Sun Moon Lake Photography Spots with Sofu Yoshida | ISSUE #130

I enjoy traveling to nearby international destinations from Tokyo, immersing myself in the lives, culture, and atmosphere of the locals while photographing. For a weekend getaway, I decided to explore Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan.

Named for its unique shape, where the eastern side resembles the sun and the western side resembles the moon, Sun Moon Lake is a high-altitude lake located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, central Taiwan. The lake's shimmering green waters, surrounding mountains, and the history of Taiwan's indigenous people make it a beloved destination for locals. As a fan of Taiwan, it had always been on my travel list.

Although it takes about 2.5 hours from Taoyuan International Airport via the airport MRT, Taiwan High-Speed Rail, and bus, a 2-3 day trip is enough to capture the beauty of Taiwan through photography.

The Shuishe Pier area serves as a hub for tourists, featuring a bus terminal, numerous hotels, restaurants offering traditional cuisine, and souvenir shops. It is also the departure point for Sun Moon Lake's sightseeing boats.

The area is connected to scenic walking paths and cycling routes along the lakeshore. Many visitors come to enjoy the unique view of the pier, sightseeing boats, and the beautiful mountains and lake in the background.

Arriving at Sun Moon Lake on a rainy evening, I found the lake quietly absorbing the gentle rain, while mist enveloped the distant mountains, creating a mystical atmosphere. Although the weather and time of day posed some challenges, the lack of crowds allowed me to capture the serene beauty of Shuishe Pier in the summer rain.

The next morning, the rain cleared, and the area came alive with visitors. I captured scenes of people taking commemorative photos against the backdrop of the mountains and lake, enjoying breakfast with a view, and the daily life of locals in Shuishe Old Street.

The Xiangshan Cycling Route connects Shuishe Pier to the Xiangshan Visitor Center, spanning approximately 3.4 km. This route allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the lakeshore and surrounding scenery while cycling.

One highlight is the "Waterfront Cycling Path," where you can feel as if you're riding above the lake. Several bike rental shops near Shuishe Pier offer a variety of bicycles for easy rental.

The Xiangshan Visitor Center, designed by a Japanese architect, is a striking structure blending concrete, grass, and pools. Its unique design contrasts with the natural surroundings, offering panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake. Many visitors come here to take commemorative photos.

Feeling the refreshing morning breeze while cycling along the lakeshore, I frequently stopped to take photos. The blend of the Xiangshan Visitor Center's architecture with the scenery of Sun Moon Lake left a lasting impression. I found myself reflecting on how the landscape must change with the seasons, losing track of time until I had to rush back to return the bike.

Although the cycling route isn't long, there are many sights to enjoy along the way, so I recommend allowing plenty of time when renting a bike.

Located across the lake from Shuishe Pier, Ita Thao Old Street is a popular tourist destination in the indigenous Thao tribe's settlement near Ita Thao Pier.

The street is lined with traditional shops, food stalls, and souvenir stores, offering visitors the chance to explore and enjoy local delicacies such as Sun Moon Lake black tea and fried buns stuffed with cabbage and shiitake mushrooms, which are unique to the area.

By midday, the street was bustling with visitors enjoying food and shopping. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful signs, and variety of food and souvenirs inspired me to capture many scenes of Ita Thao Old Street. Amidst the lively crowd, I found joy in the simple pleasure of snacking on a mildly flavored grilled king oyster mushroom from a food stall.

The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway connects the lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. The 10-minute ride offers stunning views of the lake, mountains, and sky.

The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village combines indigenous culture, a European-style flower garden, and amusement park attractions. In the indigenous area, visitors can learn about the lifestyles and traditions of 16 indigenous tribes, making it a unique place for photography and cultural experiences.

From the ropeway, I captured the shimmering green waters of Sun Moon Lake, small sightseeing boats gliding across the surface, and the striking contrast of the mountains and sky. Riding in a gondola with a glass floor added an extra thrill to the experience.

At the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, I stumbled upon a vibrant performance featuring indigenous people in colorful costumes, singing, dancing, and interacting with the audience—a truly unique and memorable sight.

The village also features intriguing displays recreating indigenous lifestyles. Although I didn't have enough time to fully explore, the joyful scenes of couples holding hands and local children playing remain vivid in my memory.

What did you think? Be sure to visit the photography spots recommended by Sofu Yoshida and experience their beauty for yourself.