What is So Special About Sun Moon Lake? Taiwan’s Gem Unveiled
Nestled within the heart of Taiwan, this picturesque lake attracts travelers seeking an escape from urban chaos, offering instead a tranquil haven surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains. Sun Moon Lake has a reputation as one of Taiwan's most captivating destinations, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and serene ambiance. For nature enthusiasts, the lake's azure waters and verdant surroundings provide a serene backdrop for leisurely strolls, scenic boat rides, and invigorating hikes along the surrounding trails.
The allure of the lake is further enhanced by its rich cultural heritage, with iconic landmarks such as the Wenwu Temple and Ci'en Pagoda adding a touch of spiritual mystique to the landscape. Before commencing our trip we found ourselves asking ‘Is it worth going to Sun Moon Lake?’, and quickly we discovered that yes, it was.
Getting To Sun Moon Lake
To reach this idyllic retreat, we embarked on a seamless one-hour High-Speed Rail journey from Taipei to Taichung, where we rented a car and made the scenic one-hour drive to the hotel. Because the train station is located on the edge of Taichung, we were spared from having to navigate city traffic, allowing for a smooth transition to the tranquility of Sun Moon Lake.
For those wondering how much time you need at Sun Moon Lake, we spent two nights, as that was all our itinerary allowed. If you have more time three nights would also be enjoyable, but if not this guide will help you make the most of a short stay here. Along the drive to the lake, we took advantage of our rental car to make delightful pit stops at two renowned tea production facilities: the Antique Assam Tea Farm and HOHOCHA Tea.
Tea Exploration
At the Antique Assam Tea Farm, we felt immersed in an authentic tea-making experience. The building is located amidst scenic hillsides where the tea plants are growing all around, and you can view the equipment involved in the intricate process of tea production on site. Here you can savor the rich flavors of freshly brewed tea in their beautiful tea tasting room. Sadly, this area was already closed for the day by the time we arrived, so don’t leave your visit too late.
Meanwhile, HOHOCHA tea offered a whimsical carnival adventure, serving popcorn, cotton candy, and an assortment of tea-flavored ice cream. Here you must pay an entrance fee, which includes a cup of tea and snack in their upstairs tasting room. You can also redeem a portion of this entry fee in the sprawling gift shop downstairs when you have finished with your tasting. We indulged in tea-flavored treats and delightful ice creams amidst a lively atmosphere. Both experiences provided a glimpse into the rich tea culture of the region, setting the stage for our journey to Sun Moon Lake.
Arrival and Accommodation
Finished with our tea tastings, we made the final ten-minute drive to Sun Moon Lake, where we were immediately captivated by its breathtaking majesty—a tranquil oasis framed by towering mountains. It was abundantly clear that the true beauty of this lake simply cannot be captured in photos. You can drive around Sun Moon Lake in its entirety, but we chose to head straight to our hotel and leave the sightseeing for the morning. We opted to stay at the Lalu Hotel, renowned in many blogs as the finest property on the lake, which proved to be a wise decision.
When we first stepped into our suite, there was a moment when we were sure we had made a mistake and booked a presidential suite rather than a standard room. We were greeted by spacious interiors exuding traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comforts, with a separate living room on the left, just as large as the bedroom and bathroom areas on the right.
We quickly learned that suites are the standard at the Lalu, and we took great pleasure in spending our evenings relaxing on our living room couches in front of our gas fireplace. There was also a dining table, mini bar, large soaker tub, and TV which swivels around to face either the bed or the living area.
The large windows framed breathtaking views of Sun Moon Lake, casting a warm glow that bathed the room in natural light during the day and offered a mesmerizing backdrop for stargazing at night. Through these windows, we could access our incredible sprawling balcony, which ran the entire length of the room—a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty at arguably the best vantage point around the entire lake. Two fun features of the room were the CD and DVD player. The resort has a library where you can select different types of media for viewing or listening, and take them back to your room to enjoy.
Dining Experience
When we read that the Lakeview Chinese Restaurant at the Lalu Hotel was one the top dining establishments in the area, we excitedly began planning our “White Lotus” style vacation (one where you eat all of your meals inside your hotel). That decision did not disappoint.
Dining at the Lalu was a culinary delight, beginning with an incredible breakfast. Each morning greeted us with a lavish spread of delectable delights, ranging from freshly baked pastries and exotic fruits to savory sushi and traditional Taiwanese and Western breakfast fare. The buffet may have even gone a step too far in ensuring every palate was satisfied, offering an array of dishes typically reserved for dinner, including succulent almond cream snapper fish, tender roasted chicken legs, and flavorful beef Bourguignon.
Our Chinese dinner at the Lakeview Restaurant began tentatively, as in the late evening you lose the incredible view of the lake out the windows. Still, even without the view, we were blown away as every dish that arrived tasted even better than the last. There was fried rice, string beans with minced pork, spring rolls, deliciously fried and sauced chicken, and the highlight of the entire meal: strips of marinated sirloin steak served alongside your choice of vegetables.
We opted for a bottle of the house red but were far too engrossed in eating our incredible spread to finish it at the table. Luckily, our Lalu suite was a short walk away with a fireplace roaring and ready to enjoy the rest of our wine bedside.
At The Lalu's Japanese restaurant, guests are presented with two enticing options: a traditional Japanese tasting menu or an interactive teppanyaki experience. Intrigued by the culinary theatrics of teppanyaki, we decided to embark on this gastronomic journey.
Arriving late in the evening, we found ourselves the sole patrons in the restaurant, setting the stage for an intimate dining experience. What ensued was a mesmerizing showcase of culinary prowess, where the theatrics of grill-side acrobatics were replaced by refined skill and precision. With each course, the chef demonstrated masterful techniques, such as delicately melting and shaping parmesan cheese to create an exquisite garnish, leaving us in awe of both the artistry and the flavors presented before us.
Finally, the Lalu features a charming tea house, nestled near the pool and open during the afternoons. Situated amidst a serene koi fish pond, this pavilion exudes an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. During our visit, we indulged in a delightful selection of warm and iced teas, which can be complemented by tempting dim sum-style offerings. Immersed in the soothing symphony of nature and framed by lush foliage, sipping on locally sourced tea provided an unparalleled sense of tranquility and contentment.
Activities Around Sun Moon Lake
Exploring the lake was a delightful adventure, facilitated by a water taxi service conveniently located near The Lalu at the Shuishe Pier. Adjacent to the hotel lies a scenic waterfront path, providing a leisurely five-minute stroll to the bustling central hub. Opting for the ferry’s second stop, Ita Thao Pier, we found ourselves immersed in a lively street food haven. Open every afternoon, this vibrant scene offers a tantalizing array of traditional and local delicacies. Among our favorites were the generously sized deep-fried cabbage rolls, towering ‘rotatoes’, and the irresistible millet donuts.
From the bustling central area, a leisurely stroll guided us to the cable car station, promising enchanting panoramas of the surrounding landscape. It's important to note that the cable car journey isn't a one-way trip to a specific viewpoint; rather, it's a round-trip experience. Upon reaching the other end, we queued up once more to embark on the return journey, relishing the opportunity to soak in the same breathtaking vistas once again.
Returning to Shuishe Pier via the water taxi, we swiftly hopped into our car and made our way to Wenwu Temple, just in time to reach this prime location for witnessing the sunset's splendor. Here, not only can one admire the sun dipping below the horizon, but also capture incredible photos with the majestic temple roofs in the foreground. While many visitors, including ourselves, ascended the stairs to the grassy hill behind the temple searching for the best view, we soon discovered a superior vantage point.
Situated at the temple's rear, two observation decks await, each offering unparalleled vistas, and what we think is the best spot to watch the sunset in Sun Moon Lake. To reach these decks, simply proceed to the back of the temple and eschew the outdoor stone steps; instead, follow the signs directing you to the observation decks and take those enclosed staircases. Soon you will reach the platform where binoculars have even been built in for a closer look. For those seeking further exploration, the Ci'en Pagoda offers panoramic views, accessible either by an uphill trek or a drive around the opposite side of the lake.
Ranking highly on many lists of the top biking destinations in Asia, and even the world, Sun Moon Lake beckons enthusiasts with its idyllic trail meandering through lush landscapes in a circular route around the lake. Our hotel informed us the journey would present an exhilarating challenge. With some sections characterized by mountainous terrain, they estimated the duration of the journey to be approximately 7 hours. Naturally, our priorities quickly shifted to more leisurely pursuits.
However, when we began to explore the town, we found most bike rental shops offering e-bikes for the ride. The shopkeepers estimated these reduced the total time to around 4 hours, and although the battery’s lifespan would fall short, some places had a second location strategically positioned on the opposite side of the lake. This way they could graciously provide a complementary battery swap at your halfway mark, ensuring uninterrupted exploration of Sun Moon Lake’s captivating vistas.
Farewell
Our retreat at Sun Moon Lake, anchored by the unparalleled luxury of The Lalu, was a harmonious blend of natural splendor and refined indulgence. As we bid farewell to this tranquil oasis, we carried with us memories of serene sunsets, delectable cuisine, and the timeless beauty of Taiwan's underrated gem.
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