Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hiking
Sun Moon Lake offers some very pleasant hiking, and on the longer trails you are sure to
leave the tour groups behind. The trails to
Maolanshan
(Māolán Shān; two hours return)
and
Shueisheshan
(Shǔishè Shān; seven to eight hours return) are the long est. English
signs mark the trailheads for all routes.
Other walks are listed in the tourist brochures. Most can be reached by the round-the-
lake public bus.
Festivals & Events
Annual Across the Lake Swim
EVENT
There's an Annual Across the Lake Swim held every September to promote the lake and
physical fitness. This is the only time swimming in the lake is permitted.
Thao Tribe Annual Harvest Festival
FESTIVAL
The Thao Tribe Annual Harvest Festival is held every summer (the eighth month of the
lunar calendar). Visitors can watch all aspects of the festival, including mortar pounding
to summon the people, fortune-telling, and the sacrifice of wild animals. Festivities last
for several days and take place in Itashao.
Sleeping
Accomodation in Sun Moon Lake is a money-grabbing game (unless you pitch a tent in
one of the campgrounds).
Homestays on the main road are a better option than the hotels. As you wander down
from the visitor information centre towards the village (around the 7-Eleven), there are a
dozen small homestays, with a picture board at the entrance so you can see what you're
getting.
Holy Love Campground
CAMPGROUND $
MAP
(Shèng'ài Yíngdì; 0925-150 202, 285-0202;
www.holylove.org.tw
;
261-10 Jhongjheng Rd, 261 10;
dm NT$500, campground per person NT$300)
Run by a Catholic church group, this secluded
campground beside the lake offers good views and better water quality. There are on-site
showers, a kitchen, and kayak rental. Advance booking is a must.
To reach the campground, take a round-the-lake bus to Tutingzai Hiking Trail (Tǔtíng-
zǐ bùdào). Walk uphill until you see a green letterbox between the Km9.5 and Km9.6
