Sun Moon Lake Loop Plus Yuchi: A Classic Lakeside Route in Nantou

Introduction

The Sun Moon Lake loop road is 33 km in total length and has been listed by CNN as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful cycling paths. Extending it to include Yuchi brings the total distance to 60 km, making it Nantou’s most iconic lakeside cycling route. This article compiles the complete guide to riding the loop and the Yuchi extension.

Route Basic Information

Three Sections of the Loop

Section 1: Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple (10 km)
Starting from the Shuishe Visitor Center, follow Provincial Highway 21A to Xuanguang Temple. Passing Xiangshan Visitor Center and the base of Ci’en Pagoda, this is the most popular introductory section of the loop.

Section 2: Xuanguang Temple → Ita Thao Pier (12 km)
Continue around the lake from Xuanguang Temple, passing through Toushe and Dazhu Lake to Ita Thao. This section features two short climbs (6–8% grade) and is the most challenging part of the loop. Ita Thao is a Thao tribe village where you can enjoy Assam black tea and tribal cuisine.

Section 3: Ita Thao → Shuishe Pier (11 km)
Head north from Ita Thao, passing Wenwu Temple and Peacock Garden, and return to Shuishe. This section offers the most open views, with the finest viewpoint of the loop located below Wenwu Temple.

Yuchi Extension Route

From Ita Thao, head toward Yuchi and enter via County Road 67:

Ita Thao → Yuchi Village (10 km, 250 m elevation gain)
This section is a rarely known hidden-gem route around Sun Moon Lake. Yuchi Village is the main production area of Sun Moon Lake black tea, and the Ruby black tea (Hongyu) originated here.

Yuchi → Wenpin Hotel (7 km)
Descend along the rural road back to the northern side of Sun Moon Lake, with scenery dominated by black tea plantations and forests.

Attraction Density Along the Loop

Bike Rentals and Ferry Service

There are multiple bike rental shops at Shuishe Pier, Ita Thao Pier, and Xiangshan:

• Standard bicycle: NT$200–300 per day
• Geared mountain bike: NT$400 per day
• Electric-assist bike: NT$600–800 per day
• Tandem bike: NT$500 per day

The loop can be combined with the ferry: at Ita Thao Pier, you can take your bike aboard a ferry to Shuishe, saving half a lap of riding.

Seasons and Light

• Spring: Cherry blossoms bloom from March to April; Ci’en Pagoda and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village are top blossom-viewing spots.
• Summer: Morning mist is most beautiful from June to August, but afternoon thunderstorms are frequent.
• Autumn: From October to November, the air is crisp and the lake is calm, making it the best season for photography.
• Winter: Cold snaps occasionally occur from December to February, but crowds are thin outside of long weekends.

Practical Tips

• Best time: 6–9 AM, when the mist and light are at their finest.
• Times to avoid: Long weekends and summer/winter school breaks, when the loop is packed with crowds.
• Gear: The loop has many tunnels, so bring bike lights and reflective accessories.
• Supplies: Convenience stores and restaurants are available at Shuishe, Ita Thao, and Xuanguang Temple.
• Attractions to combine: You can also visit Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and the Xiangshan Overlook Platform.

Conclusion

The Sun Moon Lake loop is Taiwan’s most internationally renowned cycling route. From the morning mist, to the afternoon glimmer on the lake, to the golden hues of dusk, every time of day has its own unique charm. Next time you ride Sun Moon Lake, give yourself a full day—from the loop to Yuchi—and experience the true face of Taiwan’s most beautiful lake region.

Related Reading

• Nantou Sun Moon Lake Loop: A Riding Guide to the 8 km Lakeside Route
• Sun Moon Lake Loop Riding Route Complete Guide: Detailed Strategy on Distance, Elevation, and Supply Points
• Sun Moon Lake to Puli Classic Cycling Route: Highland Riding Amid Lakes and Mountains
• Nantou Sun Moon Lake Loop Route: A Full Record of the Easy Ride from Shuishe to Ita Thao