Sun Moon Lake Loop Cycling Route: The Complete Guide to Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Lakeside Ride

The Sun Moon Lake Loop Cycling Route has been named one of the “World’s 10 Most Beautiful Cycling Routes” by CNN Travel. Winding along the emerald-green lake, with mountain reflections and morning mist swirling around, every turn reveals a breathtaking vista. This route is not only ideal for sightseeing and leisure, but its rolling terrain also provides solid training for serious cyclists.

Route Basic Information

• Total Length: Approximately 30 km (one full loop around the lake)
• Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 400-450 meters
• Road Surface: Mostly asphalt pavement, with some sections on wooden boardwalks
• Recommended Riding Time: 1.5-3 hours (depending on fitness level and time spent at stops)
• Starting Point: Shuishe Visitor Center (elevation approximately 748 meters)
• Difficulty Level: Suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced riders

Choosing Your Direction Around the Lake

It is recommended to ride in a counterclockwise direction (Shuishe → Xiangshan → Toushe → Ita Thao → Shuishe), for the following reasons:

1. The highlight section at the Xiangshan Visitor Center comes early in the ride, when your energy is at its peak
2. The climbing section from Toushe to Ita Thao can be completed in the middle of the ride, avoiding exhaustion at the end
3. The return leg from Ita Thao to Shuishe is mostly downhill, making for an easy finish

Detailed Section-by-Section Route Guide

Section 1: Shuishe → Xiangshan Visitor Center (3.4 km)

Elevation Profile: Starting at 748 meters in Shuishe, a gentle descent to approximately 740 meters upon reaching Xiangshan.

This is the most iconic section of the entire loop and the highlight praised by CNN. The dedicated bike path hugs the lakeshore closely, with some sections built on wooden boardwalks over the water, making it feel as if you are floating on the lake surface.

Must-Stop Attractions:

• Xiangshan Visitor Center: Designed by Japanese architect Norihiko Dan, the exposed-concrete architecture blends perfectly with the lake view
• Xiangshan Overlook Platform: A cantilevered viewing deck extending over the lake, offering an excellent spot for photos
• Bald Cypress Grove: During autumn and winter (November-January), the golden bald cypress trees reflected on the lake surface create a stunning scene

Section 2: Xiangshan → Toushe (4 km)

Elevation Profile: Climbs from 740 meters to approximately 780 meters, with an average gradient of about 1%, including a short section at approximately 3%.

After leaving Xiangshan, the route becomes quieter, passing through pastoral scenery where betel nut palms and farmland alternate. Traffic is lighter on this section, but parts of the route share the road with Provincial Highway 21, so watch out for oncoming vehicles.

Supply Stop Recommendation: The Toushe settlement has small grocery stores; it is recommended to replenish your water supply here.

Section 3: Toushe → Ita Thao (8 km)

Elevation Profile: This is the most challenging section of the entire loop. Starting from 780 meters in Toushe, the route first descends to approximately 750 meters, then climbs continuously to the highest point at approximately 820 meters, before descending steeply to Ita Thao at 748 meters. The steepest sections reach gradients of 8-10%.

This section rides along the mountainside on the southern shore of Sun Moon Lake, passing through indigenous tribal villages and forested areas. Although the climbing is demanding, the high vantage points along the way offer panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake—the most spectacular perspective of the entire loop.

Must-Stop Attractions:

• Xuanzang Temple: Houses the parietal bone relic of Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (Tripitaka), with views overlooking the lake
• Ci’en Pagoda: At an elevation of 954 meters (requires a walk uphill), it is the highest viewpoint at Sun Moon Lake
• Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station: You can take the cable car to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Section 4: Ita Thao → Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station (2 km)

Elevation Profile: A gentle section, undulating between approximately 748-755 meters.

A short buffer section, passing by the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station along the way. Ita Thao is the main settlement of the Thao people, and the area around the pier is lined with food stalls, making it the best rest and supply point on the entire loop.

Food Recommendations:

• Thao millet mochi
• Wild boar sausage
• President fish (curved-back fish) dishes
• Black tea egg rolls

Section 5: Ropeway Station → Shuiwatou Trail (4 km)

Elevation Profile: A gentle climb from 755 meters to approximately 770 meters, with a mild gradient of about 0.5%.

Riding along the lakeside highway on the eastern shore of Sun Moon Lake, the views across the lake are wide and open. This section has more vehicle traffic and is the only part of the loop where extra attention to road safety is required.

Must-Stop Attractions:

• Shuiwatou Trail: A 500-meter walk leads to a lakeside viewing platform featuring the Nine Frogs Stacked Sculpture

Section 6: Shuiwatou → Shuishe (8.6 km)

Elevation Profile: Descends with gentle undulations from 770 meters to 748 meters, with an overall trend of a mild downhill. There is a short climb of approximately 3% when passing Wenwu Temple midway.

The final section of the loop, passing the famous Wenwu Temple and Zhaowu Pier. In the afternoon, sunlight sparkles across the lake surface in golden ripples, making this the most romantic time of the entire ride.

Must-Stop Attractions:

• Wenwu Temple: An imposing temple complex; the Year Staircase offers panoramic views of the lake
• Songbailun Trail: A shaded path leading down to the lakeshore
• Zhaowu Pier: The best spot at Sun Moon Lake for watching the sunrise
• Meihe Garden: Originally a pavilion for Chiang Kai-shek, now a public viewing platform

Bike Rental and Gear Information

Rental Locations

There are several bicycle rental shops around Shuishe Pier, with prices and bike types as follows:

Bike Type	Price	Suitable For
Standard comfort bike	NT$100-200/day	Leisurely sightseeing
Geared mountain bike	NT$200-400/day	General loop riding
Electric-assist bike	NT$400-800/day	Those who want to avoid climbing
Family tandem bike	NT$300-500/day	Family outings

Recommendation: If you plan to complete the full loop including the climbing section from Toushe to Ita Thao, it is strongly recommended to rent a geared bike (at least 7 speeds or more) or an electric-assist bike. A single-speed comfort bike will make the climbing sections extremely difficult.

Advice for Riders Bringing Their Own Bikes

• Gear Ratio: A combination of at least 34/28 is recommended to handle the 8-10% steep sections
• Tires: 25-28C is ideal, as some sections have loose gravel
• Supplies: Carry at least 1 bottle of water and some energy food
• Safety Gear: A helmet is essential, as parts of the loop share the road with vehicles

Best Times to Ride

Seasons

• Best: October-December (crisp autumn weather, bald cypress season)
• Second Best: March-May (spring blossoms, pleasant temperatures)
• Feasible: June-September (hotter, but an early morning start is still comfortable; be aware of afternoon thunderstorms)
• Less Recommended: January-February during cold snaps (mountain temperatures may drop below 10°C)

Times of Day

• Best to depart 6:00-7:00 AM: Sun Moon Lake is at its most dreamlike in the morning mist, with the fewest tourists
• Avoid 10:00 AM-3:00 PM on holidays: Visitor numbers peak and the bike path becomes crowded

Transportation Options

By Car

National Freeway 3 → Caotun Interchange → Provincial Highway 14 → Provincial Highway 21 → Sun Moon Lake. Paid parking is available in Shuishe.

By Public Transport

• Take Nantou Bus from Taichung HSR Station/Taichung Train Station to Sun Moon Lake (approximately 1.5 hours)
• Multiple departures daily; folding bikes can be brought on board

Riding Directly by Bike

Riding Provincial Highway 21 from Puli to Sun Moon Lake is approximately 28 km with about 500 meters of climbing. This is itself a decent ride and can serve as a warm-up before the loop.

Conclusion

The beauty of the Sun Moon Lake Loop Cycling Route lies not in the numbers of speed and distance, but in the surprises that await at every turn. Lalu Island appearing and disappearing through the morning mist, the shimmering lake surface under the afternoon sun, the layered silhouettes of mountains at sunset—these are all wonders that can only be fully appreciated at the pace of pedaling. It is recommended to allow plenty of time, stop at every corner that moves you, and truly savor Taiwan’s most beautiful lakeside ride.

Related Reading

• Sun Moon Lake Loop Cycling Route: Named One of the World’s Most Beautiful Bike Paths by CNN
• Sun Moon Lake Loop: A 29 km World-Class Lakeside Route Ride Report
• Sun Moon Lake Loop Riding Route Complete Guide: Distance, Elevation, and Supply Point Details
• Nantou Sun Moon Lake Loop: A Riding Guide to the 8 km Lakeshore Route