Cycling the Lake Loop in Sun Moon Lake
Part of the Sun Moon Lake travel guide — see every topic in All Sun Moon Lake Guides.
Sun Moon Lake sits at about 750 metres in the hills of Nantou County, in the middle of Taiwan. A road runs all the way around it, and cycling is one of the best ways to see the lake. The full loop is about 30 kilometres, with hills on the south and east sides. The flat lakeside paths near Shuishe and Xiangshan are easy for almost anyone. Many visitors rent an electric bike, which makes the climbs simple and lets you stop often for photos.
Where to rent a bike
Most rental shops are in Shuishe village, the main base on the north shore, close to the bus stop and the main pier. You can choose a city bike, a road bike or an electric bike. Shops usually ask for an ID or a passport as a deposit, and they give you a lock, a helmet and a simple map. Some hotels lend bikes to guests for free. If you want to ride the whole loop, take an electric bike unless you cycle often. Check the battery range before you leave, and ask the shop where you can return the bike, because some shops let you drop it at a second branch.
The Yuetan bike path
The best stretch is the lakeside path between Shuishe and the Xiangshan Visitor Center. It runs close to the water, and some parts are boardwalks built out over the lake. The path is flat and well marked, and it is separate from cars for much of the way. A slow ride there and back takes about one to two hours with stops. This is the section that made the lake famous with cyclists, and it is the one to choose if you only have a short time. Go early in the morning, when the water is calm and the path is quiet.
Riding the full loop
Riders who want the whole circuit usually go anticlockwise from Shuishe, so they stay on the lake side of the road for the best views. The road passes Xiangshan, the Ita Thao village area on the south shore, and the Xuanguang pier, then climbs back towards Shuishe. Expect a few long climbs and some fast descents. The road is shared with cars and tour buses, so ride in single file and use lights in tunnels or fog. On a normal bike the loop takes most of a morning. On an electric bike it takes about three hours with short stops for photos and food.
Combining bike and boat
You do not have to ride the whole way. Many visitors cycle one half of the lake and then take a boat back. Most boats will carry bicycles, often for a small extra fee, but space can be limited at busy times. A popular plan is to ride the flat path to Xiangshan, continue to Ita Thao, then return across the water to Shuishe by boat. Ask your rental shop before you leave whether their bikes may go on the boats, and check the time of the last boat of the day so you are not left with a long climb at dusk.
Practical tips
Weekends and public holidays are busy, so ride on a weekday if you can. Summer afternoons are hot and often bring short, heavy showers, so start early and carry water and a light rain jacket. There are shops, toilets and places to eat at Shuishe, Xiangshan, Ita Thao and Xuanguang, so you never ride far without a stop. Sunscreen is important because much of the path has no shade. Watch for walkers on the boardwalks and slow down near piers, where groups gather. If the weather turns bad, the bus around the lake is an easy way back.
Cycling the Lake Loop at a glance
| Getting there | High-speed rail to Taichung, then a direct bus to Shuishe, about 1.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Distance | Full loop about 30 km; Shuishe–Xiangshan path is short and flat |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours for the lakeside path; about half a day for the loop |
| Cost | Bike rental is modest; electric bikes cost more |
| Best time | Early morning, on weekdays, in spring or autumn |