Pedal Through Paradise: The Ultimate Guide to Sun Moon Lake
We’ve crafted a Guide with a detailed route recommendation for exploring Sun Moon Lake, including must-visit spots, the best places to stay, and top street food to try at the local market.
HOW MANY DAYS |
1 day
BEST TIME TO VISIT |
Oct - Apr
WHERE TO STAY |
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Wenwu Temple, Ropeaway, Ci’en Pagoda
HOW TO GET AROUND | rent an electric bike, take the bus or step into a boat
Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan's top tourist destinations. Although we were initially concerned about the crowds, we were determined not to miss the chance to experience it. And we’re so glad we didn’t! The lake is absolutely stunning, offering a peaceful connection with nature. We were truly captivated by its beauty and the breathtaking surroundings. It's definitely a must-visit when in Taiwan!
HOW MANY DAYS?
You’ll need an entire day to explore all the highlights of Sun Moon Lake. We suggest staying for two nights, so you can start early in the morning and have enough time to enjoy a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.
WHEN TO VISIT SUN MOON LAKE?
Sun Moon Lake is a year-round destination, but each season offers unique advantages and challenges. For the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, we recommend visiting between October and April.
Spring (Mar - May): Expect temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The weather is pleasant, with occasional rain showers. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities, as cherry flowers bloom, creating beautiful scenery in the mountains.
Summer (Jun - Aug): Temperatures can range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F), with high humidity and frequent afternoon rainstorms. The summer months, especially July and August, may be hot and muggy, but it’s a great time to witness the enchanting fireflies.
Autumn (Sep - Nov): With temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), autumn brings cooler, more comfortable weather, less rain, and clearer skies. It’s the busiest time of year, thanks to events like the Cross-Lake Swim Carnival and Biking Challenge Competition.
Winter (Dec - Feb): Winter at Sun Moon Lake is quieter, with cooler temperatures between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). The peaceful atmosphere and occasional mist offer a serene experience, but it can be chilly, and some outdoor activities may be less enjoyable. It’s a great time to visit without the crowds.
HOW TO GET HERE?
From Alishan
Take the bus from Alishan Bus Station, which runs daily at 1 p.m. and at 3:30 p.m. on weekends & holidays. It takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, including a 20-minute break. Avoid the mistake we made by arriving without a reservation—we were lucky to get the last seats. To secure your spot, reserve your ticket here at least 2 days in advance. You’ll need to pay when boarding the bus, and using your EasyCard will get you a discounted fare. To get to Alishan from Sun Moon Lake, take the bus departing daily at 8 a.m., with an additional service at 8:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. In our article about Alishan we share all the information you need to visit one of Taiwan’s most beautiful attraction!
From Taichung
In Taichung hop on bus no. 6670 from Gancheng Bus Station, TRA Station or HSR Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs NT$173 with an EasyCard. Be sure to check the time table. We boarded at the TRA Station without any issues, but the bus became crowded at the HSR Station. To ensure a seat, it’s best to book your ticket in advance.
From Taipei
Get on bus no. 1833 from the Taipei Bus Station, which is close to the Taipei Main Station. The bus ride takes approximately 3.5 hours and costs NT$465. Booking your ticket in advance is recommended, especially during weekends or holiday seasons when the buses can fill up quickly.
All buses drop you off at Shuishe Visitor Centre. If you stay in Ita Toe, you can take the Around the lake shuttle bus (no. 6669).
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HOW TO GET AROUND?
Shuishe and Ita Thao are filled with numerous shops offering bike rentals, from standard bicycles to e-bikes, Giant bikes, and even tandems. We chose an electric tandem, and cycling around the lake at our own pace was such a fun experience!
For those on a budget, bus no. 6669 is the way to get around Sun Moon Lake—just swipe your EasyCard. Be aware of the schedule and plan your day accordingly.
Another scenic option is the boat service, which connects Shuishe, Ita Thao, and Xuanguang Temple, offering a leisurely way to enjoy the lake.
PRICE |
NT$500 | €15 | US$15 for an electric tandem
NT$100 | €3 | US$3 per boat ride
NT$15-30 | €0.5 - €1 | US$0.5 - $1 per bus ride
WHERE | Bike Rental Shop
WHERE TO STAY?
Most visitors choose to stay in either Shuishe or Ita Thao, as these towns have the majority of hotels and guesthouses. While Shuishe is better connected, we preferred Ita Thao for its lively night market filled with local specialties (which we love and could not miss) and its closeness to key attractions.
We stayed at Baluo Baluo and were so happy that we were picked up and dropped off for free by our hosts at the bus station. The room was spacious, clean, and equipped with everything we needed and even included breakfast.
BOOK | Baluo Baluo
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THE BIKING ROUTE
1. Wenwu Temple (文武庙)
This Temple stands out with its beautiful northern Chinese palace-style architecture and three grand halls. The second-floor shrine is dedicated to the First Ancestor Kaiji and the God of Literature, the central hall honors Guan Gong and Yue Fei, and the rear hall is for Confucius. This temple is special because it keeps its central door open, making it extra welcoming to the many tourists visiting Sun Moon Lake. Inside, you’ll find the only bronze statue of Confucius in any Confucius Temple in Taiwan.
We suggest starting your day early, as Wenwu Temple is a must-visit and tends to get crowded later in the day when tourist buses arrive. It’s probably the busiest attraction around the lake.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
TIP | Don’t forget to go all the way to the top for an incredible view of the lake.
2. Nine Frogs Stack
This popular attraction serves actually as a water-level marker for Sun Moon Lake. To reach the Nine Frogs Stack, you’ll need to walk about 450 meters from the parking lot. While it may not be a must-see, it’s worth a visit if you have some extra time and want to explore the area further.
3. Sun-Moon-Lake Ropeway (Cable Car)
A great way to enjoy the stunning views of Sun Moon Lake is by taking the 7-minute cable car ride to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. However, we decided to skip the village, as it felt more like a theme park than an authentic cultural experience. Instead, we took the next cable car back down and focused on the scenic ride.
OPEN | 10:30 a.m. until 16:00 p.m.
PRICE | NT$380 | €11 | US$11
TIP | Take a glass-floor car with no extra fee
4. Ita Thao Village
The street food market in Ita Thao is open all day. It’s the perfect spot for a lunch break. Here, you can try local specialties like wild boar and bamboo shoot rice, black tea ice cream, as well as black tea and plum liquor.
EAT |
gua bao at 東東刈包
fish cake at 總統魚酥捲（ㄧ支不切）
taiwanese peanut & sesame mochi at 小米燒麻糬
vegetarian rice in bamboo shot at 庄家古早味麵食
If you want to know more about our favorite Taiwanese dishes, check out this article:
4. Ci'en Pagoda (慈恩塔)
Nestled on the hills around Sun Moon Lake, the Ci’en Pagoda offers amazing panoramic views of the area. The hike up is a bit of a challenge—700 meters uphill followed by over 100 steps inside the pagoda—but the view from the top makes it totally worth it. At 46 meters tall, this iconic spot is one of the lake’s most loved landmarks. From the pagoda, you’ll get stunning views of Lalu Island and the shimmering waters of Sun Moon Lake—a scene that feels like stepping into a postcard.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
5. Xuanguang Temple (玄光寺)
This peaceful Buddhist temple, located right on the lakeshore, offers stunning views of Sun Moon Lake, especially at sunrise and sunset.
It’s home to the relics of Xuanzang, a renowned Buddhist monk from the Tang Dynasty. In the 7th century, at the command of the Tang emperor, Xuanzang traveled to India to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures, making his legacy an important part of the temple’s history.
OPEN | 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
6. Xiangshan Scenic Outlook (向山懸臂式觀景台)
If you’re staying in Shuishe or want to complete a full round around the lake, this is an excellent stop. The Xiangshan Scenic Outlook offers a stunning viewing platform that feels as though you’re floating above the lake itself. With its open-grid design, you get to experience walking above treetops and overlooking the shimmering waters. From here, you can take in breathtaking views of Lalu Island, the Hanbi Peninsula, and Shuishe Dam. The nearby visitor center stands out with its modern architecture, making it a perfect place to learn more about the area.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
EXPLORE THE SURROUNDINGS
Visit a Tea Factory
A visit to Antique Assam Tea Farm offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s tea culture. While the farm focuses on its selection of tea for purchase, you can also explore old tea processing equipment on display. During our visit, a Mandarin-speaking group enjoyed a guided tour, but tours are not available for drop-in guests.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. closed on Mondays
Explore the World’s Tallest Buddhist Monastery
A 40-minute drive from Shuishe takes you to the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, a truly impressive sight. Its massive, modern architecture speaks to the immense cost and effort that went into creating such a monumental structure. You can feel the scale of it as you walk around, with every corner reflecting both traditional Buddhist elements and modern design.
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m
Step on Taiwan’s longest Suspension Bridge
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Shuiyuan Suspension Bridge, Taiwan’s longest and tallest suspension bridge. Located about a 40-minute drive from Sun Moon Lake, it’s accessible only by car, as there’s no public transport. While we didn’t visit the bridge ourselves, it could be a worthwhile stop for those interested in exploring the area further, offering beautiful views of the valley below.
CHECK | See prices and opening hours here.
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