Top 10 Best Things to Do in Nantou



谢冬连

As a psychological observer deeply involved in geography and cultural tourism, today I want to take you to Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan from a deeper perspective—it's not just a tourist attraction on a map, but a place where your heart can find peace. Is Sun Moon Lake worth visiting? My answer is: Absolutely, especially suitable for "tired people." If you're feeling overwhelmed by the pace of city life, if your children need a natural awakening away from electronic screens, if you crave truly slow-down family time— then Sun Moon Lake is the place that will allow you to rediscover the sounds of the wind, the water, and your inner voice. Highlight 1: Picturesque Scenery, Poetic Name Sun Moon Lake is located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, and is Taiwan's largest natural lake. Its name comes from its shape: The northern half of the lake is shaped like the sun (round), hence the name "Sun Lake"; the southern half is curved like the moon (arc), hence the name "Moon Lake." In the early morning, when a light mist swirls around the lake, it's as if a layer of gauze has been laid on its surface; at sunset, golden light spills onto the water, creating a dreamlike scene. Many tourists say, "Standing at Xuanzang Temple Pier, all my worries suddenly seemed to disappear." This isn't just about the beauty of the scenery, but also a therapeutic effect – when your vision is filled with pure nature, your brain automatically enters a "relaxation mode." Highlight Two: Cycling and Walking Around the Lake – Rediscover the Rhythm of Life Sun Moon Lake boasts the most comprehensive lakeside bike path in Taiwan, approximately 33 kilometers long, with numerous rental points and rest stops along the way. You can choose: Easy Version: Cycle from Shuishe Pier to Xiangshan Administrative Center (approximately 6 kilometers), with viewpoints, cafes, and indigenous handicraft markets along the way; Deeper Experience: Challenge yourself with the entire route, traversing tunnels, climbing hills, and speeding along the lake, feeling the resonance between your body and nature. I once took a family with a teenager suffering from chronic anxiety there. After three consecutive days of cycling, the almost silent child asked for the first time, "Dad, can we come again tomorrow?" Exercise + beautiful scenery + a stress-free environment is the best form of psychological relaxation. Highlight Three: Cultural Integration, Hearing the Heartbeat of Taiwan Sun Moon Lake is not only a natural scenic spot, but also the ancestral home of the Shao indigenous people. They are the only indigenous group in Taiwan living on the shores of a lake. We recommend attending: A Shao ethnic song and dance performance: Listen to them sing ancestral songs in their ancient language; A traditional handicraft workshop: Let your child make a rattan coaster or a totem wood carving; A night tour of an oolong tea plantation: Learn about the local centuries-old tea-growing history and savor a cup of mellow Dong Ding oolong. These experiences won't be on exams, but they will plant a seed of respect for the land, culture, and life in your child's heart. Highlight Four: A Slow-Paced Travel Experience Suitable for the Whole Family Unlike the crowds at city attractions, Sun Moon Lake offers a relaxed pace, making it perfect for families and seniors: ✅ Concentrated attractions, convenient transportation (you can take a yacht to connect various piers) ✅ Clean and hygienic dining options; recommended dishes include Grandma's Tea Eggs, Wild Boar Rice, and Millet Mochi ✅ Many unique guesthouses are built along the lake, offering scenic views from their windows; the nights are so tranquil you can hear frogs croaking. Staying overnight is especially recommended. As night falls, the soft lights reflected on the lake create a serene atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.

aerofish

The scenery is stunning. A must-see in Taiwan, full of cute lambs. Buying tickets online and entering by scanning the QR code is very convenient. The trails in the scenic area are stunning.

Ariestiles05

The most worth it and magical tourist spot in taiwan that you must visit.

Anonymous user

So convenient! You just havs to show your QR code/ booking voucher to claim your ticket. Had a great time at Sun Moon Lake Ropeway. For the lake cruise, I claimed mine from the Visitor's Centre at Ita Thao— the ladies there are very welcoming and they understand right away when you show them the booking QR code.

Pacino Chen

The scenic area is at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The park is not too big, but it is all rugged and beautiful. The free-range sheep are very cute and you can buy food to feed them. The air is fresh and the sun is abundant. It is worth a visit.