All you need to know about Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan

Taiwan is brimming with incredible natural scenery yet few locations captivate the tourist masses quite like Sun Moon Lake. Regardless of the fact that it is a relatively new landscape there are many myths and legends relating to the mountains surrounding the lake.

The discovery of the lake

In Thao legend, hunters of the tribe one day spotted a white deer, followed it and the chase led them to the lake. The hunters were so impressed by the landscape with its lush greenery, fish-filled waters, and abundant wildlife that they decided to relocate to the lakeside. The countryside became theirs and they still live there to this day.

Lalu Island

At the heart of the lake lies Lalu Island. This is a sacred ground for the Thao tribe yet it is only in recent years that it has been recognized as such. During Japanese rule the island was renamed as Jade Island then again, later, as Guang Hua. The island originally split the lake into two distinct shapes, one resembled a sun while the other a crescent moon. This is believed to be how the lake got its name although there are other stories that claim it was due to the colors of the lake water.

The local government built a marriage pavilion on the island in 1978 and for many years, annual group ceremonies took place there. It may have seemed a touch insensitive to the local Thao tribe who believed that their most revered ancestral spirit resided on the island.

However, after an earthquake in 1999 (known locally as the 921 earthquake) the landscape shifted resulting in much of the island sinking and the destruction of the pavilion. The island has since been recognized by the government as sacred ground and locals insist that only members of the Thao tribe can now set foot on it.

The Sun Moon Lake legend

While the deer hunting legend is told by many tribes (not just the Thao) there is another legend that is especially popular among tourists. This legend tells of how the Thao were one day working their land when they heard a massive boom before the sky went dark. The sun had disappeared but they took comfort in the fact that the moon would soon come to offer them light. However, when the moon came out that night the same thing happened and the world was left in utter darkness.

A young couple took it upon themselves to search for the sun and the moon and after a long hard trek they came to the lake. There they saw two dragons playing with the sun and the moon. Before they could do anything they noticed smoke coming from under a rock. They moved the rock and followed a passage to find an old lady that claimed the dragons had forced her to live there cooking their meals.

After hearing this the couple were worried that they could not defeat the dragons but the old lady had an idea. She told them of the golden axe and scissors under Ali Mountain which when thrown in the lake would kill the dragons instantly.

They found the axe and scissors, threw them at the dragons and won back the sun and moon but unfortunately they didn’t have the strength to put either back into the sky. The old lady then informed them of the powers of a dragon’s eyeball. Apparently once consumed, you would have the strength of that dragon and so the couple ate an eyeball from each dragon. They soon became giants and with their now superhuman strength, the couple lifted the sun into the sky using a palm tree. When the sun began to work properly they did the same with the moon.

It’s easy to see why this legend persists and why tourists love it so much.

Things to do

There are many things to keep you occupied during your time at Sun Moon Lake. Take a boat trip across the lake or a cable car trip up to the aboriginal theme park. For many though, the chance to rent a bike and ride around the many cycle paths is the best way to see and appreciate the local scenery.

See more: Where to buy decorations for Christmas in Taiwan

Source: Internet

The best destinations in Taiwan recommended by the locals

Taiwan is a small island to the east of China that has become a huge travel destination. With the scenic mountains, beautiful bodies of water, and tasty food, there is no wonder why more and more people are traveling there on vacation.

Although the island might be small, there are plenty of interesting attractions in Taipei, the nation's capital, and all over the island. With forests, beaches, hot springs, museums, and other amazing attractions it might be hard to narrow down your list of things to explore and see during your trip to Taiwan.

Danshui

Just to the north of Taipei City lies the district of Danshui. This one-time busy port town is now a tourist-oriented seaside area complete with a wharf and promenade where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset.

Danshui is also home to a number of historical tourist attractions and Danshui Old Street, which is lined with traditional shops and street vendors. This is perhaps one of the most popular day-trip destinations in the country due to its proximity to the city and the fact that it is served by an MRT line.

Kenting

While Fulong is probably the best known beach to the north, the beaches of Kenting are more popular for extended beach holidays. Here, the beaches are beautiful and clean, and you will find that the weather is quite temperate even during the supposedly cold months of winter.
But Kenting is not just all beaches. As one of the most beautiful national parks in Taiwan, it is also home to some stunning hiking trails some of which offer incredible views of the ocean.

Read more: Visit Kenting, the southernmost of Taiwan

Fulong

It is one of the most popular beaches in Northern Taiwan and with good reason. Easily accessible from Taipei City, Fulong is a pristine beach with golden sands and wooden pathways that weave their way through the dunes. It is also considered a good spot for surfing.

The beach is only a short walk from the train station at the center of the village, which also happens to be home to quite a few local restaurants. It is a great day trip especially if you come out during the Sand Sculpting Festival in early summer.

Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan’s largest body of landlocked water lies in Nantou County, and its scenic pathways along with yacht cruises across the lake make it one of the island’s most popular holiday destinations.
The lake is surrounded by guesthouses and hotels, while there is also the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village theme park to keep visitors entertained. The theme park is accessible by gondola, which in itself is lots of fun.

Wuling Farm

Cherry blossom and tea garden in Wuling Farm was created in 1963 as a place where retired servicemen could find employment. Now it is a beautiful farm that offers camping grounds for people to stay on during their visit.

Take the trails to view the scenic gardens filled with flowers, a vegetable plantations, fruit, and fish farming. This is a great way to see another aspect of Taiwanese life while still experiencing breathtaking views and a little history.

Source CultureTrip