Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area

 The Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan and one of the most beautiful and most famous tour sites in Asia. Shaped like an irregular rhombus, the eastern part of the Sun Moon Lake is shaped like a round sun while the western part is like a crescent moon. Thus it was named “Sun Moon Lake.” The beauty of the Sun Moon Lake is the calm, turquoise water complemented by the majestic mountains that surround the lake. Layers and layers of mountains and countless mountain peaks can be seen as more distant mountains fade into the sky. Like a mystical Chinese painting, the scenery of the Sun Moon Lake is truly breathtaking.

There is an island at the middle of the lake, named Lalu. Lalu Island was a sacred place among the Thao tribe who originally inhabited there. The island used to separate the “Sun Lake” and the “Moon Lake”. However, due to the earthquake of September 21, 1999 and a number of historical events and constructions, the Lalu Island is much smaller than it was before. 

There are a total of 7 hiking trails in the surrounding mountains that provide different views and angles of the beautiful scenery at Sun Moon Lake. In addition, although swimming at the Sun Moon Lake is usually prohibited, there is an annual swimming carnival held at the Sun Moon Lake around the Mid-Autumn festival. 

Link:http://tourguide.travelking.com.tw/eng/scenery70.html