Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan: travel guide
Mountain lake in Nantou with cycling loops and temple viewpoints
Nestled at 760 m in the mountains of Nantou County, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's largest inland lake and most romantic resort destination.
About Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is a large mountain lake in Nantou County, in the middle of Taiwan, and one of the most popular resort areas on the island. It is a lakeside area rather than a town, with small villages and viewpoints around the shore.
Things to do at Sun Moon Lake include cycling the shoreline paths, taking a boat between the piers and climbing to Ci'en Pagoda for views. The cable car links the lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, and the surrounding hills grow tea.
Sun Moon Lake suits couples, families and cyclists. Autumn and spring offer clear air and comfortable temperatures, and weekday visits are calmer.
- Country
- Taiwan
- Currency
- TWD
- Time zone
- Asia/Taipei
Last updated
Top places to visit in Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
Activity · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Gondola linking Shuishe Pier to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. 1,877 m with panoramic lake views. Roundtrip includes theme park entry.
Things to do
- Sun Moon Lake Cycling (33 km Loop) Outdoor · 4 h · from TWD 180 per person
Where to stay in Sun Moon Lake
- Shuishe Village about TWD 4,500 per night
The main resort hub with lakeside hotels and water-bus terminal.
Hotels
- Lalu Sun Moon Lake 5-star · TWD 18,000 to TWD 95,000 per night
Where to eat
- Ita Thao Village Aboriginal Food Street taiwanese, indigenous · about TWD 540 per person
- Shuishe Pier Lakeside Café Row taiwanese · about TWD 810 per person
Getting to Sun Moon Lake
Nearest airport: Taichung (RMQ), about 54 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Ferry
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Overpriced Boat Charter at Pier
Shuishe Wharf, Ita Thao Pier
Private boat operators at piers offer "exclusive" lake tours at prices 5–10× the official water bus. They claim the "scheduled service is full" or "doesn't stop at the best spots" — both false.
How to avoid it: Buy water bus tickets at the official counter (TWD 60/trip or TWD 200 unlimited day pass). The official route covers all key stops. Private boats are legitimate but must be negotiated before boarding; fair price is TWD 600–1,200 for a 40-min private charter.
More in Taiwan
Frequently asked questions about Sun Moon Lake
- Where should I stay in Sun Moon Lake?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Sun Moon Lake: Shuishe Village.
- How do I get around Sun Moon Lake?
- Ways to get around Sun Moon Lake covered in our guide: Bicycle, Ferry, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Sun Moon Lake?
- Scams reported to us for Sun Moon Lake include Overpriced Boat Charter at Pier. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.