Sun Moon Lake

Meet your guide at the hotel lobby, and then head for the heart of Taiwan island: Sun Moon Lake. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery through the window during the 3-hour ride. Nestled in the heart of Taiwan’s Nantou County at an elevation of 748 meters, Sun Moon Lake is the island’s largest and most enchanting alpine lake. Its unique name is derived from its distinct shape: the eastern side resembles a round sun, while the western side curls into a slender crescent moon, separated by the sacred Lalu Island. Renowned as one of Taiwan’s "Eight Beautiful Scenic Attractions," the lake is celebrated for its ever-changing scenery, where morning mists create a dreamy veil over the emerald waters and golden sunsets paint the surrounding peaks. Beyond its natural splendor, the area serves as a rich cultural crossroads, home to the indigenous Thao people and a sanctuary for significant historical landmarks.

Wen Wu Temple

Perched majestically on the northern mountainside of Sun Moon Lake, Wenwu Temple is a grand example of Northern Chinese palace-style architecture, recognizable by its striking golden-yellow roof and intricate stone carvings. Originally built in 1938 and meticulously reconstructed in 1969, the temple uniquely honors both the "Civil Saint" Confucius and the "Military Saint" Lord Guan within a single sprawling complex. A major highlight for visitors is the "Stairway to Heaven," a steep path of 366 steps leading up from the lake—one for each day of the year plus a leap day— each engraved with the names of historical figures and traditional solar terms. Travelers are drawn here not only for its spiritual significance in seeking success and wisdom but also for the breathtaking panoramic views of the turquoise waters offered from its ornate observation decks.

Yidashao Pier

As the ancestral home and final settlement of the Thao people—Taiwan’s smallest officially recognized indigenous tribe—Ita Thao Village serves as the vibrant cultural heart of the Sun Moon Lake region. Formerly known as Barawbaw, the village offers a sensory journey through its bustling "Old Street," where visitors can sample authentic indigenous flavors such as millet wine, wild boar sausages, and locally grown Assam black tea.

Ci'en Pagoda

Standing as an iconic landmark atop the summit of Mt. Shabalan, Ci’en Pagoda was commissioned by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in 1971 as a profound memorial to his mother. The nine-story, octagonal Chinese-style structure reaches a height of 46 meters, which, when combined with the mountain's elevation, places its peak at a perfect 1,000 meters above sea level. Accessing the pagoda involves a gentle 700-meter walk through a lush forest trail—famous for firefly sightings in late spring —leading to the base of the tower. Once at the top, visitors can ring the massive ceremonial bell and enjoy an unrivaled 360-degree vista where the "Sun" and "Moon" shapes of the lake are clearly visible, perfectly aligned with the neighboring mountains and the sacred Lalu Island.

Xuanzhuang Temple

Xuanzhuang Temple is a serene Buddhist sanctuary built in 1965 to enshrine the sacred bone relics (Śarīra) of the legendary Tang Dynasty monk, Master Xuanzang. The temple’s architecture is a refined imitation of the Tang Dynasty style, characterized by simple, elegant lines and smooth square floor tiles that exude a sense of tranquility and ancient grace. Outside the main hall, large murals depict Xuanzang’s arduous 17-year pilgrimage to India to bring Buddhist scriptures back to China, a journey that significantly shaped the development of East Asian Buddhism. Located along the "Qinglong Mountain Ridge," the temple offers a quiet, contemplative alternative to the more crowded lakeside sites, providing a meditative atmosphere and a direct view across the water to the heart of the lake.

Xiangshan Visitor Center

A masterpiece of contemporary architecture, the Xiangshan Visitor Center was designed by renowned Japanese architect Norihiko Dan with the guiding philosophy of "integrating the building into the landscape." The structure features unique wood-patterned concrete and two massive, curved wings that stretch out like a pair of embracing arms, creating a semi-open space that frames the lake without obstructing the natural horizon. Its grassy rooftops allow the building to blend seamlessly into the surrounding greenery, while the infinity pools on the grounds appear to merge directly with the lake’s waters. Beyond its stunning design, the center serves as a hub for tourism and administration, offering interactive exhibits on local ecology and an elegant café where visitors can enjoy world-class views through floor-to-ceiling glass.

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

After hotel breakfast, you will head for Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, a mountainous area located in the misty highlands of Chiayi County. Alishan National Forest is Taiwan’s most celebrated mountain retreat, world-renowned for its "five wonders": the sunrise, the sea of clouds, the sunset, the lush forests, and the historic forest railway. Spanning over 1,400 hectares, this alpine sanctuary sits at an average elevation of 2,216 meters, offering a cool climate and a landscape dominated by ancient red cypress trees and sea-level clouds. For centuries, Alishan has been a sacred site for the indigenous Tsou people and later became a vital forestry hub during the Japanese colonial era. Today, it stands as a premier destination for nature lovers and photographers who come to witness the ethereal beauty of the "Alishan Mist" and the majestic silhouettes of trees that have stood for over a millennium.

Alishan Shenmu Area

The Giant Sacred Tree area is home to a staggering collection of over 30 ancient Formosan red cypresses, many of which are between 800 and 2,000 years old. Walking along the elevated wooden boardwalks of the Giant Tree Cluster Trail, visitors are humbled by the "Xianglin Giant Tree," which stands 45 meters tall and is estimated to be over 2,300 years old. While the original 3,000-year-old "Alishan Sacred Tree" fell due to heavy rains and lightning in the late 1990s, its massive trunk remains on-site as a lying monument to the forest's longevity. This area offers a profound "forest bath" experience, where the air is thick with phytoncides and the history of Taiwan's ancient ecosystem.

Sister Lake

The Sister Ponds are two radiant alpine lakes, known as "Big Sister Pond" and "Little Sister Pond," nestled deep within the cypress forest. According to local legend, two indigenous sisters fell in love with the same man and, unable to resolve their heartbreak, threw themselves into these separate pools to protect their bond. The Big Sister Pond features a picturesque thatched pavilion built on stilts made of cypress wood, connected to the shore by a winding wooden bridge. The emerald-green waters, often shrouded in a light morning mist, reflect the surrounding ancient forest, creating a hauntingly beautiful and melancholic atmosphere that makes it one of the most photographed spots in the park.

Shouzhen Temple

Standing as the highest temple in Taiwan at 2,150 meters above sea level, Shouzhen Temple is the spiritual heart of the Alishan forest community. Dedicated to the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven (Xuan Tian Shang Di), the temple is famous for a mysterious phenomenon that occurs annually around the emperor’s birthday (the third day of the third lunar month). During this time, large "Brahma" moths — often mistaken for butterflies — frequently land on the divine statues and remain motionless for days, which locals interpret as "divine incense" or "moths paying homage." The temple’s ornate architecture, with its intricate colorful carvings and gold-leaf details, provides a striking cultural contrast to the surrounding deep green wilderness.

Originally constructed by the Japanese in 1912 to transport timber, the Alishan Forest Railway is now one of only three remaining mountain railways in the world to climb from sea level to over 2,200 meters. The railway is a marvel of civil engineering, utilizing "Z-shaped" switchbacks, spiraling loops, and dozens of tunnels and bridges to navigate the steep terrain. A ride on the vintage red trains—particularly the Zhushan line for sunrise or the Sacred Tree line for deep forest access—offers a nostalgic journey through changing climatic zones, from tropical and subtropical to temperate. The sound of the whistle echoing through the clouds and the sight of cherry blossoms or towering cypresses passing the window make this an essential, world-class heritage experience.

Lukang Historic Center

After hotel breakfast, you will step in nearly three hundred years of history. Lukang Old Town in Changhua County remains one of Taiwan’s most authentic cultural treasures, famously preserved under the adage "First Tainan, Second Lukang, Third Banka." Once a thriving commercial seaport during the Qing Dynasty, this "living museum" is a labyrinth of narrow red-brick lanes, traditional courtyard houses, and exquisite craftsmanship that reflects the wealth and elegance of Taiwan’s golden age. Unlike the modernized districts of Taipei, Lukang has retained its soulful atmosphere, where the scent of incense from ancient shrines mingles with the aroma of traditional pastries. Today, it stands as a premier destination for those seeking to walk through Taiwan’s past, offering a dense concentration of National Historic Sites and a rare glimpse into the island’s deep-rooted folk traditions and architectural splendor.

Lugang Old Street

Winding through the heart of the town, Lukang Old Street—primarily comprising Putou, Dayou, and Yaojin Streets—is a designated historic conservation area renowned for its curved red-brick pavements and remarkably preserved Fujianese-style residences. These narrow alleys were originally designed to break the cold winter winds and deter pirates, creating a cozy, sheltered atmosphere that feels frozen in time. As you stroll past the distinctive "half-sided wells" and ornate wooden doors decorated with traditional spring couplets, you will find master craftsmen practicing ancient arts such as lantern making and wood carving. The street is also a paradise for food lovers, offering iconic local delicacies like "ox-tongue" biscuits, oyster pancakes, and shrimp monkeys, all served amidst the nostalgic charm of lanterns and hanging birdcages.

Tianhou Temple

As one of the oldest and most prestigious Mazu temples in Taiwan, the Lukang Tianhou Temple is a spiritual cornerstone dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Originally established in 1591, the temple houses a "Black-faced Mazu" statue that was brought directly from the Meizhou ancestral temple in Fujian, making it a site of immense religious significance that draws millions of pilgrims annually. The architecture is a masterclass in traditional Taiwanese artistry, featuring the celebrated "spider web" caisson ceiling (bagua caisson) and intricate stone carvings by renowned masters that depict scenes from Chinese mythology. Beyond its religious importance, the temple serves as a cultural anchor for the town, where the vibrant smoke of incense and the elaborate temple fairs provide a powerful, sensory connection to Taiwan’s enduring maritime heritage.