What you'll do
This itinerary is for those who want to enjoy some relaxing days at Sun Moon Lake, the largest lake in Taiwan. Here you can bike around the lake and take on the boat to various spots!
All of these spots are accessible using public transportation!
Day 1
Sun Moon Lake
Hike
Largest Lake in Taiwan
This is Taiwan's largest and most famous lake, known for its stunning views, scenic bikeways, black tea, and unique aboriginal culture. When we first got here, we were amazed by the sheer size of it and how beautiful it looked! It may look like a normal lake but what makes it apart is the community of people here. You can find many street vendors and even stalls selling their authentic products and foods.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from cycling along the lakeshore to exploring temples and trying local cuisine. With options for day trips or overnight stays, you can find the one that suits you best!
Lalu Island
Sightseeing
Small Green Island
Lalu Island, located in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, used to be much larger and was once inhabited by locals. Over the years, it underwent name changes under different rulers, eventually becoming known as Kwanghwa Island. After a significant earthquake in 1999, parts of the island sank, leading to its renaming as "Lalu" in the Thao language. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination accessible by bus from Taichung or Taipei. The legend of Thao hunters chasing a white deer to discover the lake adds to the island's charm, with a marble statue commemorating the mythical creature.
Cien Pagoda 慈恩塔停車場 公廁
Sightseeing
Most Scenic Pagoda
Ci'en Pagoda is a majestic nine-story pagoda built by President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother. Located on Shabalan Mountain, it offers stunning views of Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore the nearby hiking trail, which is a great spot for watching fireflies during certain seasons. The area provides parking facilities and public restrooms for convenience.
Ita Thao Shopping District
historic
Historic Street in Sun Moon Lake
The Ita Thao Shopping District is a cool spot in Yuchi, Nantou that's all about shopping and soaking up the local vibes. You can find unique souvenirs, tasty snacks, and maybe even some hidden gems to take home with you. It's a fun place to wander around, check out the shops, and see what catches your eye. Whether you're looking for gifts or just want to treat yourself, this district has something for everyone.
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
Sightseeing
Gondola Ride over the Lake
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is a gondola lift located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It opened to the public in 2009 and offers a scenic ride through two Buji mountains with colorful gondolas representing the sun, moon, and lake. With two stations, including one at the entrance of Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, the ropeway has 86 cars that can carry up to 3,000 passengers per hour. Safety features include self-propelled emergency vehicles and automatic cable tension adjustment. Overall, it's a fun and convenient way to enjoy breathtaking views of Sun Moon Lake!
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
activity
Theme park showcasing indigenous culture
The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is a theme park in Taiwan that showcases the rich and diverse indigenous cultures of the island. Visitors can experience traditional music, dance, crafts, and even sample authentic indigenous cuisine. It's like taking a fun and educational journey through the history and traditions of Taiwan's indigenous peoples!