Embark on a tranquil journey through Nantou with a one-day itinerary that promises to enchant and inspire. Begin your day at the breathtaking Sun Moon Lake, where you'll spend the day immersed in the natural beauty and cultural significance of Taiwan's largest body of water. Take in the serene atmosphere, enjoy a boat ride, or cycle around the lake to capture panoramic views. After a day at the lake, transition to a spiritual retreat at the Chung Tai Chan Monastery. Spend an hour marveling at the temple's masterful architecture and peaceful surroundings. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of natural wonder and architectural grandeur, all within the span of a day, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a quick yet fulfilling getaway.
Day 1: Serenity and Spirituality in Nantou
Sun Moon Lake
Embarking on our Nantou journey, the first stop is the enchanting Sun Moon Lake. Nestled in Yuchi Township, this natural marvel is a symphony of crystal-clear waters and verdant mountains. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the lake by taking a leisurely yacht cruise, offering a unique perspective of the 'Pearl Island'—a gem that divides the lake into its sun and moon-shaped halves. For the more adventurous, the Sun Moon Lake cable car provides a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape, while the world-renowned cycling path offers a chance to pedal through the scenic beauty at your own pace. In spring, the lakeside is a riot of color with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family excursion, Sun Moon Lake's blend of natural beauty and recreational activities makes it an unmissable destination.
Attraction Info
- Sun Moon Lake, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 days
- Open 24 hours
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Chung Tai Chan Monastery
Continuing our spiritual sojourn, we arrive at the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, an architectural masterpiece in Puli Township. Conceived by architect Li Zuyuan, the monastery's stone construction stands as a testament to the steadfastness of Buddhist practice. Its silhouette, reminiscent of a meditating practitioner or a poised jet, encapsulates the essence of Zen Buddhism's direct path to enlightenment. Inside, the temple's artistry shines through in the crystal-carved glass of the patriarch Jialan Hall and the meticulously sculpted figures of the Four Heavenly Kings. The absence of incense burning creates a unique, smoke-free atmosphere, allowing the serene environment to enhance contemplation and reflection. A visit to Chung Tai Chan Monastery is not just a feast for the eyes but also a balm for the soul, offering a fresh perspective on Buddhist architecture and tradition.
Attraction Info
- No. 2號, Zhongtai Rd, Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 545
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 8:00am-5:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Top Things to Do in Nantou-2024
• Sun Moon Lake is surrounded by mountains and lush forests. The lake is crystal clear, with visibility reaching over 10 meters.
• There are many ways to visit Sun Moon Lake. Taking a yacht around the lake, the Sun Moon Lake cable car, the Sun Moon Lake bicycle path around the lake, and the lake trail are all good options.
• Every spring, the cherry blossoms along the road are in full bloom, presenting a colorful scene
△ Sun Moon Lake is a vast lake, and the peaks reflected in the lake look like a beautiful scene in a painting. There is a small island in the pond, which looks like a bead floating on the water from a distance, so it is called "Pearl Island" and is now also called Lalu Island. With this island as the boundary, the northern half of the lake is round like the sun, and the southern half of the lake is curved like a crescent moon. This is where the name Sun Moon Lake comes from.
△ The Sun Moon Lake Lake Route has been hailed by CNN as one of the most beautiful bicycle lanes in the world. Whether you are traveling with friends, a couple on a date, or a family trip, you must ride a bicycle when visiting Sun Moon Lake and enjoy the freedom and comfort of the lake.
△ Enjoy the entire lake tour to appreciate the scenery of Sun Moon Lake and the mountains, with the captain’s warm service and on-board guided tour. Along the way, you can overlook Lalu Island, Sun Moon Resort, Lalu Island, Ci'en Pagoda, Xuanzang Temple, Xuanguang Temple, water boat house, four-handed hanging net, cable car station, Sun Moon Lake outlet, and Wenwu Temple.
△ Sun Moon Lake Cable Car - overlooking the 360-degree view of the lake and mountains of Sun Moon Lake. If there is enough water, you may also have the opportunity to see the foggy and fairyland-like dreamy scenery.
·Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enter the Qingjing Farm, located at an altitude of 1,600~2,100 meters above sea level, where the four seasons present a variety of flavors.
·You can roll, play, and chase in the green grass, and you can't miss one of the farm's activities: the sheep show.
·Take a stroll along the high-altitude viewing trail and enjoy the beautiful view of the central peaks.
△ Qingjing Farm is situated between the mountains, all the way up the hill from Puli, and the scenery is spread out on both sides of the road leading to the Hohhuan Mountain. Inside the farm, there are several zones including sheep herding zone, cattle herding zone, and high-cooling vegetable and fruit zone, each with its own distinctive architecture, which makes you feel like you are in Europe.
△ Comfortable and beautiful green grassland, you can lie on the grass and look at the blue sky, adults and children can play in the large grassland, chasing the passionate sun. The daily scheduled animal show allows you to have further contact with the animals, enjoy the nourishment given to your soul by the mountains, the sky and the grass on the green grassland, and leave behind wonderful memories.
△ The Qingjing Sky Trail is 1.68 kilometers long, and it is a gentle downhill walk from north to south, which is considered to be a trail for the whole family. There are nine trails planned for the whole area of Qingjing Farm, but the Qingjing Sky Trail has the most expansive view.
* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.
* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.