Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area
Among the many scenic areas in Taiwan centered around reservoirs and lakes, none is more captivating than Sun Moon Lake, located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County. Covering a surface area of 827 hectares, the lake’s perimeter measures approximately 33 kilometers. It was named "Sun Moon Lake" because the northern part of the lake resembles the shape of the sun, while the southern part looks like a crescent moon. The lake’s main water source is the upper reaches of the Zhuoshui River, which originates from Hehuan Mountain—meaning that the true source of Sun Moon Lake is Hehuan Mountain.
Originally, Sun Moon Lake was a small natural lake. During the Japanese colonial period, in order to build a hydroelectric power system, the Japanese constructed a sediment dam in the Wujie area—closest to Sun Moon Lake along the Zhuoshui River—and dug a 15-kilometer-long underground water diversion tunnel through Mount Shuishe. This diverted river water into the lake and flooded many small hills, forming the vast lake surface seen today. Unlike most reservoirs in Taiwan, which are long and narrow due to river blockage and have relatively uniform scenery, Sun Moon Lake was created by storing water in a natural basin. Surrounded by mountains and featuring a winding shoreline, it offers breathtaking views both from a distance and up close.
Sun Moon Lake is also one of Taiwan’s rare “living reservoirs,” with water being circulated daily through Taipower’s pumped-storage system. This keeps the water flowing, which reduces the growth of algae and maintains high water clarity and transparency. The lake supports the thriving growth of aquatic species like the tasty Taiwan shovel-jaw carp, Ayu (sweetfish), and lake shrimp.
Many books describe Sun Moon Lake using the term "Shuishalian," but in fact, the area referred to as Shuishalian is broader than today’s Sun Moon Lake. “Shalian” was a term used by the Pingpu people (Plains Indigenous peoples) to refer to the mountain-dwelling Indigenous tribes, and the “inner mountain” region was a series of water-rich basins, of which Sun Moon Lake was only a part. Adding the word “shui” (meaning water) resulted in the term "Shuishalian." This area roughly covers present-day Puli, Yuchi, Zhongming, Shuishe, and Toushe. Situated at an altitude of 748 meters above sea level, Sun Moon Lake is often shrouded in mist, with mountains and water interlacing in poetic and picturesque beauty. To truly experience the changing moods of the lake from dawn to dusk, there’s no better way than by taking a boat ride, getting close to the water, and immersing oneself in its charm.
As for transportation around the lake, the total length of the ring road is about 33 kilometers. In the past, only the Sun Lake Road existed. It wasn't until September 1995 that the Moon Lake Road was completed, forming the full loop. Today, visitors can drive or ride scooters around the lake, enjoying the scenic views and major attractions along the way.
