Welcome to Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan, a calm and beautiful spot that’s perfect to unwind and get closer to nature. This place is a real gem for those who want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to get to Sun Moon Lake, which hotels to pick, what to do while you’re there, and how to head back when it’s time to leave. So, let’s get started and explore this peaceful paradise, step by step!
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake Taiwan
Taipei to Sun Moon Lake
When traveling from Taipei, your journey to Sun Moon Lake begins at Taipei Bus Station. You’ll be riding the King Bus (國光客運), and it’s easy to purchase your ticket from the King Bus booth on the 1st floor.
Board the bus on the 2nd floor, and the ticket will cost you 450NT or more. Expect the journey to take approximately 3.5 hours.
Pro Tip: For those traveling in a group, an excellent alternative is to rent a private car, which offers super convenience. You can rent a car or book a private tour.
Taichung to Sun Moon Lake
If you’re traveling from Taichung, make your way to Taichung HSR Station B1 and look for the Nantou Bus Station. There, you can catch a public bus that will take you to Sun Moon Lake in about 1.5 hours. The cost of the ride is around 160NT or more, and you can conveniently pay with your EasyCard.
Another option is to rent a private car here or book a private tour here, which might be slightly more budget-friendly than from Taipei due to the shorter distance. This choice offers flexibility and comfort, making it a great way to explore Sun Moon Lake on your terms.
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Where to Stay in Sun Moon Lake Taiwan
Resorts (5000NT+/night)
Most of the resorts at Sun Moon Lake Taiwan provide a convenient shuttle service from ShuiShe Port, ensuring a hassle-free transition from the port to your cozy retreat.
These resorts also offer amenities like swimming pools and various entertainment options, designed to enhance your holiday experience and provide the ultimate relaxation and enjoyment.
Budget Friendly Hotels (1500-3000NT/night)
What To Do in Sun Moon Lake
If you’re planning a Sun Moon Lake day trip, your adventure begins the moment you arrive at ShuiShe Port, the main gateway to one of Taiwan’s most beautiful lakes. From here, you can purchase a Sun Moon Lake ferry tour ticket at the booth, which allows you to hop between the three main ferry ports — ShuiShe, Syuanguang, and Yidashao — each offering unique attractions and local experiences.
ShuiShe Port – The Perfect Starting Point
Your journey begins at ShuiShe Port, a must-visit for anyone exploring Sun Moon Lake in one day. This vibrant area is both a transportation hub and a food lover’s paradise. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and street stalls serving famous Sun Moon Lake black tea, rice noodles, and Taiwanese snacks.
Don’t forget to stop by the ShuiShe Visitor Center for maps, ferry timetables, and the latest travel information. If you’re heading back to Taichung or continuing your Taiwan travel itinerary, the main bus station is conveniently located here — making ShuiShe an ideal base for your Sun Moon Lake trip.
Syuanguang Port – A Tranquil Stop for Culture Lovers
Next on your Sun Moon Lake ferry itinerary is Syuanguang Port, often called the mini island of tranquility. Here, you can visit the Xuanzang Temple, dedicated to the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang, whose journey inspired the classic “Journey to the West.” The temple offers panoramic views of the lake and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection.
For a light adventure, take the Qinglongshan Hiking Trail, an easy 850-meter scenic trail surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking lake views — one of the best things to do in Sun Moon Lake for nature lovers.
Yidashao Port – Culture, Adventure, and Local Vibes
End your ferry loop at Yidashao Port, the liveliest and most dynamic part of Sun Moon Lake. Stroll through Yidashao Old Street, a bustling market filled with local souvenirs, aboriginal delicacies, and the popular millet wine. It’s also the go-to spot for Sun Moon Lake water activities — from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to electric boat rides that let you explore the lake at your own pace.
If you’re seeking a mix of adventure and culture, Yidashao is where Sun Moon Lake truly comes alive.
Must Visit Around Sun Moon Lake
Before you head out, grab a Sun Moon Lake combo ticket to enjoy some of the lake’s best attractions and experiences. The combo pass usually includes bike rentals, ferry rides, and discounted entries to certain viewpoints — a perfect choice if you want to make the most of your Sun Moon Lake day trip itinerary.
🚴♀️ Bike Around the Scenic Trails
One of the best things to do in Sun Moon Lake is cycling along its world-famous Sun Moon Lake Bike Trail, often listed among the most beautiful bike paths in the world by CNN. The trail stretches for about 30 kilometers, circling the lake with breathtaking views, suspension bridges, and peaceful forest paths. You can rent bikes easily at ShuiShe Port or Xiangshan Visitor Center — both great starting points for your adventure.
🌊 Watersports at Yidashao Wharf
If you love adventure, Yidashao Wharf is the heart of Sun Moon Lake’s water activities. You can try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, or even rent an electric boat to explore the lake at your own pace. These activities offer a unique perspective of the lake’s calm waters surrounded by misty mountains — especially magical during sunrise or sunset.
🏞️ Xiangshan Visitor Center
Don’t miss the stunning Xiangshan Visitor Center, one of the lake’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Designed by famous architect Dan Norihiko, the center features sleek, curved concrete structures that blend beautifully with the surrounding nature. Inside, you’ll find a café with panoramic lake views, an exhibition area, and access to the Xiangshan Bikeway, which connects to the main Sun Moon Lake trail. It’s the perfect stop for photos, rest, and a peaceful coffee break.
🏯 Climb Up to Ci’en Pagoda for Epic Views
For a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake, make your way to the Ci’en Pagoda, one of the most iconic landmarks in the area. Built in 1971 by former President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother, this 46-meter-tall pagoda stands atop Shabalan Mountain, about 954 meters above sea level.
You’ll need to walk about 700 meters uphill from the parking area, but the short hike is well worth it. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and — on clear days — even distant peaks of the Central Mountain Range. It’s one of the best sunrise and sunset spots at Sun Moon Lake.
🚡 Take a Gondola Ride for a Unique Perspective
Another unmissable experience is the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (Gondola). This scenic cable car connects Sun Moon Lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, offering sweeping aerial views of the emerald-green lake and the lush forests below. The ride takes about 7 minutes each way, reaching heights of over 1,000 meters.
For photographers and families, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Sun Moon Lake — especially during autumn, when the surrounding hills glow in golden hues. Make sure to check the weather before you go for the clearest views!
🏞️ Explore the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
If you have extra time or are spending a full day in the area, don’t miss the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, located at the end of the gondola ride. This expansive theme park beautifully combines Taiwan’s indigenous heritage with modern amusement park attractions.
You can explore traditional tribal villages, watch cultural performances, and even hop on thrilling rides like roller coasters and river rapids. During spring, the park also hosts the Sun Moon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the most photogenic events in Taiwan. It’s an ideal stop for families, couples, or anyone who wants to combine culture, fun, and nature in one place.
Explore more of Taiwan in our Special Taiwan E-Book
Check out our Sun Moon Lake vlog here
Explore More Hidden Gems in Taiwan
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other Taiwan travel blogs featuring Taipei and Glamping in Taiwan — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our Taiwan Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
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