Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan’s largest alpine lake pairs blue water and layered mountains with lakeside cycling, boat rides and easy stops around Shuishe and Ita Thao.
Open the Sun Moon Lake guide →南投 · Central
Nantou
nán tóuTaiwan’s mountain heartland, where Sun Moon Lake, tea country and forested highlands reward travelers who plan the last mile.
First time in Taiwan?
Why choose Nantou?
Nantou is a strong nature extension when you want lake scenery, mountain landscapes and tea country after a city stay. Its main areas are spread apart and public transport requires more planning than a compact city, so the best trips focus on one region at a time rather than trying to combine Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing and Jiji in one day.
Best for
Lake and mountain sceneryNature after a city stayTea and slower travelA focused day trip or overnight
Less ideal for
Very short first Taiwan tripsTravelers wanting MRT-like conveniencePacking distant Nantou areas into one day
Good to know
Sun Moon Lake. Mountain scenery. Tea country
Use this page as your base camp: save a spot, learn the station name, then make room for an unplanned snack.
Start with Nantou
Make Sun Moon Lake your first stop
For a first Nantou visit, Sun Moon Lake is the clearest place to begin. Use the lake guide for access and timing, then connect it to a realistic day trip or a two-day Taichung plan.
Public transport · About 9–11 hours
Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Day Trip
A public-transport day from HSR Taichung to Shuishe, with one clear lake activity and a realistic return buffer.
View itinerary →2 days
2 Days from Taichung: City, Night Market & Sun Moon Lake
Base yourself in Taichung for one night, keeping the first day for city art, design and Feng Chia Night Market and the second for a full-day Sun Moon Lake excursion.
View plan →First-time highlights
Start with these places
日月潭
Sun Moon Lake
rì yuè tánTaiwan’s largest alpine lake pairs blue water and layered mountains with lakeside cycling, boat rides and easy stops around Shuishe and Ita Thao.
lakecyclingmountain-view
清境農場
Cingjing Farm
qīng jìng nóng chǎngA high-elevation farm landscape of grasslands, mountain views and cool air above the Puli basin.
mountaingrasslandscenic-walk
集集
Jiji Railway Town
jí jíA relaxed railway town for a short ride on the Jiji Line, station-side wandering and a bicycle-paced look at rural Nantou.
railwaycyclingsmall-town
A first taste of the city
Eat these first
日月潭紅茶 · Drink
Sun Moon Lake Black Tea
rì yuè tán hóng cháA fragrant black tea from Yuchi near Sun Moon Lake, best known for Taiwan Tea No. 18 Ruby and Assam varieties.
Vegetarian-friendly
日月潭紅茶蛋捲 · Dessert
Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Egg Roll
rì yuè tán hóng chá dàn juǎnA crisp rolled wafer flavored with Sun Moon Lake Assam black tea: an easy-to-carry souvenir snack connected to the area’s tea culture.
鳳梨酥 · Dessert
Pineapple Cake
fèng lí sūA buttery short pastry wrapped around sweet-tart pineapple filling, popular with tea and as a travel gift.
Vegetarian-friendly
集集山蕉 · Snack
Jiji Mountain Banana
jí jí shān jiāoA sweet, firm local banana associated with Jiji’s warm, sheltered growing conditions and often enjoyed as a simple travel snack.
Vegetarian-friendly
Trip plans
Start with a practical plan
Plan the day
How to spend your time
Getting around