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Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most famous destinations, and after visiting, I understand why. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it at first. I heard it was touristy, and we have gorgeous scenery in Washington – so I wasn’t sure how it would compare.
But honestly? The beauty of Sun Moon Lake blew me away. Surrounded by green mountains in the center of Taiwan, the lake feels completely different from the busy streets and night markets of Taipei. There are temples, viewpoints and attractions scattered around the shoreline, but what stood out to me most was simply being around the lake itself.
Our visit ended up being a little different than we planned because a typhoon was moving toward Taiwan. It was already a bit rainy while we were there, although we somehow ended up with an incredible sunset that evening. We had planned to spend the following morning renting bikes and riding along the lake, but instead we decided to leave early so we could get ahead of the storm.
Honestly, biking around Sun Moon Lake is probably the biggest reason I want to go back. Even with our shortened visit, I loved exploring Ita Thao, eating our way through the Indigenous food stalls and climbing Ci’en Pagoda near sunset.
If you’re planning a trip to Sun Moon Lake, these are the things I would prioritize first, followed by everything you need to know about getting there, where to stay and how much time you actually need.
Table of Contents
Is Sun Moon Lake Worth Visiting?
I think Sun Moon Lake is absolutely worth visiting, especially if this is your first trip to Taiwan and you have enough time to spend at least one night outside Taipei. Maybe we didn’t see it at it’s full peak, but it wasn’t as touristy as I was anticipating. Plus, some places are popular for a reason. Sun Moon Lake has a combination of mountain scenery, food, biking and waterfront views that you don’t really get elsewhere on a typical Taiwan itinerary.
I also think staying overnight makes a huge difference. If you come all the way from Taipei just to look at the lake, take a few photos and turn around, I don’t think you’re getting the best part of it. I loved being there later in the day when the light changed over the mountains, wandering around Ita Thao and seeing the lake at sunset.
Our only regret was how short our visit became once the typhoon started moving in. We had planned to spend the next morning biking before continuing on, but we ended up leaving earlier than expected.
Best Things to Do at Sun Moon Lake
There are plenty of attractions around Sun Moon Lake, but I don’t think you need to spend your visit racing between every temple, viewpoint and marked stop on Google Maps. The lake itself is the attraction, and I would build your itinerary around the experiences that actually let you enjoy it.
Bike Around Sun Moon Lake
Biking around Sun Moon Lake is probably the most classic thing to do here, and it is also the biggest thing we missed on our trip. We had planned to rent bikes, but with a typhoon moving toward Taiwan, we made the decision to leave early in fear that we’d get stuck in the mountains.
It was disappointing because the biking paths were one of the things I had been most excited about. There are several sections of cycling trail around the lake, including stretches that run directly alongside the water. You definitely do not need to complete the entire loop to enjoy the experience, and honestly, I think I would rather spend a few hours slowly riding the prettiest sections, stopping for photos and enjoying the views than treating it like a race. The prettiest section is supposed to be around Ita Thao.
When I go back to Sun Moon Lake, this is at the very top of my list. I want to rent bikes, take my time and spend a full morning riding around the lake without having a typhoon chasing us out of town.
If you want to cover more distance without turning the day into a major workout, an e-bike would also be a great option. The terrain around the lake varies, so this is especially worth considering if your goal is sightseeing rather than getting in a serious cycling workout.
👉 Book your Sun Moon Lake biking experiences
Shop & Eat Your Way Through Ita Thao
Ita Thao was easily one of my favorite parts of Sun Moon Lake. The village sits along the southeastern side of the lake and is home to the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s Indigenous groups. Around the pier and main shopping streets, you’ll find food stalls, restaurants, snacks, local products and small shops that make this area especially fun in the evening.
Take some time to simply walk along the waterfront. There are easy lakeside paths near the village, and this is one of the places where I think Sun Moon Lake is best when you aren’t trying to accomplish anything.
Of course, you can’t miss out on the night market here. I loved the food, but the atmosphere is also worth coming for. It’s a small night market mixed with a lakeside village. It’s such a fun combination after a long day sightseeing!
We also stopped at Xiaolin Beef Noodle Restaurant, right around the corner from the main Ita Thao food street, for a bowl of beef noodle soup. It was exactly what I wanted with the cooler, rainy weather we had that day – warm, filling and a nice break from snacking our way through the market.
Ita Thao is great for trying little bites like wild boar sausage, millet mochi and Sun Moon Lake black tea treats, but I would absolutely leave room for a proper bowl of beef noodles too. This ended up being one of the meals I still remember from our visit.
Climb Ci’en Pagoda
Ci’en Pagoda ended up being one of my favorite experiences at Sun Moon Lake, and I would highly recommend making time for it. The pagoda sits high above the lake, and you have to walk uphill to reach it before climbing the tower itself. Once you get to the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views over Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The pagoda is especially good for sunset views! I would absolutely recommend going later in the afternoon if the weather cooperates. Just make sure you check the current opening hours before planning your visit because the pagoda can close before the actual sunset depending on the time of year.
Between the climb, the views and the timing of our visit, this was probably my favorite scenic stop at Sun Moon Lake.
Take a Boat Across Sun Moon Lake
Taking a boat is another classic Sun Moon Lake experience, and it also happens to be a practical way to move between different areas around the water. Passenger boats connect some of the main tourist hubs, including Shuishe and Ita Thao, so you can use them as transportation while also getting a completely different perspective of the surrounding mountains.
I wouldn’t necessarily build your entire itinerary around taking a sightseeing cruise, but I do think getting out on the water at least once is worth doing. It breaks up the day nicely and makes it easier to explore more than one side of the lake without constantly relying on buses or taxis.
Visit a Sun Moon Lake Tea Farm
One thing I was really disappointed to miss was visiting one of the tea farms around Sun Moon Lake. The Yuchi area is famous for Taiwanese black tea, so I had originally planned to stop at either HOHOCHA or Antique Assam Tea Farm while we were there. Unfortunately, the approaching typhoon changed our plans again.
HOHOCHA is the more modern, tourist-friendly option, with Sun Moon Lake black tea tastings, tea-themed snacks and a beautiful Japanese-inspired tea-factory setting. Antique Assam Tea Farm, also known as the Sun Moon Tea Factory, is a good option if your interested in the history and actual production of tea. It is a historic working tea factory where you can learn more about Assam black tea and buy locally produced Sun Moon Lake teas.
I still really want to do this when I go back! Between finally biking around the lake and spending time at a tea farm, I feel like there is a whole side of Sun Moon Lake that we missed simply because the weather cut our trip short.
Visit Wenwu Temple
If you want to add one temple to your Sun Moon Lake itinerary, make it Wenwu Temple. It sits above the northern side of the lake and has beautiful views in addition to the temple complex itself.
There are multiple temples and cultural sites around Sun Moon Lake, but unless temples are a major focus of your trip, I don’t think you need to visit every single one. I would rather spend more time outside biking, walking or enjoying the scenery than rush between a long list of attractions simply because they are nearby.
Ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is another popular way to see the area from above and is especially convenient if you are already spending time around Ita Thao.
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway actually connects directly to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, so you can turn the cable-car ride into a much bigger half-day excursion. Basically, you’ll find Indigenous cultural exhibits and recreated traditional villages with performances, a few hands-on activities, gardens and a small amusement park.
If you have extra time, I think it would be a fun addition, but I personally would prioritize biking, Ita Thao and Ci’en Pagoda first.
Where to Stay at Sun Moon Lake
We stayed at Zhaohong B&B, and I would absolutely recommend it if you have your own transportation. The host was excellent, and one of my favorite parts of the stay was the breakfast area overlooking the lake. Waking up to those views made it feel much more special than simply choosing somewhere convenient to sleep.
The B&B is also right near one of the pathways around Sun Moon Lake, which makes it easy to get outside and walk along the water. The tradeoff is location. It sits a little farther away from the main hubs around the lake, so I think it works best if you have a rental car or other private transportation. If you are relying entirely on buses, boats and walking, I would probably stay somewhere more central.
👉 Check current prices for Zhaohong B&B
Where I Would Stay Next Time: Ita Thao
When I go back to Sun Moon Lake, I would most likely stay in Ita Thao. There is simply a lot more going on within walking distance, with the food street, pier, restaurants and shops all concentrated in the same area. The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is also nearby, making Ita Thao a convenient base if you want to visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
My dream spot would be Sun Moon Lakeside Boutique Hotel. It has a fantastic view, looks modern and has outstanding reviews.
I loved wandering through Ita Thao for food, and I think staying there would make the whole trip feel easier without needing to plan transportation every time you want to go somewhere. It would also work really well with the version of Sun Moon Lake I still want to experience: wake up, rent bikes, spend the morning riding around the lake and come back to Ita Thao for food afterward.
So while I would happily recommend Zhaohong B&B for the hospitality, lake views and quieter setting, especially if you have a car, I would choose Ita Thao for convenience and atmosphere on my next visit.
👉 Check prices for Sun Moon Lake Boutique Hotel
How to Get Around Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is more spread out than it looks, but you can get around without a car if you plan around the bus and boat schedules. Staying in Shuishe or Ita Thao makes this much easier since both are major transportation hubs.
The 6669 Round-the-Lake Bus connects Shuishe with many of the main sights, including Wenwu Temple, several lakeside trails, the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, Ita Thao, Xuanzang Temple, Ci’en Pagoda and Xuanguang Temple. Buses generally come about once an hour, so this is not the kind of transportation where I would show up at a stop without checking the schedule first.
Service also ends fairly early. The last bus leaves Shuishe toward Ita Thao/Xuanguang at 5:05 PM, while the final return departures are around 6:00 PM from Xuanguang and 6:10 PM from Ita Thao. This is especially important if you are planning sunset somewhere away from the main villages. We had a hard time finding a ride back from Ci’en Pagoda after staying later for the views, so I would absolutely check your return transportation before heading up.
Boats are another easy option during the day, connecting Shuishe, Xuanguang and Ita Thao. For shorter stretches, I recommend just biking. If you plan to visit several places away from those main hubs – or stay somewhere a little outside of the major hubs, having your own transportation gives you much more flexibility.
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake From Taipei
There is no train station directly at Sun Moon Lake, but getting there by public transportation is still fairly straightforward. The easiest option for most travelers is to take the Taiwan High Speed Rail from Taipei to Taichung and then transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus that continues to Sun Moon Lake.
Once you arrive at Taichung HSR Station, follow the signs toward the bus terminal and look for the Sun Moon Lake route. The bus ride from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake takes roughly 1.5 hours, so I would give yourself plenty of time and avoid planning too many activities on your arrival day.
There are also longer-distance bus options from Taipei, but if you are trying to maximize your time, I would personally choose the high-speed rail and shuttle combination. It costs more than taking the bus the entire way, but it makes the journey much easier to work into a larger Taiwan itinerary.
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake From Taichung
Taichung is the easiest major city to use as your jumping-off point for Sun Moon Lake. From Taichung HSR Station, you can take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle directly toward the lake, with the ride taking approximately 90 minutes depending on traffic and the exact service.
Sun Moon Lake works really well as part of a longer trip through Taiwan too. Rather than returning all the way to Taipei afterward, you can continue south toward places like Alishan or Tainan and keep moving through the country.
Sun Moon Lake FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need at Sun Moon Lake?
I would plan on spending at least one night at Sun Moon Lake, and two nights would be even. One night gives you enough time to arrive, explore part of the lake, eat around Ita Thao and catch sunset before spending the next morning cycling or visiting another part of the shoreline.
Two nights would let you slow down considerably, especially if the weather is questionable. Our experience is a good example of why having a little extra flexibility can be useful. We had planned to bike the morning after our sunset visit, but the approaching typhoon forced us to leave earlier than planned.
If I returned, I would probably choose two nights simply because I want enough time to actually enjoy the cycling trails without feeling like every hour is scheduled.
Can You Visit Sun Moon Lake as a Day Trip From Taipei?
You can visit Sun Moon Lake from Taipei in one day, but I don’t think it is the best way to experience it. Between the high-speed rail trip to Taichung and the bus connection to the lake, you will spend several hours simply getting there and back.
Sun Moon Lake is much better when you have time to stay for sunset, eat in Ita Thao, wake up the next morning and go biking. That being said – if you are based in Taichung, a day trip makes much more sense because you are already significantly closer.
Is there a beach at Sun Moon Lake?
Not really. Sun Moon Lake has plenty of waterfront paths, piers and places to sit beside the water, but it does not have a traditional swimming beach. Swimming is generally prohibited in the lake except during approved events like the annual cross-lake swim. If you want to spend time on the water, boat rides, SUP and canoeing are better options!
Is Sun Moon Lake Touristy?
Sun Moon lake has plenty of things to do, but I didn’t feel it was too overcrowded. There are boat tours, bike rentals, souvenir stores and plenty of visitors around the main villages, especially during the middle of the day.
At the same time, we did go when bad weather was nearing AND the lake is large enough that it doesn’t always feel crowded. Once you start walking or biking farther from the main piers, the atmosphere changes quickly, and the mountains surrounding the lake make the whole area feel much calmer than Taiwan’s major cities.
I think this is another one of those places where going in with realistic expectations makes a huge difference. Don’t come expecting an undiscovered mountain lake. Come because it is one of Taiwan’s classic destinations and because the combination of scenery, food and outdoor activities makes it worth experiencing.
Would I Go Back to Sun Moon Lake?
Absolutely! Because our trip was cut short, I feel like there is still some unfinished business between me and Sun Moon Lake, so I’m looking forward to being able to return. I still want to spend a morning biking around the lake, visit one of the local tea farms and explore more of the places we missed when the typhoon changed our plans.
But even with a shorter visit than we expected, Sun Moon Lake ended up being one of those places that showed me another side of Taiwan. If you love being outdoors, trying local food and building a trip around experiences rather than rushing from attraction to attraction, I think you’ll really enjoy it here. You can bike beside the water, eat your way through Ita Thao, learn more about Taiwan’s Indigenous culture, visit a tea farm and end the day looking out over the mountains and lake.
Next time, I want better weather, a bike and an entire morning with nowhere else to be. Hopefully, your first visit gives you enough time to do exactly that.
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Heading south? Don’t miss: Your Guide to Alishan, Best Things To Do At Sun Moon Lake, Where To Stay In Tainan, How To Visit Jingzijiao Salt Fields
Hi, I’m Amber —
A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and years of traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring destinations across Asia and America through hiking, scenic landscapes, local food, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.
