Sun Moon Lake is just a 3-hour drive from Taipei!
Boasting beautiful landscapes throughout the 4 seasons, especially during Spring when the Cherry Blossom blooms, Sun Moon Lake is one destination that literally everyone would tell you to visit when you're in Taichung!
Besides visiting Taiwan's largest lake, there are several hidden gems tucked away around the area that would make your trip there that much more special! From a boat trip around the lake to enchanting woodlands, quickly prepare your notebook to take these tips down.
1. Taiwan Adventist College
Originally based in Xindian District of Taipei, the Taiwan Adventist College was established in 1951 and relocated to its current location in the 1970s, surrounded by a vast area of lush greenery!
An ocean of green covers the whole campus during Spring and Summer and transforms into a warm orange hue during Autumn and Winter. The abundance of nature adds to the mysterious charm of this place, especially where the must-visit row of large trees sits on the campus.
Address: 555, Taiwan, Nantou County, Yuchi Township, 瓊文巷39號
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7am - 5pm, Friday 7am - 4pm, closed on Saturday
2. Chiang Kai-Shek Pier
Located along the Hanbi Trail, the Chiang Kai-Shek Pier is probably Sun Moon lake's best-known secret!
With lanterns hung over a rustic wooden pontoon, travel through time and space as you're greeted by a magnificent landscape that looks like it came straight out of a classic painting.
Address: No. 142, Zhongxing Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am - 5pm
3. Shuishe Pier
The Shuishe Pier is a must-see attraction when you're visiting Sun Moon Lake. Filled with resorts, restaurants, and travel-related facilities, Shuishe Pier is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful views of the lake.
You can even head into the town to enjoy its hot springs or to rent a bike to explore one of its many trails there!
Address: 555, Taiwan, Nantou County, Yuchi Township, Mingsheng Street, 11號555
Opening hours: Open all day
4. Xiangshan Visitor Center
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Dan Norihiko, the overall design is centered around the theme of promoting the harmonious integration between human habitation and the natural world.
The interior and exterior of the building are composed of waterscapes, a green roof and the same land that was built around. Its unique slope design will always stand out no matter which angle the picture is taken from!
Address: No. 599, Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm
5. Ci'en Pagoda
The Ci'en Pagoda, a famous landmark of Sun Moon Lake is located on the Sabalan Mountain at an altitude of 964m. With the tower being 46m, the highest point of the Ci'en Pagoda sits at a cool 1,000m!
Ascending to the top of the tower, you'll get a 360-degree view of the surrounding beauty of Sun Moon Lake. With a vast horizon, the views are not only spectacular outside of the tower, but also in the stairwells too.
Remember to walk up to the top of the tower to enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain views when visiting.
Address: 555, Taiwan, Nantou County, Yuchi Township
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 4.30pm
6. Wenwu Temple
The Wenwu Temple is located on the back of the Sun Moon Lake and poses a majestic and imposing aura. Before the current road was built, the only way to get to Wenwu Temple was by boat to the pier below the temple, followed by a climb up a very steep flight of steps called 'the stairway to heaven'.
Ascending the observatory of the rear hall, you can overlook the Sun Moon Lake from afar, with a panoramic view of its surrounding.
Address: No. 63, Zhongzheng Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Opening Hours: Open all day, enter through the side gate after 8pm