Day Trip Destinations: Sun Moon Lake

Explore Nearby Towns

Puli: A town known for its paper-making industry, with places like Guangxing Paper Mill offering tours. It also features breweries, like the Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation Puli Winery, and various mushroom farms.

Cingjing Farm: This high-altitude farm resembles an European alpine pasture. It is known for its sheep shows, popular with families, and its stunning mountain views.

Getting Around

Puli: Frequent Nantou Buses run directly from Shuishe.
Cingjing Farm: Take a Nantou Bus (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Cingjing Route) from Puli.
Luku Tea Area: mainly accessible by private car or taxi due to limited public transport.

Natural Wonders & Excursions

Taiwan's central mountains beyond the lake offer more natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

Touring Styles

Organized Tours: Offer convenience for multi-stop day trips. Transport and a guide are often part of the package, simplifying logistics. These tours may be more expensive.

Independent Travel

Flexibility to set your own pace and explore specific interests.
Often cheaper, but you plan bus routes and schedules.
Public transport to Puli and Cingjing is straightforward.

Planning Your Time

Puli: Plan for a half-day to a full-day trip. Combine a paper mill visit with the Puli Brewery and local food.

Excursion Duration

Cingjing Farm: A full-day trip from Sun Moon Lake. Depart early.
Puli + Cingjing: A long full-day trip. Better managed with an organized tour or private driver.
For Cingjing, pack layers; higher elevation means cooler temperatures.

Beyond the Lake Shore

Protected Areas

Nantou County offers numerous parks and scenic areas.
Many locations beyond the lake require private transport for access.
Hehuanshan: Stunning mountain range for hiking, dramatic alpine landscapes.
Hehuanshan: Access requires dedicated transport from Cingjing or Puli.

Seasonal Wonders

Fireflies: Observe seasonally, typically April to May. Inquire locally for spots.
Cherry Blossoms: Late January to March, especially at Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
No beaches near Sun Moon Lake; it is an inland area.
Check Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village website for bloom updates.

Regional Geography Insights

Sun Moon LakeMountain lake
Mountain ExperiencesCingjing Farm, Hehuanshan
Coastal AccessNo beaches nearby
Rural CharmPuli, Luku Tea Area

Seasonal PhenomenonFireflies, Cherry Blossoms
AttractionFormosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Higher ElevationCingjing Farm, Hehuanshan
Local ProducePuli Mushroom Farms

Helpful Tip

If you visit during cherry blossom season, check the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village's website for bloom updates. They often provide real-time information.

Cultural Journeys

Discover more about Taiwan's history and traditional life.

Historical Sites

Wushe: A site with historical significance as the location of the Wushe Incident. It sits on the way to Cingjing Farm.

Rural & Agricultural

Jiji: A charming small town accessible by train from Taichung. Known for its quaint train station and peaceful agricultural scenery.

Spiritual Centers

Chung Tai Chan Monastery: This large and impressive Buddhist monastery in Puli features stunning architecture and tranquil grounds.

Local Life & Traditions

Experience charming local life and traditional crafts.

Local Experiences

Jiji: Explore by renting a bicycle near the train station for charming streets and rural surroundings.
Shuili: Known for its Snake Kiln (陶藝園區), where you observe traditional pottery-making.
Puli Temples: Many temples in Puli, including Chung Tai Chan Monastery, are worth visiting.

Explore Local Heritage

Learn about sites and cultural practices.

Cultural Exploration

Wushe: Learn about the historical significance of the Wushe Incident.
Jiji: Experience a relaxed atmosphere and quaint train station.
Shuili: Witness traditional pottery techniques at the Snake Kiln.

Cultural Journey Details

Wushe SiteHistorical significance

Jiji TownQuaint train station

Shuili KilnTraditional pottery

Chung Tai ChanImpressive monastery

Bicycle RentalJiji exploration

Local CraftsSupport artisans

Cultural Travel Tip

If you visit Jiji, rent a bicycle near the train station. This allows for easy exploration of the town's charming streets and rural surroundings.
Visit Shuili's Snake Kiln for traditional pottery.
Explore Puli's temples, including Chung Tai Chan Monastery.
Learn about the Wushe Incident at Wushe.
Engage with Thao culture in Ita Thao Village.

Multi-Day Exploration

Consider longer trips to combine Sun Moon Lake with other iconic Taiwan destinations.

Regional Extensions

1

Alishan Scenic Area

Famous for stunning sunrise over a sea of clouds, ancient cypress forests, and a narrow-gauge railway. This needs at least 1-2 extra days.

2

Taroko National Park

Known for stunning marble gorges and cliffs on Taiwan's east coast. Good stopover between Taipei and Sun Moon Lake.

3

Taichung City

Add 1-2 days to explore Taichung. A good hub for onward travel to other parts of Taiwan.

Onward Journeys

Sun Moon Lake to Alishan: A direct bus service (Yuanlin Bus) connects these major scenic areas.
Sun Moon Lake to Taichung: Frequent Nantou Buses provide easy and quick transport to Taichung.
Sun Moon Lake to Hualien/Taroko: Bus to Taichung, then HSR to Taipei, then a train to Hualien.
Alternatively, bus to Puli, then bus to Hualien via the Central Cross-Island Highway (check road conditions).
Transportation Connections: Bus, HSR, Train available for inter-city travel.
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) connects Taichung to major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Regional Itinerary Ideas

West Coast Loop: Taipei → Taichung → Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Tainan → Kaohsiung → Taipei. This loop efficiently uses the HSR.
Central Mountains & East Coast: Taipei → Taichung → Sun Moon Lake → (optional Puli/Cingjing) → Alishan.
Follow with: (bus to Chiayi HSR) → Hualien (Taroko) → Taipei (via train).
This route mixes natural beauty and cultural sites.
GetYourGuide: Find tour packages for convenient multi-day experiences.
Book direct bus between Sun Moon Lake and Alishan in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Day Tour Bookings

Discover Tours

Explore and book day trips and excursions from Sun Moon Lake to various attractions.

Central Taiwan Adventures

Find curated experiences connecting you to Puli, Cingjing, and other scenic areas.

Seamless Travel

Options often include transport and guides for a stress-free day of exploration. Book Your Day Trip

Booking Tip

If combining Sun Moon Lake with Alishan, book the direct bus in advance, especially during peak seasons, as seats fill quickly.

Day Trip Destinations