Best Sun Moon Lake One-Day and Two-Day Tour: Transportation, Attractions, and Itinerary Tips (Including Renting a Car with Driver Information)

Located in Nantou County, Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan's largest natural lakes and is renowned as the "Twin Lakes with Autumn Moon." Surrounded by mountains, the shimmering reflections on the lake surface create a captivating scenery, making Sun Moon Lake a must-visit destination for many travelers.

If you are planning a one-day or two-day trip to Sun Moon Lake to experience its beauty, I highly recommend taking a boat tour around the lake. Along the way, you will encounter attractions such as Xuanzang Temple, Wenwu Temple, and Ita Thao, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of this beautiful scenic area.

Whether you are traveling independently or with a tour group, be sure to include Sun Moon Lake in your itinerary to immerse yourself in the beauty of its lakes and mountains.

One-day Trip Guide to Sun Moon Lake | Popular Must-Visit Attractions

When you arrive in Yuchi Township, Nantou, don't miss out on Taiwan's largest alpine lake - Sun Moon Lake!

This lake, which sits at an elevation of 750 meters and covers an area of approximately 1160 hectares, is surrounded by layers of mountains and is renowned for its stunning reflections on the water's surface. How many more breathtaking attractions are there for a one-day trip to Sun Moon Lake? Let's explore together with the help of this guide!

Sun Moon Lake Day Trip Attractions: Xiangshan Visitor Center

Designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Xiangshan Visitor Center is not just a visitor hub but an architectural masterpiece. With its minimalist concrete structures, open terraces, and panoramic lake views, it’s the perfect starting point. Enjoy coffee with a view, learn about the region’s geography through multimedia exhibits, and capture Insta-worthy shots by the reflective pools.

• Address: No. 599, Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
• Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00
• Audiovisual Showtimes: 10:00, 10:30, 14:00, 14:30

Sun Moon Lake One-Day Tour Attraction: Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

There is a special lake transportation in Sun Moon Lake, which was built in 2009. It is 1,877 meters long and connects Idashao and Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village at Sun Moon Lake.

This lake-view cable car, rated three stars by Michelin, allows you to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Sun Moon Lake, Fish Pond, and Puli Highlands from the air in just 10 minutes. This unique Sun Moon Lake Ropeway experience will surely leave you with lasting memories!

• Address: No. 102, Zhongzheng Road, Riyue Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County.
• Opening Hours: Weekdays - 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM / Weekends - 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Ticket Sales Hours: Weekdays - 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM / Weekends - 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Parking Lot Hours: 9:00–18:00
• Ticket Information: Full fare is NT$380 / Concession ticket is NT$300.
• Note: The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway ticket is valid for one round trip on the same day only.

Sun Moon Lake Day Trip Attraction: Ci'en Pagoda

Built by Chiang Kai-shek to commemorate his mother, Ci'en Pagoda is located at an altitude of 954 meters. The tower stands at a height of 48 meters, precisely at an elevation of 1,000 meters. From the high point of the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Sun Moon Lake, including a 360-degree unobstructed view of Guanghua Island.

• Opening Hours: 09:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Sun Moon Lake Day Tour: Wenwu Temple

Located by the Sun Moon Lake, Wenwu Temple is the only Confucian temple in Taiwan that enshrines sacred statues. The main hall, known as Dacheng Hall, is the only Confucian temple in Taiwan that opens its central door. It is a popular place of worship and a spiritual center for the nearby residents. In addition, the rear hall of the Wenwu Temple features an observation deck that offers a scenic view of the beautiful Sun Moon Lake. Also, don’t miss the 366-step “Year of Steps” staircase leading down to the lake!

• Address: No. 63, Zhongzheng Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Opening Hours: Open all day (after 8 PM, please enter through the side entrance)
• Ticket Information: Free admission, but it is recommended to bring incense money.

One-day Tourist Spot at Sun Moon Lake: Xuan Guang Temple

Located on the mountainside of Sun Moon Lake, there is a serene and pleasant Tang-style building, also one of the largest Buddhist temples in Taiwan. Initially built as a temporary shrine to enshrine the skull relic of Master Xuanzang, the architecture is simple yet modest and elegant. From here, you can enjoy the most beautiful scenery of Sun Moon Lake. In front of the temple, there are two large stones inscribed with the words "Sun Moon Lake" and "Xuan Guang Temple". On holidays, tourists line up to take photos here, making it a highly popular tourist attraction in the area.

• Address: No. 338, Zhongzheng Road, Riyue Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County.
• Opening Hours: 05:00 AM - 09:00 PM
• Ticket Information: Free admission

Sun Moon Lake Day Trip Attraction: Longfeng Temple

If you are single and yearning to get rid of your single status, it is said that the Moon God here is famous for granting love wishes. It is believed that after paying respects to him, you will meet your desired person in "as fast as one month, or as slow as half a year." If you happen to be traveling at Sun Moon Lake, don't forget to visit the Moon God Shrine on Lalu Island and bring some snacks for the Moon God. Who knows, this day next year might be your anniversary!

• Address: No. 292, Zhongshan Road, Shuishe Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Opening Hours: 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Sun Moon Lake Day Trip Attractions: Shuishe Pier

If you visit Sun Moon Lake, then the area around Shuishe is a must-visit destination! Here, you can find a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and shops to meet your accommodation, dining, and souvenir shopping needs. It is also an important transportation hub for Sun Moon Lake. From here, you can take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle buses or purchase boat tickets to take a lake tour to Ita Thao, or take a bus to nearby Xitou or Checheng. Of course, if you want to rent a bicycle to explore Sun Moon Lake, you can do it all here! I highly recommend visiting Shuishe Pier in the afternoon. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. It will definitely bring you a sense of tranquility! No wonder Shuishe Pier has always been one of the liveliest and most popular attractions in Sun Moon Lake.

Sun Moon Lake Day Trip: Ita Thao

Ita Thao is more than just an ordinary village! This place used to be called "Dehua Village" and is now the most populated area in Sun Moon Lake. It is home to various ethnic groups such as the Thao, Atayal, and Han, making Ita Thao an important settlement for indigenous cultures. When you visit here, you can experience the diverse cultural atmosphere and explore the local traditions and customs. It is one of the must-visit tourist destination!

• Address: No. 127, Wenhua Street, Riyue Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (open year-round)

Sun Moon Lake One-Day Tour: Cycling Trail

Also known as the "Cycling Trail of Moon Lake," it is built along the Sun Moon Lake. It was once selected as one of the top ten cycling trails in the world by CNN's travel program in 2013. Not only is it a globally renowned cycling trail, but it is also a world-class one. Rent a bicycle and enjoy the beauty of Sun Moon Lake in a unique way, accompanied by a gentle breeze.

• Route Start: 67.5km on Provincial Highway 21
• Opening Hours: Open all day

The above is a one-day tour guide to Sun Moon Lake that our editor has prepared for you. If time permits, I strongly recommend that you also visit other nearby attractions such as Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village, Jiji, and Checheng. These are excellent attractions that should not be missed. Whether you are planning a one-day tour or a two-day tour, Sun Moon Lake is the best choice for Central Taiwan travel!

Sun Moon Lake Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village Two-Day Tour | Attractions and Itinerary

If you visit Sun Moon Lake but don't want to spend the entire weekend there or have had your fill of its beautiful scenery, Try to take a ride on the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway to the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village, which is themed around indigenous cultures. This park offers exciting amusement facilities and various themed areas for you to explore. Whether you're an adult or a child, one day is definitely not enough to fully enjoy it!

👉🏻 Here's a suggested itinerary for a two-day tour of Sun Moon Lake and Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village:

Day 1️⃣ :

Sun Moon Lake → Xiangshan Visitor Center → Longfeng Palace → Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple → Ci'en Pagoda → Ita Thao Pier/Boat tour on the lake

Day 2️⃣ :
Take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway → Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village.

Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village

In this museum, you can see various exhibits of early indigenous cultural artifacts, such as musical instruments, textiles, and bamboo crafts. Through these exhibits, you can gain a deeper understanding and experience the lives of indigenous people. If you have children accompanying you, it's a great learning opportunity.

Indigenous Tribes

Don't think that Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village only has amusement facilities. The park also has a special tribal landscape area. Utilizing the terrain, it features ten cultural display areas representing different indigenous tribes' traditional dwellings. This allows visitors to experience the lifestyle of indigenous people. Additionally, you can take a cable car up to the Shamao Mountain and then stroll down the trail, enjoying the scenery. It's truly a wonderful place for a leisurely visit!

Tribal Landscape Area

In this landscape area, you can admire the beauty of nature. For example, the Sakura Lake, located next to the Atayal tribe, was selected as one of the "New Eight Wonders of Sun Moon Lake" in 2018. It is definitely a place not to be missed. Furthermore, the Wanshan Divine Stone (萬山神石), located at the heart of the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village, is also a very popular attraction. It replicates the rock carvings and totems from the deep mountains of Wanshan Tribe in Kaohsiung, possessing legendary powers.

Joyful World

Next up is a series of thrilling amusement rides loved by both adults and children. Whether it's sitting on a circular boat drifting along a winding river, experiencing the exhilarating adventure of being suddenly sucked into a huge whirlpool, or trying out the thrilling water roller coaster called Invincible Fleet, where you first go backward and then rush down from a height of 30 meters, creating enormous splashes of water that will make your blood boil! These amusement rides are highly recommended and definitely worth a try!

Water and Sand Europe Garden

Within the park, there is also a Europe Garden occupying an area of approximately six hectares, making it the largest European-style garden in Taiwan. This romantic place is not only a filming location for many idol dramas but also offers breathtaking scenery that will make you marvel. When you come here, you will discover that every photo you take turns out beautiful!

Sun Moon Lake Day Trip Transportation | Private Charter Service, Public Transportation Options

Below, I have compiled transportation options for a day trip to Sun Moon Lake which you can choose according to your needs:

Private Charter Service

Planning a trip to Sun Moon Lake and want a stress-free, comfortable travel experience? One of the smartest choices is renting a car with a professional driver through tripool — a trusted, Taiwan-based transport platform that offers door-to-door services tailored to your schedule and budget.

Unlike rigid public transport schedules or the hassle of self-driving, tripool gives you the freedom to travel on your own terms, whether you're planning a one-day trip or a multi-day tour.

🌟 Benefits of Choosing tripool:

• Transparent Pricing in Real-Time

• Full Refund Flexibility

• Multiple Service Types:

  • Point-to-point service (e.g., from Taipei or Taichung to Sun Moon Lake)

  • Hourly hire (perfect for full-day tours or multiple stops)

• Wide Vehicle Options
  From sedans for solo travelers to 9-seaters for groups or families.

• Professional and Liscened Drivers

• Door-to-door pick ups and drop offs
  No transfers needed. Start your journey from your hotel, airport, or station — arrive directly at scenic spots like Xiangshan Visitor Center, Shuishe Pier, or Ita Thao Village.

• More Affordable the Earlier You Book
  Prices fluctuate with demand. Booking early means better rates!

Whether you're coming from Taichung, Taipei, Kaohsiung, or even Taoyuan Airport, tripool can tailor your Sun Moon Lake itinerary with maximum convenience and reliability. No need to worry about unfamiliar roads, finding parking, or coordinating public transport — just sit back and enjoy the view.

Rent a car

If you want to start a journey without constraints, renting a car is a good choice. Here are the routes from different locations:

Suggested Routes:

• Taipei: Highway 3 → Wufeng Interchange → Puli → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake

• Taichung: Zhongtou Expressway → Wufeng → Puli → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake

Public Transportation

📍 Departing from Northern Taiwan (e.g., Taipei, New Taipei, Hsinchu)

• Option 1:

  • Take High-Speed Rail (HSR) or Taiwan Railways (TRA) to Taipei Main Station

  • Transfer to Guoguang Bus 1833 → Direct to Sun Moon Lake Station

  • ✔️ Offers accessible services

• Option 2:

  • Take HSR or TRA to Taichung Station

  • Transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 6670 (Sun Moon Lake Route) → Direct to Sun Moon Lake

📍 Departing from Central Taiwan (e.g., Taichung, Changhua, Nantou)

• Option 1:

  • Transfer at Puli Transfer Station

  • Take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 6670 → Direct to Sun Moon Lake Station

  • ✔️ Regular accessible services

• Option 2:

  • From Checheng Station, take TRA

  • Transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 6671 (Checheng Route) → Sun Moon Lake

  • ⚠️ Accessible services require reservation

• Option 3:

  • From Taichung HSR or TRA Station

  • Transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 6670 → Sun Moon Lake

📍 Departing from Southern & Other Regions

• Take HSR or TRA to Taichung Station

• Transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 6670 → Sun Moon Lake Station

Sun Moon Lake Day Trip: Common Questions on Dcard and PTT

Q: Which accommodations do you recommend for a two-day trip to Sun Moon Lake? 

Q: How can I get to Sun Moon Lake? Are there parking lots available? 

Q: What is the general price range for a one-day tour package at Sun Moon Lake? 

Q: How much does a one-day private driver tour to Sun Moon Lake cost? 

Q: For a one-day tour at Sun Moon Lake that includes visits to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, is it recommended to hire a private driver or drive by oneself? 

Q: What’s the best time to visit Sun Moon Lake? 

Q: Can I complete Sun Moon Lake in one day? 

Q: Are boat tours available year-round? 

Q: What’s the best route for cycling? 

Q: Where can I watch the sunrise? 

Q: Is the ropeway suitable for families?