Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) is the 2nd largest lake in Taiwan, located in the beautiful Yuchi Township (魚池鄉) of Nantou County. The area is the home of the Thao tribe (邵族, one of the 16 Taiwanese aborigines). It actually contains Sun Lake on the east and Moon Lake on the west, hence the name. It has been listed as one of the “Eight Wonders of Taiwan” (台灣八景) since 1953. The 793 ha (1,960 acre) Sun Moon Lake with max depth of 27 m (89 ft) is located in the 748 m (2,454 ft) above sea level, making it one of the most mentioned destinations in Taiwan. The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area was established in 2000. It includes Sun Moon Lake, Shueili River (水里溪), Puli (埔里), Jhuoshuei River (濁水溪), and Jiji (集集) five major recreational areas.
I have visited Sun Moon Lake many times since I was in junior high school. There was a small lake called Kuanghua Island (光華島) which is the sacred place for Thao tribe. The 921 earthquake of 1999 destroyed the small island, and the local government changed its name to Lalu Island (拉魯島, the remainder of the island) in respect of the Thao tribe. The most popular activity is taking the scenic boat tour to discover the Sun Lake, Moon Lake and the amazing surroundings from the Ita Thao pier (伊達邵碼頭). Almost all the tours will pass the Lalu Island. Some of the tours will also drop you at the Syuanguang Pier (玄光碼頭) where you can go the Syuanguang Tample (玄光寺) and test the popular Grandma Tea Egg (阿婆茶葉蛋). Besides the boat tour, the six bikeways totaling 14.9 km (9.3 mi) is probably the best way to enjoy the amazing scenery of the area. CNNGO picks the cycling trails as one of the most beautiful cycling trails in the world. Of course, you can drive to visit all the sites on the circle route surrounding Sun Moon Lake, but the parking is an issue especially during the peak season. There is a NT$80 tour bus service from Shueishe Visitors Center (水社旅客服務中心) to Syuanguang Temple (玄光寺) for a full day unlimited trip. You can also hike the seven trails on the surrounding mountains to have different views of the Sun Moon Lake. There are many spots on Sun Moon Lake such as Wenmu Temple (文武廟), Peacock Park (孔雀園, closed on 2016-10-31.Unfortunately, it was relocated to other location due to the shortsighted local government wanting to build hotels on the site), Cien Pagoda (慈恩塔), and Ita Thao (伊達邵), just to name a few. There are many birds living in the natural forests; it is a good place for bird watching.
If you stay here overnight, then do not miss the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (日月潭纜車) and visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (九族文化村). Just like all the travel we do by ourselves, prepare in advance to ensure a remarkable experience.
I have visited Sun Moon Lake many times since I was in junior high school. There was a small lake called Kuanghua Island (光華島) which is the sacred place for Thao tribe. The 921 earthquake of 1999 destroyed the small island, and the local government changed its name to Lalu Island (拉魯島, the remainder of the island) in respect of the Thao tribe. The most popular activity is taking the scenic boat tour to discover the Sun Lake, Moon Lake and the amazing surroundings from the Ita Thao pier (伊達邵碼頭). Almost all the tours will pass the Lalu Island. Some of the tours will also drop you at the Syuanguang Pier (玄光碼頭) where you can go the Syuanguang Tample (玄光寺) and test the popular Grandma Tea Egg (阿婆茶葉蛋). Besides the boat tour, the six bikeways totaling 14.9 km (9.3 mi) is probably the best way to enjoy the amazing scenery of the area. CNNGO picks the cycling trails as one of the most beautiful cycling trails in the world. Of course, you can drive to visit all the sites on the circle route surrounding Sun Moon Lake, but the parking is an issue especially during the peak season. There is a NT$80 tour bus service from Shueishe Visitors Center (水社旅客服務中心) to Syuanguang Temple (玄光寺) for a full day unlimited trip. You can also hike the seven trails on the surrounding mountains to have different views of the Sun Moon Lake. There are many spots on Sun Moon Lake such as Wenmu Temple (文武廟), Peacock Park (孔雀園, closed on 2016-10-31.Unfortunately, it was relocated to other location due to the shortsighted local government wanting to build hotels on the site), Cien Pagoda (慈恩塔), and Ita Thao (伊達邵), just to name a few. There are many birds living in the natural forests; it is a good place for bird watching.
If you stay here overnight, then do not miss the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (日月潭纜車) and visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (九族文化村). Just like all the travel we do by ourselves, prepare in advance to ensure a remarkable experience.
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James Huang - All rights reserved.
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