【日月潭】Sun Moon Lake Guide
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Sun Moon Lake, located in Nantou County, is known as 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 reputation as one of Taiwan's top attractions, drawing diverse tourists from all over the world.
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 alongside my parents and partner, we wished we had more time to explore this beautiful place.
I’ll share the insights and tips I gained during my visit, offering a guide filled with personal experiences to help you make the most of your Sun Moon Lake adventure.
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.
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.
Sun Moon Lake map
getting there
From Taipei
HIGH SPEED RAIL (HSR) + BUS
Take the HSR from Taipei to Taichung Station (about 1 hour), then transfer to a direct Nantou Bus to Sun Moon Lake (around 90 minutes). Buses depart frequently from outside the HSR station. You can book HSR Tickets directly on Klook for easy access.
PRIVATE DRIVER
For a hassle-free option, book a direct shuttle or private car transfer from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake. It’s more expensive but ideal if you’re traveling with luggage or a group. You can book a private driver on DayTrip.
Inside Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail (HSR)
From Taichung
BUS
Several buses can take you to Sun Moon Lake, offering convenient and affordable options:
On its way to Sun Moon Lake, this bus stops at popular tourist attractions, making it perfect if you prefer not to join a tour or drive yourself. You can catch it at the Taichung HSR Station.
NANTOU BUS
Running hourly, this bus departs from Taichung Station and offers a straightforward route to Sun Moon Lake.
CAR
Driving to Sun Moon Lake offers flexibility and scenic views, but parking can be challenging near the lake, especially during peak times.
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
To reduce stress related to car rentals or bus schedules, you can book a private driver through Daytrip. This option allows you to relax while a professional driver takes you directly from your hotel to Sun Moon Lake. You can also make additional stops and receive guidance if you wish to customize your trip.
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 of 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.
— Find Your Perfect Stay —
tours you might like
getting around
While exploring Sun Moon Lake, there are a ton of different ways to get around the area.
Rent bikes
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.
Ride the boat
My partner and I purchased our boat tickets in advance through Klook, which gave us a discounted price.
The only problem is that even though we bought it digitally, we still had to go to the ticket booth to get our physical ticket before boarding 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 a car
While driving is an option, it might be best suited as a last resort.
Finding parking spaces, especially during peak tourist seasons, can be a challenge. If you decide to drive, plan accordingly by checking nearby parking spaces on a map.
know before you go!
🗓️ ESTIMATED TRIP DURATION
We stayed just a day and a half—and seriously regretted it. There’s simply too much to explore! Aim for 2 – 4 days to actually enjoy Sun Moon Lake without rushing through.
☀️ BEST TIME TO VISIT
November to April. These cooler, less humid months make exploring comfortable — and bonus: fewer bugs.
Midge bites on my legs ˙◠˙ (this was the next day)
🦟 BEWARE OF MIDGES!!
Sun Moon Lake may look peaceful, but tiny bloodsucking midges are everywhere (technically, by water). Their bites are brutal — itchy welts that show up the next day. Unlike mosquitoes, they’ll bite you multiple times in the same spot and won’t stop!!
👉🏼 Bring and regularly apply mosquito spray. Trust me: I didn’t think to apply and got eaten alive while flying my drone by the water. 🥲
💸 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.
best 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).
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!
final thoughts
Is Sun Moon Lake worth the trip?
Hell yea!
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.
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. Electric bikes tend to get rented out 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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Sun Moon Lake: FAQ
Sun Moon Lake: Historic Tracks
Sun Moon Lake: Planning Your Trip
Sun Moon Lake: Ita Thao Water Trail
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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Last Updated: 07.17.2025
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