Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan
Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan, located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, at an elevation of 748 meters. It is renowned for its distinctive shape, where the eastern part of the lake resembles a sun and the western part a moon, giving the lake its name. The lake is culturally significant as it is home to the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous ethnic groups. Lalu Island, situated in the center of the lake, is considered sacred by the Thao tribe and features a marble statue commemorating a legendary white deer. The lake's surroundings include several notable temples such as Wen Wu Temple, Tzu-En Pagoda, Jianjing Temple, Syuentzang Temple, and Syuanguang Temple, each contributing to the area's spiritual and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy numerous hiking trails and biking paths that offer stunning views of the lake and its natural environment. Although swimming is generally prohibited, the annual Swimming Carnival attracts thousands of participants globally. The lake is also part of a national scenic area that features ferry services, a ropeway connecting to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, and various visitor centers. Sun Moon Lake is a celebrated tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors annually with its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities.
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Tip: The best time to visit Sun Moon Lake is during the Mid-Autumn Festival when the annual Swimming Carnival and related festivities like fireworks and concerts take place. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets for ferries and the ropeway in advance during peak seasons. The area offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups at various attractions. Use local buses or ferries to explore the lake efficiently, and consider renting bicycles to enjoy the scenic cycling trails around the lake.
Interesting facts
- •Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's largest natural lake and is situated at 748 meters above sea level.
- •The lake's unique shape resembles a sun on the east side and a moon on the west side, inspiring its name.
- •Lalu Island in the lake is sacred to the Thao indigenous people and features a marble statue of a legendary white deer.
- •The annual Swimming Carnival around Sun Moon Lake is one of Asia's top open water swims, attracting tens of thousands of participants.
- •Several hydroelectric power plants have been built at the lake since 1919, including the Mingtan Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant.
- •The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway connects the lake with the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, enhancing tourist access.
History
Originally known as Lake Candidius after a 17th-century Dutch missionary, Sun Moon Lake has been inhabited by the Thao people, who discovered it following a legendary white deer.
During Japanese rule, the central island was called Jade Island, later renamed Kwanghwa Island under the Nationalist government.
The 1999 earthquake damaged the island and caused parts to sink, after which it was restored and renamed Lalu in the Thao language.
The lake was dammed in 1919 to support hydroelectric power generation, which played a significant role in Taiwan's infrastructure development.
The construction of dams and power plants has altered the lake's size and water system over the decades.
Place Guide
Wen Wu Temple1932
A prominent temple built to replace smaller temples submerged due to dam construction, dedicated to Confucius, Guan Yu, and Yue Fei, featuring golden architectural elements and stone sculptures.
Tzu-En Pagoda1971
Constructed in 1971 by order of President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother, this pagoda stands at 954 meters elevation and offers panoramic views of the lake.
Syuentzang Temple1965
A Buddhist temple established in 1965 to honor the Tang dynasty monk Xuanzang, housing his relics and serving as a spiritual site.
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
A cable car system connecting Sun Moon Lake with the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, providing scenic aerial views and convenient access between attractions.
Lalu Island
A sacred island in the center of Sun Moon Lake, revered by the Thao people, partially submerged after the 1999 earthquake and currently under restoration.