麻豆APP

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan. Photo by Photnart. Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is a lake in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is Taiwan’s largest body of water. The Thao tribe, one of Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes, lives in the area surrounding the lake. Sun Moon Lake encircles the tiny island of Lalu. The lake’s east side resembles the sun, while the west side resembles the moon, hence the name.

Sun Moon Lake is 748 meters (2,454 feet) above sea level. It is 27 meters (89 feet) deep and has a surface area of about 7.93 km2 (3.06 sq mi). There are numerous hiking trails in the area surrounding the lake.

Sun Moon Lake’s water is green and clear, reflecting the surrounding mountains and peaceful landscape. Sun Moon Lake is always beautiful and breathtaking, whether it’s morning or evening, spring, summer, autumn, or winter, sunny, warm, cloudy, or foggy weather!

The lake is shrouded in a dreamy, thin veil of haze in the early morning hours. As the sun rises above the mountain, the hazy lake gradually reveals the reflections of tree and mountain profiles, enhanced by the sounds of insects buzzing and birds chirping. At dusk, the sunset transforms the lake into a golden wonderland. As night falls, light reflects on the lake as the water gently ripples from the evening breeze. Such a seductive romantic atmosphere.

The lake and its surroundings have been designated as one of Taiwan’s thirteen national scenic areas. Wen Wu Temple was built after rising water levels caused by dam construction forced the removal of several smaller temples.

The late President Chiang Kai-shek ordered the construction of Tzu-En Pagoda in memory of his mother. Other notable temples include Jianjing Temple, Syuentzang Temple, and Syuanguang Temple.

1. The shape of Sun Moon Lake is not natural

Sun Moon Lake was once a natural lake, its current shape and depth are the result of a dam built in 1931 during Taiwan’s Japanese occupation. This made the lake the largest body of water on the island and significantly altered its shape.

2. It is home to sacred indigenous lands

As the area was once tribal lands, there are numerous legends surrounding the lake. The island in the middle of the lake is said to have once divided the lake into two distinct sections. One resembling the sun and the other the moon.

This island is known as Lalu, and despite the fact that it is mostly submerged underwater, it is now officially recognized as tribal lands.

3. Just over the mountain is a theme park

E-DA theme park. Rides Pirate Ship. Photo by Damesouveraen.

A gondola station on the shores of Sun Moon Lake transports day trippers up the mountain to an aboriginal theme park. Visitors can learn everything they need to know about the area and the Thao tribe, who still live in the valley and countryside surrounding the lake.

4. Sun Moon Lake is a fantastic place for biking

Many cycle paths wind their way around the lake’s shore. Many visitors have  recommended renting a bike to explore the lake. In fact, the views are so breathtaking that CNN named the cycle paths around the lake one of the world’s most breathtaking cycle routes.

The 400-meter Shuishang Bike way connects Shuishe and the Xiangshan Visitor’s Center. Biking here makes you feel like you’re on a boat on the water.

5. You can spend the night at Chiang Kai-lakeside shek’s retreat

Former military leader and president Chiang Kai-lakeside shek’s residence was the exclusive Lalu Hotel. The former dictator used to come here to entertain visiting dignitaries. The hotel still has some artifacts from that time. The property has been completely redeveloped and is now a 5-star resort that is, to say the least, quite pricey.

6. Chiang Kai-boat shek’s and private boathouse are still there

Houseboat on Sun Moon Lake. Photo by Dquai.

A lakeside walkway near the Lalu Hotel leads visitors past the former president’s old boathouse. It’s an unusual location to come across something so historic that has been left to rot. A small park with a pavilion further along the path is also a nice place to sit and relax.

7. A large swimming carnival is held at Sun Moon Lake

While swimming in Sun Moon Lake is usually not permitted, there is an annual 3-kilometer race called the Swimming Carnival of Sun Moon Lake. It takes place each year around the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival began in 1983 and is ranked as one of the Top 50 Open Water Swims in Asia and one of the Top 100 Open Water Swims in the World.  Anyone over the age of ten and capable of swimming long distances is welcome to participate, regardless of nationality.

Thousands of swimmers take to the lake each year to swim across it. Anyone who has visited the lake will understand that this is no easy feat. Though it is a hugely popular event that attracts upwards of 10,000 people each year.

8. Sun Moon Lake is a lovely spot to see cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms. Photo by Ludovic Lubeigt.

Every year in early spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, and the lakeside is awash. Many of the walkways and cycle paths are lined with these blossoming trees, creating a stunning backdrop for holiday photos.

9. Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s hydroelectricity production hub

Xinjiang Hongshanzui Hydropower Station. 《人民画报》.

Sun Moon Lake has an installed capacity of 2768.3 megawatts. That, is equivalent to 62 percent of Taiwan’s total hydroelectricity generation. It’s a resource for both conventional and pumped storage power generators.

The Sun Moon Lake hydropower plants are the best example of white coal being converted into gold. Sun Moon Lake has become the ideal location for Knowledge Tourism. Taiwan promotes energy conservation, carbon reduction, and renewable energy resources.

10. There are three ferry piers on the lake

Shuishe Pier. Photo by lienyuan lee.

Shuishe Pier, Xuanguang Pier, and Ita Thao Pier are the three ferry piers on the lake. There is also a local bus service that circles the lake, stopping at major points along the way.