It's turning red！Nanxiang’s Xiangshan Visitor Center: Stroll by the lake and admire the yellow-to-red gradient of the bald cypress trees

Text & Photos／Cindy’s Secret Garden

Xiangshan Visitor Center is one of the hottest spots near Sun Moon Lake right now, all because the bald cypress trees by the lake have turned red！Red！Everyone who passes by can’t help but stop to take photos. I missed the bald cypress season last year, but with the sun out these past couple of days, the blue sky shining, and the warmth of the sunlight, it feels so nice to get out and enjoy some sunshine—it’s the perfect time for a walk around Sun Moon Lake.

Sun Moon Lake is a place I visit every year without fail. I love strolling along the lakeshore and taking in the beautiful scenery of the water and mountains. After having a popular local breakfast—Qingbao’s savory deep-fried dough sticks—in Puli this morning, we headed straight forXiangshan Visitor Center.

The weather has been cold these past few days, and the bald cypress trees have taken on a stunning appearance, donning a gradient of yellow and red. Against the backdrop of the blue sky, they look even more vibrant and captivating.

The bald cypress trees by the lake only cover a small stretch, just about what you see here, but paired with the unbeatable beauty of Sun Moon Lake, they’re still enough to make anyone pause and admire.

Among them, these two bald cypress trees are the most iconic—turning a deep, committed red and also the most lush.

This angle also offers a different kind of beauty. The few bald cypress trees in the background with leaves that have already fallen have a distinctly wintery charm.

You can get quite close to the surface of Sun Moon Lake here. Taking a stroll along the lakeshore, feeling the breeze, and soaking up the sun makes it seem like all your worries are temporarily forgotten.

A young couple sits by the lake, sharing a sweet moment together. It’s such a lovely scene that I couldn’t help but capture it.

Xiangshan Visitor Center is right next to the Xiangshan Bicycle Path, which is ranked among the world’s top ten most beautiful cycling routes. If you have the time and energy, you definitely should go experience it.

While taking a break along our lakeside walk, we sat here, and an elderly couple also came by. They brought their own food and had a little picnic. The two of them quietly enjoyed the scenery before them and shared a delicious meal together—this must be a simple kind of happiness, right?

The weather today is really nice—the sun is shining brightly. Even though it’s only 17°C, it gets warm as you walk along.

After seeing the bald cypress trees, head up to Xiangshan Visitor Center. It’s a must-visit spot at Sun Moon Lake, featuring a minimalist concrete (清水模) building designed by a Japanese team. Its unique and sleek design always attracts many photography enthusiasts.

Its distinctive streamlined design has also made it a popular spot for idol dramas and wedding photoshoots.

There just happened to be a couple taking wedding photos here today.

I’ve always thought that the design of Xiangshan Visitor Center—if you told me it was an art museum, I’d believe you. It’s just so beautiful！

The tourism ambassador, Oh Bear, also came by.

If you head up from Xiangshan Visitor Center, there’s a large platform where you can climb up for a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake.

Thank goodness for this sunny day bestowed by the heavens. Standing atop the high platform, the entire beautiful view stretches out before you. It almost makes you want to cheer with joy, doesn’t it?

We… were here.

If you get tired from exploring, the visitor center has Huisun Coffee, where you can sit down, enjoy a drink, and take in the scenery of Sun Moon Lake.

Before leaving, we walked through the visitor center’s corridor, and Jay snapped this photo of me. Mischievous Gemini that he is, I think this one has a pretty artistic vibe—what do you all think?

On the way back, there’s a section of the bicycle path where you can get up close and personal with Sun Moon Lake. There aren’t many obstructions around, and I love how the sunlight spills over the lake’s surface.

Before heading home, you can visit the Sun Moon Lake Old Street, grab a hot coffee at the lakeside Starbucks, or head to the Puli Distillery to try a grilled sausage and pick up some souvenirs. A one-day trip to Nantou and Sun Moon Lake—time to go exploring.

Xiangshan Visitor Center
Address: No. 599, Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
Business Hours: 09:00–17:00
Phone: 04 9285 5668