Lakeside Hiking Trails in Sun Moon Lake
Part of the Sun Moon Lake travel guide — see every topic in All Sun Moon Lake Guides.
The hills around Sun Moon Lake are covered in forest, bamboo and tea, and a network of trails starts close to the shore. Most are short and well built, with steps, signs and viewing platforms. They suit an early morning walk before the tour buses arrive. For fit hikers, the lake also has one serious mountain climb. Trails can be slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip and carry water on every route.
Short walks near Shuishe
Several easy trails start within walking distance of Shuishe village. The Hanbi Trail follows the shore through forest west of the village, with glimpses of the water between the trees. The Songboluan Trail climbs gently through pine and bamboo to a viewing point over the lake. Each takes about an hour or less. They are good choices for your first morning, when you want to stretch your legs and see the lake from above. Paths are paved or stepped, and the main junctions have signs.
Maolan Mountain Trail
This walk starts near the tea research station in the hills above the north side of the lake. The trail is mostly a quiet paved lane that climbs through tea fields and forest to a low summit. The walk up takes about an hour. On clear mornings there are wide views over the lake and the hills, and on cool mornings you may look down on mist lying in the valleys. It is one of the best places to combine a walk with tea, because the fields you pass grow the local black tea. Go early for the best light.
Shuishe Dashan
Shuishe Dashan, at just over 2,000 metres, is the highest peak around the lake and a real mountain hike. The trail is long and steep, with roots, mud and some sections that need care. Most hikers need a full day for the round trip. On a clear day the summit area gives views over the whole lake and towards the central mountains. Only attempt it if you are fit and experienced. Start very early, tell your hotel your plan, carry enough water and food, and turn back if fog or rain comes in, as it often does in the afternoon.
Trails near Ita Thao and Xuanguang
On the south shore, short paths around Ita Thao lead to quiet viewpoints over Lalu Island, the small island in the middle of the lake. From Xuanguang pier, a forest path links the pier with the main road and makes a pleasant short walk between boats. Combining these walks with the boat circuit is an easy way to spend a full day without a car. You can walk one section, take a boat to the next pier, and walk again. Most of these paths are shaded, which helps on hot summer days.
Safety and season
The best months for hiking are October to April, when the air is cooler and drier. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms, and typhoons can close trails from July to September. After heavy rain, check with your hotel or the visitor center before you go, as landslides sometimes close paths. Snakes and wasps live in these forests, so stay on the trail and do not push through thick plants. Insect repellent helps. Many trails have no shops, so carry water, a snack and a light jacket even on short walks.
Lakeside Hiking Trails at a glance
| Getting there | Most trailheads are a short walk or bike ride from Shuishe |
|---|---|
| Easy walks | Hanbi and Songboluan trails, about 1 hour each |
| Moderate | Maolan Mountain, about 1 hour up through tea fields |
| Hard | Shuishe Dashan, just over 2,000 m — a full day, fit hikers only |
| Cost | Free |
| Best time | October–April, early in the morning |