great pick if you want a scenic ride with potential stops along the way. It departs directly from Taichung HSR Station, and you can grab round-trip tickets online ahead of time, which makes planning way easier (especially during busy travel seasons).
NANTOU BUS: Direct, simple, and usually the fastest bus option. You can either purchase tickets at the station counter or simply tap and go with your EasyCard.
Driving yourself
Driving gives flexibility and some beautiful scenery, but parking near the lake can be tricky — especially on weekends or holidays. If you rent a car, arrive earlier in the day if possible.
Taichung → Provincial Highway No. 63
Merge onto Freeway No. 3 heading south → Wufeng System Interchange (connect to Freeway No. 6)
Continue to Ailan System Interchange → Take Provincial Highway No. 14 to Puli
From Puli, take Provincial Highway No. 21 → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake
Hire a private driver
If coordinating buses and transfers sounds like a pain in the butt, hiring a private driver is honestly the smoothest alternative. It’s pricier, but super convenient — especially if you have luggage, limited time, or just want a stress-free door-to-door ride.
— Getting around
Bike around the lake (highly recommend!)
Biking around Sun Moon Lake is iconic for a reason.
The dedicated lakeside bike paths offer incredible scenery the entire way, and rentals are easy to find, whether you want a traditional bike or an e-bike. Just keep in mind that electric bikes tend to get rented out quickly near popular trail entrances.
Frankly, this ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip! Adventurous and memorable experiences.
Ride the boat
Taking the ferry is one of the easiest ways to explore multiple areas of Sun Moon Lake without exhausting yourself. Boats arrive at the dock every 10 - 15 minutes and connect the main scenic spots, plus you get beautiful panoramic views along the ride.
While you’re on the boat ride, the guide will provide insights into the rich history of Sun Moon Lake (currently only spoken in Chinese).
Even if you purchase tickets online, you’ll usually still need to exchange them for a physical ticket at the dock — so don’t toss it, you’ll need it for reboarding.
Drive a car
Driving usually gives flexibility, but it’s not always the easiest choice when you’re in Sun Moon Lake.
Parking near the main attractions can be limited, especially on weekends or holidays, so unless you really need the convenience, walking, biking, boats, and buses tend to be less stressful overall.
where to stay
Sun Moon Lake has tons of accommodation options — from budget guesthouses to luxury 5-star hotels — so you can really match your stay to your travel style.
For our first visit, we stayed in the Ita Thao area, and frankly? I’d recommend it for first-timers. It’s convenient, lively, and packed with small local businesses and food spots, with super easy access to ferries and attractions. Yes, it’s a bit touristy — but it makes exploring so much easier.
湖悦景觀旅店
Hu Yue Lake View Hotel
This ended up being the perfect first-time stay.
The panoramic lake views alone are worth it, but the location is the real win — just steps from the Ita Thao shopping district and the visitor center where you can grab ferry tickets.
— Find Your Perfect Stay —
highlights you can't miss
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:
Ita Thao Shopping District (伊達邵商店街)
Great for local snacks, souvenirs, and casual exploring. Perfect place to try Taiwanese street food while soaking in the lakeside vibe
Nine Frogs Stack (九蛙疊像)
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!
Xuanguang Wharf (玄光寺)
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.
While you’re there, grab the famous Grandma’s Tea Eggs (金盆阿婆香菇茶葉蛋) — classic Sun Moon Lake snack.
Sun Moon Lake tours you'll love
know before you go!
Midge bites on my legs ˙◠˙ (this was the next day)
☀️ BEST TIME TO VISIT | November – April — cooler temps, less humidity, and fewer bugs. It makes walking, biking, and sightseeing way more enjoyable.
🦟 BEWARE OF MIDGES!! | These tiny bloodsucking bugs love the lake area, and their bites are no joke — itchy welts that sometimes show up the next day. And unlike mosquitoes, they don’t stop at one bite.
Bring bug spray and actually use it. Learn from my mistake — I skipped it, thinking the weather was so nice while flying my drone by the water… and paid the price afterwards. 🥲
💸 CASH IS KING | Many local spots don’t take credit cards. Always carry cash to avoid awkward surprises when you’re craving noodles or booking a boat ride.
⏱️ DURATION | We only stayed about a day and a half… and immediately wished we planned a longer stay! There’s way more to do than people expect. I’d recommend spending 2 - 4 days at Sun Moon Lake if you want to explore everything without rushing.
final thoughts
If you’re wondering if Sun Moon Lake is even worth the visit?
Absolutely. 💯
It’s one of those places where nature, culture, and food all come together effortlessly. Whether you’re biking the lake, temple-hopping, or just eating your way through Ita Thao, it’s the kind of destination that slows you down in the best way.
And honestly? Even after this trip, I still feel like I barely scratched the surface — so I already know I’ll be back with more tips soon.
FAQ
What makes Sun Moon Lake special?
Its unique sun-and-crescent shape, stunning mountain scenery, and deep connection to the Thao Indigenous culture make it one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations.
Why is it called Sun Moon Lake?
From above, one side looks round like the sun, and the other curves like a crescent moon, separated by Lalu Island.
What is the legend of Sun Moon Lake?
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.
Is visiting Sun Moon Lake even worth it?
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.
Can you swim in Sun Moon Lake?
While swimming in Sun Moon Lake is generally not recommended due to boat traffic and its use as a drinking water source, an annual 3-kilometer swimming race is 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, so you can take amazing pictures and simply enjoy being on the lake!
Can you bike around Sun Moon Lake?
Yes! You can rent bikes and cycle around, but there are steps where you may need to carry your bike up and down to get around Sun Moon Lake. There are electric bikes and regular bikes for rent. Electric bikes tend to rent out quickly, so I suggest pre-booking your bike online.
Can you walk around Sun Moon Lake?
Yes! Walking around Sun Moon Lake is another great way to appreciate its beauty. While it may take longer than biking, walking allows you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
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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
Taiwan vlog
If you’re interested in seeing the beauty of Sun Moon Lake, it starts at 3:50!
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Last Updated: 02.05.2026
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