Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
March 2025 was my first visit to this scenic region, which reminded me of Lake Tahoe, California.
I had to refer to my notes, which could be helpful to you.
Arrive in Taoyuan airport and take the train to the Taipei Main Station and take the HSR train to Taichung City which comes about every 30 minutes and takes about an hour.
Bus to Sun Moon Lake, which comes at least hourly.
The total cost to get there is about $25, and it takes about 3 hours. To drive, you would take about 2.5 hours and save a few dollars.
🏨 Where to Stay?
There are several hotels and resorts. My room at the Harbor Resort was not ready when I arrived, so I walked around the lake in the meantime. Here are a few other places, the most expensive one listed first.
Luxury/Comfort: Fleur de Chine Hotel – thermal spa access, lakeside views, wellness focus
Midrange/Solo-Friendly: The Crystal Resort or Hotel Del Lago – walking distance to bike paths and pier
Budget/Unique: Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center – traditional wooden lodge vibes
🌅 Sun Moon Lake Itinerary (4 Days)
Day 1 –
Afternoon:
Arrive via bus to the (Shoe-is-he) Shuishe Pier area
Check in + light walk along the Shuishe Lakeside Trail (flat, peaceful)
Evening:
Early dinner of local fish and mountain vegetables at Full House Resort Restaurant or a local restaurant nearby.
Sunset viewing from Wenwu Temple stairs (lit up at night)
local tea tasting at Sun Moon Lake Antique Assam Tea Farm
Day 2 – Biking the Lake & Culture
Morning:
Rent an e-bike or mountain bike and ride the Sun Moon Lake Cycle Route — voted one of the top cycling paths globally
Stop at: Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center, and (May-he) Meihe Garden
Full loop is ~29km; consider a half-loop if you're feeling leisurely. There are places where you need to dismount and walk it. Some days you may not be able to go the full distance around, so ask.
Afternoon:
Take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (cable car) to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Learn about the Thao, spelled T-H-A-O) and other cultural groups
Optional: garden strolls
Return via cable car or ferry
Evening:
Relaxing soak at your hotel’s onsen-style hot springs
Dinner at The Lalu’s Moon Pavilion Restaurant for lakeside fine dining (worth it solo!)
Day 3 – Hiking + Temples
Morning:
Hike the Maolan Mountain Trail or Tsen Pagoda Trail for panoramic lake views and forest immersion
Easy to moderate; solo-safe and well-marked
Afternoon:
Visit Xuanzang Temple – peaceful with Buddhist relics
Snack on local tea eggs and tofu pudding from lakeside stalls
Evening:
Night market (seasonal, usually in Shuishe or Ita Thao area) – solo-friendly and fun for grazing
Optional: Boat cruise at dusk (join a group tour or private hire)
Day 4 – Tea + Departure
Optional walk in Xiangshan Forest Trail for one last quiet moment
Safety, Solo Vibes & Tips
Taiwan is ranked one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers (source: Global Peace Index)
English signage is plentiful in Sun Moon Lake; locals are helpful but modest
Google Translate, and Pleco app help with communication. I used the Line app for texting here.
Public bathrooms are clean and common
Tap water is not typically drunk directly — use filtered water
