Sun Moon Lake shared transportation one-day tour [Depart from Ximending Night Market in Taipei | Chinese/English guided tour]

▲ Sun Moon Lake: Among Taiwan's reservoir-type lake attractions, Sun Moon Lake in Yuchi Township, Nantou County stands out as particularly remarkable. The lake covers an area of 827 hectares with a circumference of approximately 33 km. Its northern half resembles a sun disk while the southern half takes the shape of a crescent moon, hence its name. The lake's water source comes from the upper reaches of the Zhuoshui River, which originates in Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area, making this mountain the ultimate source of Sun Moon Lake. Originally just a small lake, Sun Moon Lake was expanded when the Japanese constructed a 15 km underground water channel from Wujie near the lake to intercept water from the Zhuoshui River for hydroelectric power generation. This channel passes through Shuishe Mountain and submerged numerous small hills, creating the vast lake we see today. Unlike most Taiwanese reservoirs that are formed by damming narrow river valleys - resulting in elongated shapes and monotonous views - Sun Moon Lake was created by filling a natural basin, forming a water body surrounded by mountain ranges.

▲ Shuishe Pier: As a key hub for boat tours on Sun Moon Lake, Shuishe Pier features a vibrant tourist district with numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels along the shore, making it one of the most beloved spots for visitors. In addition to multiple yacht operators offering choices for travelers, the pier also boasts waterfront walkways and bike paths, perfect for families to stroll and admire the emerald lake views.

▲ Xuan Guang Temple: Located just over ten meters from Sun Moon Lake, Xuan Guang Temple has a dock at its base where visitors can disembark from boats and ascend the steps to visit. The temple houses a golden statue of Master Xuanzang, with a plaque inscribed "Master of the Nation" hanging above. Although Master Xuanzang's parietal bone relic has been moved to Xuanzang Temple, Xuan Guang Temple remains a must-visit attraction for visitors to Sun Moon Lake due to its convenient water transportation access.

▲ Ita Thao Pier: Ita Thao Pier is a key hub for yacht rides and a must-visit spot to admire the lake and mountain scenery. With the boom in tourism, it has attracted large crowds. After being affected by an earthquake, the entire area was rebuilt, including the Ita Thao Pier Plaza, a newly constructed octagonal pavilion, and the boat-shaped Ita Thao Visitor Center. In recent years, it has also become a major venue for important activities at Sun Moon Lake, such as the Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival and the Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival, which draw tens of thousands of visitors each year.

▲ Xiangshan Visitor Center: Located near the Shuise Tunnel on Provincial Highway 21 and adjacent to Sun Moon Lake, the Xiangshan Administrative and Visitor Center features a multimedia audio-visual room and permanent exhibitions. It not only provides a resting place but also allows visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of local industries and agricultural specialties. Stepping into this beautiful raw concrete structure, every corner offers perfect photo opportunities. When viewed from above, the building appears to embrace the entire landscape of Sun Moon Lake with open arms. Two massive roof structures span 34 meters in length and 8 meters in height, allowing the shimmering waters of Sun Moon Lake to flow visually through the expansive space, creating a stage for dialogue between humans and nature. Though it is a building, calling it a work of art would not be an exaggeration.

▲ Includes attraction admission ticket: Sun Moon Lake boat ticket (TWD 300) Booking requirements 1. Infants and children must be counted as passengers 2. Children aged 4 and above pay the same price as adults