Nestled at an altitude of 760m, Nhat Nguyet Lake (Sun Moon Lake) in Nantou (Central Taiwan) is famous for its sparkling clear blue water, amidst the picturesque mountain scenery. This is a regular destination for Taiwanese couples to go on their honeymoon. Recently, this place is also very popular with Vietnamese tourists and is often mentioned along with Alishan (Asia Ly Son) as the top destinations to visit when traveling to Taiwan.
Sun Moon Lake (Sun Moon Lake) - a destination for honeymooners
Sun Moon Lake is one of the 13 most famous landmarks in Taiwan
Sun Moon Lake, also known as Sun Moon Lake, is the largest lake in Taiwan. The lake area and the surrounding area, this is also one of the 13 most famous pearl islands.
Sun Moon Lake is located in Yuchi commune, Nantou district of central Taiwan. With an area of 7.73km2, it is Taiwan's largest natural lake. The area around Nhat Nguyet Lake known as the homeland of the Thao natives, has a history of living here for thousands of years. The Thao people have begun to develop tourism here since the 1930s. At present, they are the owners of many local businesses.
The scenery around Nhat Nguyet lake is extremely beautiful, described by many as a fairy-tale place. So this is where a lot of couples choose this is the honeymoon destination.
In the center of the lake is a small island called Lalu and is dedicated to aboriginal religious activities, so the public is not allowed to visit the island.
Regarding the name of Nhat Nguyet lake, it is said that it comes from its shape. If you stand in the middle of the lake, look to the west, you will see the lake is shaped like a crescent moon, if looking to the east, the lake has a round shape like the sun.
Every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Swimming Carnival of Sun Moon Lake is held for tens of thousands of people attending the event. This is the only time of the year that people can be allowed to swim in the lake.
Nhat Nguyet Lake is located 144km from Alishan Mountain (passing National Highway 3 and passing Chiayi), so many people often combine to go to Alishan and Nhat Nguyet Lake in their journey.These two points are in the list of 13 Taiwan's most beautiful landscapes.
What does Sun Moon Lake have?
Nhat Nguyet Lake is known as a place with romantic scenery, beautiful as foreground, emerald green lake. This is the ideal destination to enjoy your honeymoon or a wonderful holiday.
Cycling around Nhat Nguyet Lake
Cycling around Nhat Nguyet lake is an extremely interesting experience. Cycling routes around Nhat Nguyet Lake were listed by CNN: "10 most beautiful cycling routes in the world" in 2012.
You can send free items at the Visitor Center at Ho Nhat Nguyet, this is the place where after getting off the bus you will immediately see. There are times you can
There are many bicycle rental locations around the lake at different prices, you can check before renting. Do not forget to ask for a map of Nhat Nguyet lake for easy tracking when cycling.
Take a boat around Nhat Nguyet lake
One way to visit and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nhat Nguyet lake is quite a boat ride to admire the lake. Perhaps the charm of the lake is the moments of charming views of the river and the image of architectural works that glimpse ancient Chinese beauty.
Cable car
In addition to cycling and sailing, you can experience the ropeway ride across the lake. With the cable car, visitors will enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Nhat Nguyet Lake and have panoramic views of the surrounding spots. A great view from above!
Enjoy the whole view of Nhat Nguyet lake from the cable car
Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village:
This is a place full of entertainment programs as well as traditional activities of 14 indigenous ethnic groups in Taiwan since ancient times. You can watch intricate cultural shows and enjoy the thrilling ride. The Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village (九族 文化 村) is located just north of Nhat Nguyet Lake and can be reached by cable car as mentioned above.
Along the village on the trail are houses built of cliffs or made from wood that are still preserved and kept in accordance with the traditional architecture of the past.
Surprisingly, alternating with traditional things, there are modern entertainment such as roller coasters, UFOs, European gardens ...
Wenwu Temple - Wenling Temple:
This is the largest temple on the northern bank of Nhat Nguyet Lake. The temple was built in the style of a Chinese palace.
Previously, two temples were located on the banks of Nhat Nguyet Lake (Sun Moon Lake). In 1919, the Japanese colonial government built a hydroelectric dam, raising the lake's water level, causing the destruction of two temples. In 1938 the temple was rebuilt. In 1945, the government invested in tourism development around the lake, so Wenwu Temple was rebuilt in 1969 on a larger scale.
Van Vo Temple
Ci-en Temple :
Open from 9 am - 4:30 pm. A Chinese-style temple is located on the highest point of the lake and is the best place to admire the panoramic view of the lake. The temple is 46 meters high and was built by Chiang Kai-shek. The pagoda was built in 1971.
Visit the Ita Thao aboriginal village
Visiting Nhat Nguyet Lake, visitors can visit the Thao village of aboriginal people living around the lake (also known as Dehua village). Here, visitors can buy some of their handicrafts. These items are usually made of wood or bamboo. Interestingly, in Ita Thao village, many shops are owned by Aboriginal people.
Should go to Lake Nhat Nguyet when?
To visit Nhat Nguyet Lake, you can go in any season, but if you want to choose the most interesting time, you can choose the right time for the festival.
There are several important events taking place in Ho during the year:
- January / February: Chinese New Year
- February / March: Aboriginal cherry blossom festival
- March / April: Free bike tour
- September: Valley Firefly Appreciation September - a competition of 10,000 people dive into the lake and swim over 3km.
- October / November: Sun Moon Lake Festival or "Sun Moon Lake International Fireworks Festival - Music and Bikeday Festival.
Summer time is usually hot and very crowded with tourists, so autumn, winter, spring will be more appropriate.
Besides, avoid going to Nhat Nguyet lake on weekends because this is the time when Taiwanese people focus on going out and going on vacation.
The time to visit Ho Nhat Nguyet in one day is enough.
If you intend to visit Nhat Nguyet Lake in the journey to explore the Pearl Island, you can combine to visit Alishan Mountain, a beautiful landscape often mentioned with Nhat Nguyet Lake. Buses currently run directly to Nhat Nguyet Lake, leaving Alishan at 1 pm and 2 pm daily.
Explore Nhat Nguyet lake in autumn
Attractions near Nhat Nguyet lake
Near Nhat Nguyet Lake there are also some interesting attractions that visitors can combine to visit such as Alishan Mountain, Yushan Mountain, Taroko Gorge, Taichung, etc.
Alishan mountain
This is a wonderful destination in the eastern part of Chiayi Province (Gia Nghia Province), located between Taichung and Tainan. Here, visitors can experience the 100-year-old train ride through the forest as well as the opportunity to see the unspoiled landscape of Alishan at dawn between the beautiful clouds.
Yushan:
Yushan is Taiwan's highest mountain. This is a mountain in the National Park located in Nantou County and several other counties. Yushan means Jade Mountain. This is an important symbol for the people of Formosa Island. Currently, many people choose to go to Yushan Mountain to see the sunrise. This mountain is located south of Nhat Nguyet lake.
Trekking of Yushan Mountain
Taroko Gorge:
This is an impressive 19km gorge in Hualien County. In the language of the Truku tribe living in the Taroko area, it means "gorgeous".
Taichung:
Not far from Nantou is Taichung, this is the second most populous city in Taiwan. Taichung is an important economic center and has over 30 skyscrapers throughout the city. Taichung has a generally pleasant climate and many attractions. Gaomei Wetlands, Confucius Temple, Taichung Station, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung Park, Taichung National Theater, Feng Chia Night Market, Guguan Hot Spring, Wufeng Lin Family Garden, Lishan Scenic Area
Directions to Sun Moon Lake (Sun Moon Lake)
From Taichung (Taichung)
From Taichung to Nhat Nguyet Lake is quite easy. You can take the 6670 Nantou bus (Nantou) comfortably from Taichung's TRA station or HSR. It costs about NT $ 296.
From Alishan to Nhat Nguyet Lake:
If you are on the schedule to go to Alishan or from Alishan to Nhat Nguyet lake, you can take Yuanlin bus number 6739, ticket price NT $ 307 / person. Taking the bus will have the opportunity to see many beautiful scenes along the way.