Sun Moon Lake One-Day Travel Guide|A Scenic Getaway from Taichung
If you're in Taichung and looking for a short trip that combines natural beauty with cultural charm, Sun Moon Lake is a must-visit destination. Nestled in Nantou, this alpine lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain surroundings. With convenient transportation and a variety of local delicacies, it's the perfect spot for a relaxing one-day trip.
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🚍 How to Get to Sun Moon Lake?
There are three main departure points from Taichung:
- Taichung High-Speed Rail Station
- Taichung Train Station (Minzu Road Intersection)
- Gancheng Bus Terminal
Take Bus 6670 or its various route branches (A/B/C/D/E/F), as well as P2/P3 lines, which all go directly to Sun Moon Lake Station.
- Using an EasyCard: NT$80 per trip
- Paying in cash: NT$160 per trip
🚎 Travel times vary depending on the route:
Some buses pass through Puli Bus Terminal, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, or National Chi Nan University.
Others offer direct routes.
⏱️ Travel time ranges from 1 to 2 hours.
⚠️ For the return trip, wait at the bus stop across from where you got off. Crowds may be larger in the evening, so plan for extra waiting time.
⛴️ How to Explore Sun Moon Lake?
📱 It's recommended to purchase lake cruise tickets in advance on platforms like Trip.com, priced at around ¥40 per person (on-site tickets cost NT$300). After purchasing, exchange for physical tickets at the "Zhan'an Shalian Ticket Office."
🌊 The standard three-stop cruise route includes:
- Shuishe Pier (starting point)
→ Xuanguang Temple
→ Ita Thao
→ Return to Shuishe
📅 Check the official timetable for cruise schedules. Frequent departures make it easy to plan flexibly.
🏯 Xuanguang Temple Stop: A Journey of Tea Eggs and Steps
🚶♀️ After disembarking, walk about 1 minute to try the famous Grandma's Tea Eggs (NT$15 each)—super fragrant!
Then, walk another 5 minutes to reach Xuanguang Temple, which offers free drinking water and restrooms, as well as the iconic Sun Moon Lake scenic sign for photo ops.
📍 If you're up for a challenge, hike the Xuanzang Temple Trail, an 850-meter staircase that takes about 20 minutes. At the top, you'll find Xuanzang's relics and Chiang Kai-shek's calligraphy. The views and atmosphere are worth the effort. Return by walking about 15 minutes back to Xuanguang Temple Pier to catch the boat.
🛍️ Ita Thao Stop: Old Street Food and Shopping Recommendations
This is the liveliest shopping district at Sun Moon Lake. Must-try foods include:
🥢 Dong Dong Gua Bao: Flavorful tofu and meat buns, NT$70 each
🥬 Nianji Cabbage Bun: Limited daily supply, freshly steamed, NT$60 each
🧋 Assam Milk Tea: The birthplace of this tea, priced under NT$50 for a great deal
🚶 After eating, walk about 15 minutes along the lake to the cable car station for stunning views.
🚡 Cable Car & Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Bonus Experience
📌 Round-trip tickets cost NT$380 and can be purchased on Trip.com for instant use.
🚠 The endpoint is Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. If you buy park tickets, the cable car ride is free. However, exploring the park requires a full day, making it ideal for a two-day trip.
⏰ Cable Car Operating Hours:
- Weekdays: Until 4:00 PM
- Weekends: Until 4:30 PM
☀️ Best Time to Visit
Weekdays (Monday to Friday) are highly recommended to avoid crowds and take better photos!
On sunny days, the lake appears a dreamy blue-green; on cloudy days, it turns deep blue, offering a different scenic vibe.
✅ Summary
Sun Moon Lake is perfect for leisurely strolls, food exploration, and boat rides, blending nature, culture, and cuisine into a complete experience. It's a therapeutic trip that satisfies both the eyes and the taste buds, making it an effortless one-day getaway that's absolutely worth visiting!