Looking for ideas on what to do at Sun Moon Lake? We visited after exploring Taichung during our 3-week itinerary in Taiwan, and it was a stop that surprised us—both for its beauty and tranquility.
In this article, we’ll share what we did, what’s truly worth seeing, and give you practical tips to plan your trip to Sun Moon Lake. All based on our firsthand experience, unfiltered.
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Why You Should Visit Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations—and we understood why. The lake itself has a serene energy, with postcard-worthy landscapes and various ways to explore it: by bike, boat, or even on foot. Surrounding it are temples, indigenous villages, and trails worth every step.
If you’re looking for nature, local culture, and a slower pace after intense days in the cities, this is the right place for you.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sun Moon Lake?
We visited in April and had mild days, cloudy skies, and few crowds—it would’ve been better with blue skies, but at least we avoided rain. Generally, the months between October and April are best: you’ll avoid the rainy season and the intense summer heat.
How to Visit Sun Moon Lake
If you’re coming from Taichung, like us, the easiest option is the direct bus. The trip takes about 2 hours and departs from the city’s bus station (Gancheng or Taichung HSR). You can find more details here.
If you’re coming from Alishan, the trip is a bit longer and less direct, but still possible. There are transfers and bus connections between Alishan and Sun Moon Lake, with stops in Shuili. It’s worth checking updated schedules, as they may change frequently.
How Many Days Are Enough for Sun Moon Lake?
We stayed for two nights and found it the perfect amount of time to explore the main spots, take a boat ride, and bike around the lake. If you want to relax more or hike at a leisurely pace, 3 to 4 days would be ideal.
Where to Stay at Sun Moon Lake
We chose accommodation near Shuishe, one of the most practical areas to stay. It has good access to transportation, restaurants, and docks for boat tours.
If you want to see all our recommended options (for various budgets), check out our full article on where to stay at Sun Moon Lake.
What to Do at Sun Moon Lake
At Sun Moon Lake, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature and local culture. Here are the highlights of our experience with the best Sun Moon Lake attractions—simple, authentic, and full of memorable moments.
Bike Along Asia’s Most Beautiful Bike Path
Yes, you read that right—Sun Moon Lake’s bike path is considered one of the most beautiful in Asia, and after riding it, we have no doubts why. We rented bikes in the afternoon on the day we arrived in Shuishe and started the lakeside route, with incredible landscapes ahead: mirror-like water, distant mountains, and the sounds of nature as our soundtrack.
We took the right-side route (if facing the lake—see the map above). The path is easy, even for us non-regular cyclists. There are plenty of spots to stop for photos or simply enjoy the moment. You can rent your bike online here.
What to Do in Shuishe at Sun Moon Lake
Shuishe was our base and a great choice for those who like having everything within reach. Here, you’ll find the boat terminal, shops, cafes, and the night market. We took walks around the village, tried street food, and enjoyed lake views. One of the best-view cafes is Starbucks.
Sun Moon Lake Boat Tour: Full Itinerary
One of the best ways to see the lake from different angles is by boat. We bought the ticket online (cheaper than on-site) and boarded the circular route starting at Shuishe, with stops at:
Xuanguang Temple
Small but meaningful, the Xuanguang Temple offers a stunning panoramic view and a super peaceful atmosphere—the kind you’ll want to savor slowly.
From here, we walked to the Xuan Zang Temple, following an 800-meter forest trail—the path is easy, and the lake view at the end makes every step worth it. Another 200 meters, and you’ll reach the start of the trail to the Ci’en Pagoda. We only went as far as the viewpoint where you can see the pagoda nestled among the trees—the remaining 900-meter uphill climb was skipped that day, as we opted to enjoy the view from below.
Ita Thao
A village rooted in Thao indigenous culture, brimming with traditions, street food, and local shops. From here, you can access the street food market, the cable car to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, and various lake activities like canoeing or pedal boats.
Shuishe
The boat route ends back in Shuishe, but there’s no need to worry about strict schedules—you can simply hop on the next boat whenever you’re ready, giving you the freedom to explore Ita Thao at your own pace.
If you’re staying in Ita Thao, you can start the route there. Round-trip tickets include stops at the lake’s three main points, but one-way tickets are also available if you prefer a more flexible itinerary.
Enjoy the Views from the Cable Car
As soon as we arrived in Ita Thao, we headed straight for the cable car. The station is called Sun Moon Lake Ropeway and is just a short walk away via a lakeside trail with breathtaking views. You can buy cable car tickets online.
The ride to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is mesmerizing: the lake below, endless green forests, and glimpses of the theme park (which we skipped but is right next door). The cable car ends at the park entrance, where you can transfer to another ride inside. Some cabins have glass floors for an even better view of the forest beneath.
If, like us, you’re not visiting the park, simply take the cable car back. It’s a simple yet unforgettable experience—one that stays with you.
Explore Ita Thao
Ita Thao has a different rhythm, deeply tied to indigenous traditions. It’s the perfect place to wander leisurely, try unique local dishes (like snacks with indigenous herbs or mountain mushrooms), shop for crafts, and learn about Thao culture. It’s also the starting point for the cable car to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
We explored the street market, grabbing lunch to enjoy by the lake—we chose a stall selling Gua Baos and later had coffee at the Owl Coffee Shop (and owl-shaped taiyaki, of course).
Sun Moon Lake Activities You Can Book in Advance
We usually prefer booking activities and transport ahead of time. This avoids on-site hassles—especially since card payments aren’t always an option. We sort everything out in advance and travel stress-free.
In Taiwan, there’s another perk: some activities are cheaper when booked online. A great example is Sun Moon Lake boat tickets—you save money and arrive fully prepared.
Here are our top recommendations for what to book early to make the most of your trip.
Tips for visiting Sun Moon Lake
After spending two days exploring Sun Moon Lake, here are a few practical tips to help you better plan your visit.
- Rent a bike — it’s a must-do: Biking around the lake is one of the best ways to explore the area. No need to stress about schedules or arriving early — bikes are everywhere, from basic models to e-bikes, and most shops are open all day. You can rent your bike online at a lower price than locally.
- Buy combo tickets online: If you plan to take the boat and the cable car, it’s worth getting a combo ticket. It’s cheaper and saves you from waiting in line. We recommend booking it in advance here.
- Plan your schedule wisely: Boats run at specific times, and the last one is usually in the late afternoon. You can buy boat tickets online at a lower price here. If you want to spend time in Ita Thao and also take the cable car, check the schedules in the morning so you don’t miss out. Also, be sure to check for changes in schedule on rainy or windy days.
- Choose your accommodation wisely: As we shared before, we stayed in Shuishe and it was super convenient — close to the pier, restaurants, and bike rental shops. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out our article on where to stay in Sun Moon Lake with tips for different travel styles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
What’s the best time to visit Sun Moon Lake?
The best time to visit Sun Moon Lake is between October and April, when the weather is milder and there’s less chance of heavy rain. Autumn and winter months (like November) offer clear days, pleasant temperatures, and fewer tourists — perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace, whether on foot, by bike, or by boat.
What to do in one day at Sun Moon Lake?
If you only have one day at Sun Moon Lake, start with a bike ride along the scenic cycling path, followed by a round-trip boat ride with stops at Ita Thao and Xuanguang Temple. In the afternoon, take the cable car and explore the Ita Thao street food market. It’s a full day combining scenery, culture, and local flavors.
Is it easy to get around Sun Moon Lake without a car?
Yes, it’s very easy to get around Sun Moon Lake without a car. The area has excellent tourist infrastructure, with boats connecting the main spots (Shuishe, Xuanguang, Ita Thao), bike rentals, local buses, and walking trails. Everything is designed to make it easy for visitors to move around without needing a private vehicle.
