Sun Moon Lake, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taiwan, has a vista of rolling hills and mountains with a beautiful calm lake in front of it while containing pockets of rich indigenous culture, all waiting for you to explore.
From the beautiful pagoda of Ci'en overlooking the lake to the stunning bike path around it, you will find below all the information you need to explore Sun Moon Lake and all it has to offer in one day.
Without further ado, here is a complete travel guide to Sun Moon Lake and a complete list of the best things to do for solo travelers and more:
Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary to Taiwan?2 Weeks Itinerary for Taiwan
Table of Contents
- Sun Moon Lake Things to Do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay at Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Sun Moon Lake
- 11 Best Things to Do at Sun Moon Lake: One-Day Itinerary
- Walk Along Hanbi Trail at Sunset
- Stroll Along Shuishe Wharf and Meihe Park at Sunrise
- Cycle Around Sun Moon Lake Circular Bike Path
- Drop by Longfeng Temple
- Absorb the View at Xiangshan Scenic Outlook
- Ride Your Bike all the Way to Sun Moon Lake Northwest Observation Platform and Back
- Admire the Beauty of Wenwu Temple and Its Gigantic Marble Pillar
- Have Lunch at Ita Thao Shopping District
- Visit Xuanzang Temple
- Hike Up Ci'en Pagoda for a Stunning View of the Lake
- Watch Sunset at Shuishe Dam
- More Sun Moon Lake Activities
- Where to Eat and Drink at Sun Moon Lake?
- Eat at Ita Thao Shopping District
- Taiwan Travel Video
- When to Visit Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
- How to Get to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
- How to Get from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake?
- How to Get from Alishan/Chiayi to Sun Moon Lake?
- How to Get Around Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
- How Many Days to Spend at Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
- How Much Money Do I Need for Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
- Is it Safe at Sun Moon Lake?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Internet At Sun Moon Lake?
- What to Pack for Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
- Further Reading for Taiwan
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Sun Moon Lake Things to Do Itinerary Map
Quick Summary: Things to do in Sun Moon Lake
Planning to visit soon?
š Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
- Yue Lake Backpackers (Budget)
- Timing House B&B (Mid-Range) š Top Pick
- Hu Yue Lakeview Hotel (High-End)
š Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
- 5-Day Best of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, Tarako Gorge, Kaohsiung, Taitung (5 days)
- Sun Moon Lake 1-Day Leisure Tour from Taipei (12 hours)
- Two-day Sun Moon Lake & Alishan Forest Park Tour Package (2 days)
š Renting a car: Discover Cars.
š„ Travel Insurance: Heymondo. Get 5% off today!
11 Best Things to Do at Sun Moon Lake: One-Day Itinerary
1. Walk Along Hanbi Trail at Sunset
On the day of your arrival, after settling into your accommodation, I would recommend that you go for a little walk along the Hanbi trail, a small path off Shuishe Pier that hugs the lakeside and ends at the Yule Pavilion.
The trail takes less than 10 minutes to walk, but the view from Yule Pavilion will give you a nice idea of what you can expect when you have the time to explore the next day.
Where to Stay at Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
2. Stroll Along Shuishe Wharf and Meihe Park at Sunrise
Fun fact: I actually chose Sun Moon Lake as the place where I celebrated my 31st birthday, and this is the exact itinerary I chose to do that day. The itinerary begins as early as 6 AM when I walked from my hostel to Shuishe Pier to watch the sunrise and boy, was it worth it.
If you don't mind waking up early, I highly recommend that you wake up early and watch the sunrise at Shuishe Pier. The sunrise at Sun Moon Lake is quite a sight to behold.
Another great viewpoint, which I recommend you drop by right before sunrise, is from a platform at Meihe Park. From there, you can get a view of the lake, the pier, and the mountains behind it.
Depending on the time of year, the sunrise time will range from 6 AM to 8 AM. Since the lake is also surrounded by tall mountains, you will also have to consider that the sun will likely be behind the mountain when it rises, so do not come too early. It can get quite cold in the morning, so make sure to bring a light jacket with you.
3. Cycle Around Sun Moon Lake Circular Bike Path
After watching the sunrise, it's time to explore Sun Moon Lake on a 2-wheeler! I would recommend renting a bike for the day and traveling along the western lakeside bike path to see some of the beautiful tourist attractions around Sun Moon Lake.
I rented a bike from this bicycle rental place off the main road for 100 NTD for a day with the Yue Lake Backpackers discount. Usually, you would have to pay 200 NTD for it, so be sure to ask your accommodation if they can provide any discount somewhere.
The bike path runs alongside the lakeside on a well-maintained, sturdy concrete platform, one of the most delightful bike paths I have ever experienced. The scenery along the bike path is amazing, and with a bike, you can stop and take a picture anytime you'd like.
The bike path goes all the way to the Northwest Observation Platform, but before we go all the way down there, let's stop by and see some of the tourist attractions along the way.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
4. Drop by Longfeng Temple
Not too far from Shuishe, you will find a beautiful temple called Longfeng Temple. Longfeng Temple is a small but colorful temple on the side of a mountain with a scenic view of the lake. It's not very big, but it should give you a glimpse of what you can expect from temples around Sun Moon Lake.
5. Absorb the View at Xiangshan Scenic Outlook
With your bike, continue west until the bike path goes south, hugging along the western lakeside of Sun Moon Lake, passing the beautiful Shuishe Dam, which we will return to later for sunset, and ride towards Xiangshan Scenic Outlook.
Xiangshan Scenic Outlook is an elevated observation deck that rises above the lake, giving you the feeling of floating above the water. It is a great place to take photos or simply rest from the bike ride and enjoy the amazing view of Sun Moon Lake.
6. Ride Your Bike all the Way to Sun Moon Lake Northwest Observation Platform and Back
After Xiangshan Scenic Outlook, it is only a few minutes ride towards Northwest Observation Platform, which signifies the end of the easy bike path. From there on, the path goes up and up into the mountain. I would not recommend going beyond this point if you are not a strong cyclist.
The park is a great place to rest and enjoy the view of the lake before heading back to Shuishe, where we will leave our bikes for now and hop on the round-the-lake bus instead to save some time.
7. Admire the Beauty of Wenwu Temple and Its Gigantic Marble Pillar
After leaving your bike at Shuishe, hop on the #6669 bus from Sun Moon Lake Bus Stop and get off at Wenwu Temple Bus Stop, and you will be right in front of our next destination, the massive Wenwu Temple.
Wenwu Temple is a grand Chinese-style temple atop a hill, offering a stunning vista of Sun Moon Lake and all its mountains. The temple consists of three halls dedicated to three different gods. Additionally, there is a large marble pillar built atop the park above Wenwu Temple, which you should not miss.
You can spend an hour or two just exploring all the halls and looking at all the intricate details of the temple's interior, but be sure to give yourself enough time to catch the bus to our next destination, which is located on the other side of the lake.
8. Have Lunch at Ita Thao Shopping District š„ Best Place to Eat
After Wenwu Temple, take the round-the-lake bus all the way to Ita Thao, an indigenous village turned into a bustling port town with tons of street food waiting for you to devour.
By the time you arrive here, it should be lunchtime or later, so you can relax here for an hour or two and stroll around Ita Thao Shopping District looking for food.
You can also stroll along Ita Thao's lakeside and enjoy Sun Moon Lake's scenery from the other side. After you have eaten all the street food you can eat, go back to where the bus drops you off and get on a bus that goes to Xuanzang Temple.
Remember that not all 6669 buses go to Xuanzang Temple. Only the ones at 9:18, 10:08, 10:58, 12:08, 14:18, 15:18, 16:08, and 17:23 will go all the way to Xuanzang Temple, so please time yourself carefully.
9. Visit Xuanzang Temple
Xuanzang Temple is another beautiful Chinese temple with a stunning view of the lake, but with a much smaller crowd. The temple is quite nice, but our main focus for coming all the way here is to get to our next destination on the list: the Ci'en Pagoda.
10. Hike Up Ci'en Pagoda for a Stunning View of the Lake ā¤ļø Must Visit
Ci'en Pagoda is a 48-meter tall Chinese-style pagoda located atop a mountain where one can climb and be rewarded with the best view you will ever get of Sun Moon Lake from above.
From Xuanzang Temple, you will have to walk along the road south towards the small uphill road leading up to Ci'en Pagoda's trailhead. There, you can climb the approximately 400 steps and ascend the stairs that encircle the pagoda all the way to the top.
From the top of Ci'en Temple, you will see Sun Moon Lake from a perspective you have not yet seen. You can walk around the pagoda to get a panoramic view of the lake and the mountains surrounding it. It is probably one of the best views you can get of Sun Moon Lake.
The Pagoda closes at 16:30, so be sure to calculate your arrival time and the time it takes to hike 400 steps, which should take about 10-20 minutes, depending on your fitness. This will ensure that you arrive before it closes.
11. Watch Sunset at Shuishe Dam
After enjoying your time hiking up Ci'en Pagoda, you will have to take the bus back to Shuishe where you can then ride your bike to Shuishe Dam where you passed in the morning and sit by the lakeside and watch the sunset before ending your day at Sun Moon Lake.
The last bus you can take, which leaves from Ci'en Temple back to Shuishe in time for the sunset, is at 16:30. So, be sure to get on that one or earlier so that you have some time to ride back to Shuishe Dam.
Where to Eat and Drink at Sun Moon Lake?
Eat at Ita Thao Shopping District
Ita Thao is by far a better option when it comes to food than Shuishe. The entire district has become a food market with many street food trucks along both sides of the pedestrian path.
You will find all kinds of street food, from my favorite, Gao Bao, the Taiwanese Pork Belly Buns, to the sweet mochi on a stick dessert. You can either take the round-the-lake bus to Ita Thao, or you can take the boat from Shuishe Pier to Ita Thao Pier.
Looking for a complete guide to Taiwan Street Food?Top 12 Street Food To Try In Taiwan
For more information on traveling by boats around Sun Moon Lake, visit Transportation Options Around Sun Moon Lake.
Taiwan Travel Video
Watch it on Youtube
When to Visit Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
The best time to visit Sun Moon Lake is from November to March, when the temperature hovers around 13Ā°C at night and 25Ā°C during the day. It can get a little colder during the winter months of January until March, but that comes with the benefit of drier, less cloudy weather, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor activities around Sun Moon Lake.
The worst time to visit Sun Moon Lake is from June to August, considered the typhoon season when the weather can get quite violent with rain and thunderstorms. The sky will often remain cloudy during this time, making it not ideal if you wish to explore the outdoors around Sun Moon Lake.
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
To get to Sun Moon Lake from abroad, you will first have to travel to Taipei, and to do that, you will have to fly into Taoyuan International Airport. Thankfully, there are several airlines you can fly to Taipei.
From the US, there are several direct flights from big cities like New York and LA via United Airlines, or you can also fly directly to Taipei via EVA Airlines, its national carrier.
From within Europe, you can also fly directly via EVA Airlines or popular carriers like KLM or Air France to Taipei. You can also fly via Asian Airlines such as Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways, but you will have to transit in their respective home countries.
From Asia, traveling to Taiwan gets a lot easier and cheaper with several low-cost airlines operating this route from hub cities like Bangkok and Singapore. Lion Air, as well as AirAsia, have many flights flying from Bangkok/KL to Taipei daily, so you should have no problem finding one if you plan to fly from Asia.
To find a cheap flight to Taipei, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
Looking for a complete guide to Taipei?The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Taipei
How to Get from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake?
From Taipei, the best way to travel to Sun Moon Lake is to take the direct bus #1833 from Taipei Main Station that goes to Sun Moon Lake at 7:00, 7:30 (Saturday Only), 8:00, 10:00, 14:00, and the last bus at 17:00. The journey should take about 4 hours and cost 420 NTD per person.
If the direct bus schedule doesn't work for you, you can also travel to Taichung by train and, from there, catch the Nantou Bus #6670 to Sun Moon Lake. There are several daily trains you can take between 5:27 AM and 9:00 PM. The journey from Taipei to Taichung takes about 2.5 hours and costs 241 NTD per person.
After you arrive in Taichung, you can then catch the Nantou Bus #6670 from Taichung Station Bus Stop. The bus leaves every 30 minutes, from 7:45 AM until 19:45, takes 1.5 hours, and costs 193 NTD. The bus will drop you off at the Sun Moon Lake Bus Stop in Shuishe, north of Sun Moon Lake.
How to Get from Alishan/Chiayi to Sun Moon Lake?
If you are currently staying overnight in Alishan and planning to travel to Sun Moon Lake, there are 2 direct buses at 1 PM and 2 PM operated by Yuanlin Bus (6739) that you can take. Unfortunately, these buses are limited, and you must stay overnight in Alishan to catch them.
If you are staying in Chiayi instead of Alishan, as I did, you can take the normal train (TRA) from Chiayi Station to Taichung Station. The train from Chiayi to Taichung takes about one hour and costs 240 TND.
After you arrive in Taichung, you can once again catch Nantou Bus #6670 from Taichung Station Bus Stop and you should reach Sun Moon Lake in 1.5 hours.
To book the train from Chiayi to Taichung, be sure to check out: The Official TRA Booking and Timetable.
Looking for a complete guide to Alishan?The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Alishan
How to Get Around Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
By bicycle: The best way to get around Sun Moon Lake is by bicycle. Sun Moon Lake has built an amazing bike path that covers almost half of the lake without requiring climbing too many hills. The bike paths hug the lake, and there is no better way to see the lake than from this bike path.
You will be able to see many tourist attractions around the park along the way, from all the scenic viewpoints to Longfeng Temple. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike stores in Shuishe for about 100 - 150 NTD per day.
By Round-the-Lake Bus: That said, there are certain areas where you will need to bike up and down hills, and I'll be honest with you, I am not good at going up. I would prefer my bike paths to be flat or going downhill, hence why I would also recommend the Round-The-Lake bus.
The Round-the-Lake Bus #6669 goes from Shuishe all the way to Xuanzang Temple on the other side of the lake. The bus stops at many tourist attractions like Wenwu Temple, Ita Thao, and Xuanzang Temple, making it a great way to see all the attractions in a short time.
The bus runs around the lake starting from Shuishe at 06:40, and then you can expect the bus to come every 30-60 minutes until the last bus leaves from Shuishe at 17:30. The journey from Shuishe to Xuanzang Temple should take about 30 minutes, and the ticket costs 80 NTD per trip per person. You can also use EasyCard here.
On Foot: You can certainly walk, especially along the bike path, if you have the time. However, in order to see everything in one day, I would recommend using a combination of bicycles and round-the-lake buses instead.
How Many Days to Spend at Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
For this itinerary, I would recommend that you spend at least one full day (2 nights) at Sun Moon Lake, starting as early as possible so that you will have enough time to see everything the place has to offer.
Day 0: Walk along Hanbi Trail at sunset on the day you arrive and relax by Shuishe Pier before ending the day.
Day 1: Watch the sunrise at Meihe Park before renting a bike and riding along the bike path west of the lake. Return to Shuishe, leave your bike, and take the bus to Wenwu Temple. Visit Ita Thao, have lunch, and then visit Xuanzang Temple before hiking up Ci'en Pagoda for the evening. End your day back in Shuishe.
How Much Money Do I Need for Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
From the itinerary above, we can calculate the minimum amount of money you can expect to spend at Sun Moon Lake with this itinerary. Here's a rough calculation of how much you will be paying:
Accommodation: With a total of 2 nights, you will be paying around 32 USD (972 NTD).
Food: The food at Sun Moon Lake should cost about 100 NTD per meal, so you can expect to spend 300 NTD per day.
Transportation: The bike rental will cost you 150 NTD for a day, and together with 4 trips on the round-the-lake buses, you can expect to spend around 470 NTD for transportation during this trip.
Activities: For this itinerary, I didn't spend a dime on activities, so 0 NTD.
Total budget for one day in Alishan: 1,742 NTD (57.4 USD).
Is it Safe at Sun Moon Lake?
Sun Moon Lake is very safe, but keep the weather in mind as Taiwan is prone to typhoons. Some trails and bike paths may be closed off due to hazardous conditions if you visit the lake during the monsoon season. So, please do keep that in mind when exploring Sun Moon Lake.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Internet At Sun Moon Lake?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan:
Taiwan has one of the fastest public WIFI networks out there. Most of the hostels and restaurants I visited in Taiwan had fast, reliable WIFI. You could get by without having a local SIM card. However, if you wish to navigate the city by bus, I recommend getting a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival.
I recommend Chungwa Telecom, one of the leading telecommunication carriers in Taiwan that offers several 4G unlimited unthrottled data packages with a price range from 300 NTD - 1,000 NTD.
You can find their kiosk, among other carriers, at the arrival hall at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. Simply approach them, and they will show you the list of packages available from which you can pick. They will ask for your passport and pop the SIM card in for you, and within 2 minutes, you will have unlimited 4G data for your Taiwan trip.
I had 15 days in Taiwan, so I bought their 15-day unlimited data SIM card for 700 NTD (they also accept credit cards). I was able to get a 4G connection everywhere I went in the country. So, if you are looking for a reliable way to stay connected throughout your stay in Taiwan, be sure to get a local SIM card at the airport.
For more information about Taiwan's local SIM card: Taiwan Prepaid Data SIM Card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.
Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.
Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.
Transportation: For buses, I always go with Busbud when traveling in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.
Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.
VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.
Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Taiwan
Looking for more information for your trip to Taiwan? Here are a collection of articles about Taiwan that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Taiwan? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Taiwan.
- In order to engage all of your senses in Taipei, the hypermodern capital of Taiwan, be sure to check out: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Taipei.
- Looking to visit Taroko Gorge, one of the most pristine travel destinations in Taiwan? Check out: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide for Taroko Gorge
- Getting a taste of both mountains and cities? How about you take a break at the beachside town of Kenting? Check out the 9 Best Things to Do in Kenting.
- If Taroko is known for its gorges and rivers, Alishan is known for its forests and gigantic trees as old as Christendom. Here's a complete guide to Alishan: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Alishan.
- Taiwan is known for the unmatched deliciousness of its street food. Here are the Top 12 Street Food To Try In Taiwan.
- Looking for something more visual to convince you about visiting Taiwan? How about watching a Taiwan travel video? Turbo Taiwan
- Wondering where to go after Taiwan? How about you continue on to Japan and after, visit China?
- For all articles about Taiwan, visit Taiwan Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to East Asia? Check out all my articles about East Asia here: East Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.