Aerial tours of Sun Moon Lake are no longer a dream; Nantou County is planning it

▲ Sun Moon Lake boasts stunning natural scenery, beautiful in every season. (Photo / Courtesy of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Taking a boat tour around Sun Moon Lake is a fun way to sightsee, but what if you could explore the lake from the air, taking in the panoramic views of the water and surrounding mountains? That might be even more unique. Nantou County Government is now planning to collaborate with private aviation operators to launch a “helicopter lake tour,” offering visitors a different perspective on the beauty of Sun Moon Lake.

Capitalizing on the “aerial tourism boom,” events like the Taitung and Hualien hot air balloon festivals have not only boosted local visibility but also attracted large numbers of tourists, bringing significant tourism revenue to these counties and cities. Sun Moon Lake, which already has a helicopter pad, is now also eyeing the “aerial business opportunity.” The area is actively seeking partnerships with private companies to introduce a variety of new aerial experiences, aiming to attract more visitors to tour and travel here.

A private operator from Taichung recently conducted multiple site inspections at Sun Moon Lake together with county government officials. They expressed great satisfaction with the existing environment around the lake and proposed ideas such as a “helicopter test-pilot experience.” In this activity, accompanied by professionals, participants can sit in the helicopter’s cockpit, start the engine, and lift off the ground by about one meter. They can not only go straight but also make turns—making it quite an entertaining ride. They also suggested arranging for tourists to take a helicopter for an “aerial lake tour” of Sun Moon Lake, allowing them to admire the beautiful landscapes of the Shuishe area. Even though the cost may be higher than taking a boat, it will be a special experience.

Wang Yuanzhong, Director of the Nantou County Government’s Tourism Department, also stated that utilizing existing resources and collaborating with operators, launching an aerial lake tour of Sun Moon Lake is not overly difficult. As long as navigation lights are added next to the helicopter pad in compliance with Civil Aeronautics Administration regulations and all details are thoroughly planned, taking a helicopter for a “Sun Moon Lake aerial patrol” will no longer be just talk.
 

▲ Currently, the only aerial viewing facility at Sun Moon Lake is accessible via the aerial cable car. (Photo / Courtesy of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)