Tripbaa Funbaa!Asia’s Free Travel Expert
The Sun Moon Lake International Music & Fireworks Carnival held every October in Nantou’s Sun Moon Lake isn’t just about challenging yourself with a 10,000-person swim, cycling around the lake, but also includes boat tours, cable car rides, and even paddleboarding while watching the sunrise—among many other unique ways to enjoy Sun Moon Lake!Want to know what other fresh experiences Nantou’s Sun Moon Lake has to offer?Check out this guide to 10 hidden 3D ways to play at Sun Moon Lake, and get a full grasp of just how magical a trip here can be!
Sun Moon Lake has grandly planned the “2018 Sun Moon Lake Come!Bikeday Fireworks Music Carnival” for the second half of the year, featuring a series of activities starting from September 7th, including cycling around the lake, the 10,000-person swim, a music carnival, and everyone’s favorite spectacular fireworks show. Come with us as we take a look at how to make the most of it!
2018 Sun Moon Lake Come!Bikeday Fireworks Music Carnival. (Photo／Sun Moon Lake Official Website)
Of course, what everyone cares about most is “when are the fireworks?” Just save this image from the Sun Moon Lake official website, and you won’t forget the schedule!You can also plan your Sun Moon Lake travel itinerary according to the dates and locations of the fireworks displays!
2018 Sun Moon Lake Come!Bikey Fireworks Schedule & Locations. (Photo／Sun Moon Lake Official Website)
First up among the TOP 10 Nantou Sun Moon Lake travel itineraries is a “limited-time-only experience” closely tied to the Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival—cycling around the lake. In this breezy autumn season, enjoy the comfort of riding along one of the world’s top ten most beautiful cycling paths, the “Sun Moon Lake Cycling Ring Road.” Upon completing the loop, you’ll even receive a “Lake Loop Completion Certificate” to commemorate this rare moment!
In the evening, you can enjoy beautiful music paired with colorful fireworks, adding a touch of gentle artistic charm to your Nantou Sun Moon Lake travel experience!
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Nantou Sun Moon Lake Travel Itinerary - Fireworks Festival Cycling Around the Lake. (Photo／Tripbaa Funbaa!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Nantou Sun Moon Lake Travel Itinerary - Fireworks Festival Cycling Around the Lake. (Photo／Tripbaa Funbaa!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Many travelers choose to journey from Alishan all the way to Sun Moon Lake, taking in two of Taiwan’s famous scenic spots in one go. Along the way, you can also relax at Dongpu Hot Springs, enjoy the famed Beauty Spring, stroll through nearby Lover’s Valley and Rainbow Waterfall, and if time permits, swing by Qingjing Farm as well—starting your perfect, fun-filled and enriching Taiwan trip to Sun Moon Lake in the most relaxing and enjoyable way possible.
Nantou Sun Moon Lake. (Photo／Tripbaa Funbaa!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Itinerary Introduction
Yuehu (Moon Lake) may not have the majestic scenery of Ri hu (Sun Lake), nor the bustle of tourist boats, but it retains delicate beauty and a sense of tranquil seclusion. To truly get close to it, you need a different approach. SUP gives you a board and a paddle—no rules, just your own pace to feel the serenity of Sun Moon Lake’s waters, take deep breaths of clean air, enjoy the cool mist on your skin, and freely explore the beautiful views you seek on the lake.
Nantou Sun Moon Lake SUP Paddleboarding. (Photo／Tripbaa Funbaa!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
User Reviews:
Ena C:For someone like me who isn’t great with balance, it was manageable. I spun in place for a few minutes after getting in the water but quickly got the hang of it. The instructor also guided me patiently. Afterward, you can also walk over to the nearby Mountain View Visitor Center.
Love to Play:SUP is super fun, the instructor was really nice and enthusiastic, and with the sunshine and cool breeze, it was very comfortable. The surface of Sun Moon Lake isn’t too choppy, making it great for beginners—just remember to wear sunscreen!
Sun Moon Lake isn’t just about scenic lake views—it also offers a wide variety of activities, such as taking a cable car for a bird’s-eye view, cycling around the lake, or riding a powered boat on the water. Canoeing has also become a popular activity in recent years.
The Sun Moon Lake canoeing experience takes place in the protected restricted area of Yuehu (Moon Lake), so there’s no noise from tourist boats or crowds—the surroundings are even quieter and more beautiful, making it perfect for travelers to enjoy canoeing alone and sync their breathing with nature.
■ Difficulty Level:★★☆☆☆
■ Route:Sun Moon Lake
■ Transportation:Take the train to Taichung Railway Station, then transfer to the “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Sun Moon Lake A or B Line” to arrive.
Sun Moon Lake Canoeing Experience. (Photo／Tripbaa Funbaa!Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Itinerary Introduction
Sun Moon Lake—some people are awestruck by its beauty, while others leave disappointed. Such polarized reviews aren’t surprising, because the tranquility of Sun Moon Lake on regular days versus the hustle and bustle on holidays offer completely different experiences. The most direct way to understand it deeply is to take a boat and explore the various scenic spots around the lake.
Fixed Boat Schedule Itinerary: Starting point Shuishe Pier
Nantou Sun Moon Lake Travel Itinerary – Take a Boat Ride Around the Lake. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Activity Location:Shuishe Pier, Nantou County
User Reviews
yironghuang: I can say, you really have to come here at least once in your life. It's truly beautiful and worth savoring slowly. Highly recommend chartering a boat to tour the lake!
shuhueyshan: We leisurely took a boat to visit three piers, each place has its own charm, the views are all great, and they look even more beautiful in photos. We even saw a rainbow when we were there.
Itinerary Introduction
Explore Sun Moon Lake deeply, visit the four major indigenous tribes around the lake, check out the Hunters' Home of the southern tribe and the most beautiful Bunun family house "Tannan Elementary School", enjoy the unique eight-part harmony performance by the Dili Tribe composed of elders, adults, and youth from the tribe, as well as participate in the "Tribal Craft DIY Activity" guided by indigenous teachers at the Shuanglong Tribe. Finally, head to the now bustling Yida Shao Tribe by the lake, where you can not only taste creative snacks but also shop for a variety of uniquely flavored souvenirs.
Nantou - The Aboriginal Homeland of Bu-Shao at Sun Moon Lake. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Nantou - The Aboriginal Homeland of Bu-Shao at Sun Moon Lake. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
User Reviews
Yen Fong Wu: This is a very meaningful and in-depth activity. Unlike previous visits to Sun Moon Lake where we only took boats or cable cars, this one allows us to deeply understand the culture and stories of Sun Moon Lake.
Justin Su: You can explore all four major tribes of Sun Moon Lake in just one day. It’s truly a rich travel experience. Recommended for first-time visitors to Sun Moon Lake to join and discover a different side of the lake.
Itinerary Introduction
When visiting Sun Moon Lake, besides taking a boat, you should definitely try seeing the entire lake from high above. Reminder: those with a fear of heights should not try this, or you might end up clinging to your friend like a railing like our editor did. The most beautiful view is the last 300 meters on the way back from Jiuzi to Sun Moon Lake—you’ll truly feel the height and get a full view of the lake’s beauty.
Nantou Sun Moon Lake. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa!, Asia’s Free Travel Expert)
Activity Location:Sun Moon Lake Cable Car Station, Nantou County
User Reviews
ncnuhotel: This can be considered one of the essential activities when visiting Sun Moon Lake. Even if you go on a super hot day, once you’re up there, it’s incredibly cool.
enfengwu: Looking down at the Jiuzi area from high above, over the mountain peaks, it feels like floating in the air, almost like the sensation of paragliding, with treetops beneath your feet and the wind in your face—the scenery of Sun Moon Lake is all laid out before you.
The annual Sun Moon Lake Swimming Marathon is the most historic and large-scale event at Sun Moon Lake. Starting in 1983, every year around the Mid-Autumn Festival, swimming enthusiasts from Taiwan and overseas gather at the Chuwu Pier of Sun Moon Lake to take part in this grand event. The full course is about 3,000 meters, and in 2002 it was officially included in the World Open Water Swimming Hall of Fame. It has become a festive event known as the “Ten Thousand People Swim Across Sun Moon Lake.”
Activity Location:Nantou County, Sun Moon Lake
User Reviews
Paihsien L: This was truly the biggest decision and challenge of my life. I don’t know how much courage it took for me to decide to take on these 3,000 meters!
Porco R: The biggest takeaway from the 3,000 meters is believing in yourself—nothing but your own perseverance can support you.
Sun Moon Lake Airport offers helicopter lake tours. Not only will you get a bird’s-eye view, but you can also freely soar through the skies. Try this eagle-like perspective of overlooking Sun Moon Lake. In addition to the essential reception hall and helipad, there’s also a huge garden and several love-themed art installations, providing travelers with new photo opportunities while waiting for their flight.
Activity Location:No. 1-2, Wenwu Lane, Yuchi Township, Nantou County (Sun Moon Lake Airport)
User Reviews
Xiaoqi Lin: The view of Sun Moon Lake from above is absolutely stunning, but it definitely doesn’t come cheap. If you really want to try it, you’ve got to be mentally prepared to splurge a bit.
Ching1109: If you’re afraid of heights, don’t try this lightly. I went on it with my husband and almost had a heart attack up there, but the view was absolutely breathtaking.
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Jinlong Mountain near Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s three best sunrise spots. Early in the morning, professional coaches will lead you on a jog through country paths and forests. The refreshing breeze and crisp air wash away the fatigue of daily life, while you enjoy the magnificent sea of clouds and sunrise, paired with a healthy, DIY picnic you make yourself — an experience that’s truly different from your usual Sun Moon Lake meals.
Nantou – Sunrise Picnic at Jinlong Mountain. (Photo / Tripbaa Fun Guide!)
Nantou – Sunrise Picnic at Jinlong Mountain. (Photo / Tripbaa Fun Guide!)
User Reviews
Fangfang: It was my first time watching the sunrise around Sun Moon Lake, and jogging up the mountain made it even more special. Enjoying food after breaking a sweat gave me a totally different kind of feeling.
Rita: This was such a unique experience. The night before, I made my own light picnic food, and then enjoyed it at sunrise the next day. I highly recommend everyone try this at least once.
After seeing these 9 3D experiences, do you still doubt the charm of a Sun Moon Lake trip? All I used to remember was taking a boat ride and the Sun Moon Lake Cable Car, but there are so many hidden gems. Have you fallen in love with Sun Moon Lake travel just like overseas media and Chinese tourists?
[Authorized Repost from Tripbaa Fun Guide | Original Article: “2018 Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival: 10 Hidden Experiences You Must Try & Recommended Sun Moon Lake Travel Itineraries”]
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