Sun Moon Lake, situated to the north of Yushan and to the south of Nengkao Mountain, is Taiwan's best known mountain resort. The location is at 2,500 feet (760 meters) in the Central Mountain Range, a two-hour bus trip from Taichung. Boating on the lake is a favorite pastime. Newlyweds and lovers particularly like to visit Kuanghua Island, a wooded retreat in the middle of the quiet expanse of water. The northern half of the lake is in the shape of the sun. The southern half, resembles the moon. Thus the name: Sun Moon Lake. It has a circumference of 24 kilometers, with water 100 feet deep. The fish from the lake are particularly tasty. Hydro power generation is derived from the outlet of Sun Moon Lake, combining utility with beauty.
Sun Moon Lake is an internationally renowned tourist attraction. President Chiang Kai-shek loved this place and often came here for retreat and meditation. A village here with a museum of Taiwan's aborigine people is one attraction of the lake. Songs and dances of these mountaineers are regularly presented. Their handicraft products are also available for purchase. Wen Wu Temple, in typical Chinese style on the shore of the lake, is dedicated to Confucius, the master of the pen, and Kuan Yu, the master of the sword. Two huge stone lions guard the temple.
Two other attractions of Sun Moon Lake are Hsuan Tsang Temple and Tzu En Pagoda. The toll of the bell at Hsuan Tsang Temple can be heard across the lake each morning and evening. Tzu En Pagoda was completed in 1971. The 9-story pagoda, in ancient Chinese style, is 150 feet (46 meters) high. A memorial hall at the pagoda commemorates the life of President Chiang Kai-shek's mother, who exemplified the best in Chinese motherhood. A Peacock garden near the pagoda is popular among the tourists.
Kuanghua Island in the middle of Sun Moon Lake.
Evergreen Hostel, where President Chiang liked to stay.
Boats for tourists at the Sun Moon Lake pier.
Wen Wu Temple is an elegant building at Sun Moon Lake.
President Chiang visited Wen Wu Temple several times.
Tzu En Pagoda was built in memory of President Chiang Kai-shek's mother.
Hsuan Tsang Temple is a short distance from Tzu En Pagoda.
Scenery at Hsuan Tsang Temple.
The peacock garden, between the hills and the lake.