Atlas
Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan's largest natural lake, a sapphire jewel embraced by mountains — gauzy morning mist, fiery sunset glow, the sacred waters where the Thao ancestral spirits rest.
Prefecture: Nantou County
Province: TaiwanMist hangs over the calm water of Sun Moon Lake, where a small island with a few trees sits mid-lake, four egrets fly low, and a wooden jetty reaches toward forested hills.
Vista1
- Lalu Island
The sacred ancestral spiritual sanctuary of the Thao indigenous people, dividing the lake into sun and moon shapes.
Temple2
- Xuanzang Temple
Tang-style Buddhist shrine on Qinglong Mountain housing the sacred relic of Master Xuanzang.
- Sun Moon Lake Wenwu Temple
A grand imperial-style temple overlooking the northern lake, honoring Confucius and Guan Yu.
Tower1
- Ci'en Pagoda
Nine-story pagoda atop Shabalan Mountain offering panoramic views across Sun Moon Lake.
Residence1
- Ita Thao Pier
Cultural settlement and bustling pier of the indigenous Thao people on the shores of Sun Moon Lake.
Xia1
- Thao Follow White Deer to LakeAncient legendary period
Thao oral tradition tells that ancestors followed a white deer to Sun Moon Lake and settled after finding abundant fish.