Sun Moon Lake Itinerary

Three Days in Sun Moon Lake Taiwan & Where to Stay

Sun Moon Lake is one of the Eight Views of Taiwan. Once you see its picturesque scenery, you will understand why that is. And for that, I highly recommend adding Sun Moon Lake into your Taiwan itinerary!

This article shows you how you can plan the Sun Moon Lake itinerary for one to three days and whether it makes sense to take a day trip there. Also, see my recommendations for where to stay in Sun Moon Lake for all budgets.

Don’t forget to read my other article: 15 Epic Things to Do in Sun Moon Lake. I wrote more details of each attraction and insider tips. And you will learn about the best way to get to Sun Moon Lake. 

Pin it for later!

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Click here to read full disclaimer. 

Pssst! Are you thinking about making your first trip to Taiwan? My essential Taiwan Travel Tips cover everything you need to know for your trip: Taiwan weather, transportation, travel expenses, Taiwan travel essentials, language, healthcare, using squat toilets, etc. Start your Taiwan travel planning right here >>

>> If you are making a day trip from Taichung, follow the Day 2 Sun Moon Lake Itinerary below. You can also book a Sun Moon Lake Day Tour: this or this.

>> To cover a broader area in one day, this Nantou tour from Taichung takes you to Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm, and Cingjing Skyline. 

​

Day 1: Jiji Station – Checheng Station – Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area

Jiji Station is a historic Japanese-style train station built in 1933 using Cypress.

​Jiji Station – Checheng Station

Jiji is a charming mountain village that still retains a small-town nostalgia and rustic styles from the past. During the Japanese colonial period, the Jiji train line has constructed to transport construction materials of the Sun Moon Lake Hydroelectric project. Later, the Jiji Line became Taiwan’s first tourist railway.

The Jiji Line is a 29.7km-long railway from Ershui Station to Checheng Station. I recommend first heading to the Jiji Station and hopping on a train to visit Checheng Station.

Checheng Station, dubbed as the Most Beautiful Little Station, is the final destination on the Jiji Line. Near the station, you can take a peek at a parked train, walk along the railway, look around the lumber industry exhibit center, and sip a tea.

This cute Japanese-style wooden tea house near Checheng Station overlooks a pond.

​Sun Moon Lake Hotel

Now, let’s head over to Sun Moon Lake. First, check-in at your hotel. (See above <<where to stay in Sun Moon Lake>> for hotel recommendations.)

Afternoon Tea at the Lalu

If you prefer to head directly to Sun Moon Lake or arrive by 2:30 p.m., take advantage of afternoon tea at the iconic (luxury) Lalu hotel.

It is a Taiwanese-style afternoon tea (i.e., buffet), not confused with British afternoon tea. Regardless, it is worthwhile to eat at the Oriental Brasserie (東方餐廳) as it is an affordable way to enjoy its fantastic lake view. Afternoon tea is served between 2:30 – 5 p.m. (NT$799 on weekdays or NT$850 on weekends per person + 10% service charge). Call in advance to reserve: +886-(0)4-9285-5311.

Hours: 2:30 – 5 pm

Location: [Open Google Map]

Hanbi Trail & Wen Wan Resort Sky deck

​The Lalu Hotel is called Hanbirou, its old name. The surrounding area has a scenic Hanbi trail you can stroll. After the afternoon tea, take your time to digest and take in the gorgeous scenery.

The neighboring Wen Wan Resort also has a glass-bottom sky deck. It features a gorgeous 300-degree picturesque view of the lake from 60m up. I took the best Sun Moon Lake photos at sunset here. Highly recommend! (I stayed at Wen Wan Resort and received a voucher to get in. But you can also purchase the ticket.)

Sky Deck Location: [Open Google Map]

Shuishe Visitors Center Area

Everything closes down super early in Sun Moon Lake. But some restaurants and souvenir shops around Shuishe Visitors Center will stay open in the evening. Eat local delicacies like tea egg (茶葉蛋), black-tea egg rolls (紅茶蛋捲), and President’s fish (總統魚).

I stumbled upon Yuchi Farmers’ Association Shop, which was right next to my B&B on the second visit. The shop has various good-quality produces from Sun Moon Lake, including black teas, mushroom chips, black-tea ice creams, black-tea egg rolls, etc. I bought a bunch, except black teas (personally I like oolong tea much better), and all of them were so good.

Yuchi Famers’ Association Shop

Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Closes at 9 p.m. on Sat & Sun)

Location: [Open Google Map]

Day 2: Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area

Wear comfortable shoes as we will be walking quite a bit. This itinerary takes you to the main Sun Moon Lake attractions clockwise from Shuishe Visitors Center.

Sun Moon Lake Boat Tour

Before busloads of tourists arrive, hop on a boat from Shuishe Pier to enjoy the serene lake. Sun Moon Lake is often covered in misty fogs in the morning, creating a dramatic scene. (Plus, nothing really opens this early in Sun Moon Lake, except the boat tour.)

The boat stops over to Xuanguang Temple and Ita Thao Pier before coming back to Shuishe Pier. Feel free to stop over to explore the area if you’d like. In my opinion, there is not much to see in either stop, especially this early in the morning. But it is worth going up the ramp to the Xuanguang Temple to see Lalu Island. 

Sun Moon Lake Boat tour starts at 9 a.m. Get your tickets ready (Book boat day pass + bike rental) to redeem with a quick QR code scan at the pier. I took the first boat before hundreds of middle school kids on the school field trip. 

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: [Open Google Map]

>> Many discounted boat tour packages are offered together with bike rental and Sun Moon Lake Ropeway. I recommend booking in advance.

Wenwu Temple

Head over to Wenwu Temple. (If you are not driving or riding a bike, take Sun Moon Lake Round the Bus from Shuishe Visitors Center.)

This iconic site is worthwhile to visit for its scale, beautiful design, and uphill location. The temple has three-tiered shrines to worship various gods.

As I went further in and up the hill, I was expecting some fantastic lake view on top. But I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the obstructed view. Instead, at the very top, you will be awed by the grand stone stairs with plaque walls and tall columns with elaborated dragon decorations.

By the way, the temple is open for 24 hours. But don’t go there at night. I went up there as nothing really opens after 7 p.m. in Sun Moon Lake. Those magnificent columns and stairs looked terribly scary after the dark!!! 

Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: [Open Google Map]

​

Nine Frogs Stack

The next stop is Nine Frogs Stack (九蛙疊像). Unfortunately, the site was temporarily closed when I visited. It is supposedly an easy, scenic trail with the site of Nine Frogs Stack at the end. Depending on how many frogs you can see above the water, you can estimate the water reserve level in the lake.

Location: [Open Google Map]

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is a 1.8km-long gondola lift that takes you from the Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. (There is another gondola lift inside the village.)

The crystal (with a glass bottom) and the standard cabins offer spectacular views of the lush mountains and the lake as you go up for about 7 minutes. If you are afraid of heights, you will experience the jaw-dropping thrill.

The station has a parking lot and food court. You can use this facility without buying admission to the village. If you are hungry, you can grab something quick here. Don’t expect too much from the cafeteria food, though. 

During the cherry blossom season, the station is decorated with gorgeous pink flowers. I suggest going on a picnic at the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village (Admission with Ropeway & Boat) for more cherry blossom viewing. Otherwise, I would skip this amusement park and aboriginal museum.

Admission: NT$300 round trip [I highly recommend buying a ticket here to avoid lining up.]

Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | weekends & holidays: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed on the first Wednesday of the month for maintenance)

Location: [Open Google Map]

Ci’en Pagoda

Ci’en Pagoda has the hands-down best Sun Moon Lake view. When the late President Chiang Kai-Shek built this tower in memory of his mother, he did not choose the site for no reason.

To reach the tower, you need to hike up about 1km-long winding stairways. Catch a breath because you should go up the 9-story spiral stairways to witness the 360-degree panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake and surrounding mountains.

You might pant and sweat a bit as you go up and down the staircases. But it is so doable, and the site is definitely worth extra efforts.

You will need to walk up the 9-story spiral staircases. But the view from the top is totally worthwhile.

Make sure to bring down all your belongings from the rooftop, though. I was busy taking a 360-degree video (see my video below) and totally forgot about my bag on the top floor until I came all the way down. I had to climb up 9 stories once again! 

Hours: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: [Open Google Map]

Ita Thao Visitors Center

The last two stops are not precisely clockwise in order. Because Ci’en Pagoda closes at 4:30 p.m. and Ita Thao Visitors Center is best to be visited in the late afternoon to early evening, I switched the order.

Ita Thao Visitors Center is a small area to explore and eat snacks. I would say almost like a night market, except that food stalls start closing down around 6–7 p.m. (Restaurants stay open a little longer.) So grab snacks and dinner before it’s too late.

At the end of the pier, the Visitors Center has a small shop, restaurants, and boat tour ticket office. The square at the dock showcases some cultural performances in the afternoon if you are interested.

I liked this illuminated wooden artwork. It is newly installed since the area has been reconstructed after destroyed by a typhoon. You may see a line of people as it is a popular photo spot. FYI, the site is closed down around 6 p.m. if I remember correctly.

Location: [Open Google Map]

Day 3: Sun Moon Lake Cycling – Antique Assam Tea Farm – Puli Paper Dome – Chung Tai Chan Monastery

On Day 3, we will slowly move our way up north, starting from Shuishe Visitors Center in Sun Moon Lake to Puli before going back to Taipei. If you are heading south, you may switch Day 1 and Day 3 itinerary. 

>> If you are making day trips from Sun Moon Lake, consider joining the Puli Culture Day Trip. This tour takes you to Paper Dome, Chung Tai Chan Monastery Shuili Kilin, and Jiji – Checheng Stations in one day. 

Sun Moon Lake Cycling

Sun Moon Lake is one of the most beautiful bikeways in the world, selected by CNN. No wonder riding a bike is one of the must-do activities here!

Take a glance at this bike map around Sun Moon Lake, provided by the Giant bike shop.

While there are many bikeways to choose from, I would recommend riding from Shuishe Visitors Center to Xiangshan Visitors Center for scenic riders. Anyone can do this well-paved route, even the beginners. (Serious bikers can go around the lake in a full circle for more challenging hills and winding roads.)

There are so many bike shops to rent bikes. Sometimes it comes with a package with a boat tour. But I chose a Giant bike as they have lots of more sizes (tall people problem!) and better options, including e-bikes.

Xiangshan Visitors Center

From Shuishe Visitors Center to Xiangshan Visitors Center only takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many stops you make along the way to take photos.

Before you end your journey at Xiangshan Visitors Center, continue to Xiangshan Scenic Outlook via a path behind the parking lot. Here, you can enjoy the calm lake and the Lalu Island closer.

Come back to Xiangshan Visitors Center. This eco-friendly, futuristic zen architecture was designed by a famed Japanese architect Dan Norihiko. It has fascinating nooks and crannies for Instagram-worthy photos. If you’d like, you can sip a coffee at the cute cafe.

After you come back to Shuishe Visitors Center, let’s pack your stuff to leave Sun Moon Lake. 

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: [Open Google Map]

Antique Assam Tea Farm

One of the best-known Sun Moon Lake produces is black tea. I usually choose oolong or green tea unless I’m drinking milk tea. But any tea lovers can appreciate Antique Assam Tea Farm!

Antique Assam Tea Farm is a tea farm, old factory, cafe, and shop – all in one. After taking a quick tour of an old factory, you can stroll along small paths between the lines of tea trees. If you’d like, you can buy black tea and other black-tea infused products and gifts.

Groups can book paid guided tours that include tea processing, tasting, and meals. Call 049-289-5508 to book.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: [Open Google Map]

Puli Paper Dome

Puli Paper Dome is an eco-park in a small town with a modern chapel, pond, and artwork. The chapel was initially built in memory of 1995 Kobe earthquake victims. When Puli took the big hit after the 921 Earthquake, Kobe city dissembled and sent the Paper Dome to Taiwan in 2005 to help to rebuild the community.

But what draws crowds here is that the chapel and benches are 100% made of waterproof paper. The Paper Dome is made with 58 huge paper tubes. I don’t think it is coincident that paper-making is the primary industry in Puli.

Do you see a white egret?

The surrounding area is an eco-park, where you will witness water lilies on the pond, frogs, butterflies, and rare sights of egrets up close and personal.

Although it would be a quick stop, like 30 minutes, I think it is worthwhile to swing by since it is on the way to our next stop.

Admission: NTD 50

Hours: Sun – Tues 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Wed & Thurs Closed | Fri & Sat 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: [Open Google Map]

Chung Tai Chan Monastery & Museum

Chung Tai Chan Monastery is a colossal Buddhist monastery and museum that will awe you by its massive size and majestic presence surrounded by mountains. (It was so humongous that we had to drive from one site to another.) Its architecture has been awarded The 23rd Annual Taiwan Architecture Award in 2002 and The 20th International Award for Lighting Design in 2003.

Wood Sculpture Gallery

Wood Sculpture Gallery houses diverse styles of wood-carved Buddha from the Tang to Song to Won Dynasties. The first floor has a special temperature-controlled room where a super-enthusiastic guide showcases the characteristics from each era.

Unfortunately, the free guide service is only provided in Chinese. But even with my limited Chinese-language skill, I learned that the most important thing to understand here is the differences between the Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Arahant. Too bad the photograph was not allowed! I cannot show you the photos but will try my best to explain.

The Arahant is the pure one who achieved the ultimate spiritual insights (i.e., Nirvana) therefore no longer belongs to the reincarnation cycle. They look like a bald-headed monk.

The Bodhisattva is the enlightened being who is dedicating the whole life to help liberate others. It is typically distinguished from the Buddha by the decorative features such as elaborate jewelry and urna (Buddha’s hair).

The Buddha is the holy being who can relieve himself and humanity from all the suffering in life.

The cafeteria serves vegetarian meals – such as spaghetti, bagel sandwiches, and Taiwanese-style meals – and coffee and popsicles.

Chung Tai Chan Monastery

The Monastery is the only place on the ground that allows free admission and photography inside. As soon as you step in, the 12m-high Four Heavenly Kings statue will instill awe. It houses three Buddha Halls, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall, The Golden Dome, and an art gallery.

Chung Tai World Museum

Chung Tai World Museum has 20 exhibit halls featuring Buddhist religious relics from India and China. The Chinese collection displays arts and relics from five dynasties: Tang, Song, Won, Qing, and Ming. You will definitely need to have a game plan to see the best of its extensive collections.

Admission: NTD 200

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)

Location: [Open Google Map]

That’s it for three days around Sun Moon Lake. Are you convinced it is worthwhile for your visit? Comment below and let me know. 

ENJOYED THIS POST? PIN IT!