2 Days Sun Moon Lake Tour with Biking & DIY Experience

Li Hao (Hello)! Welcome to Taiwan. Our guide and driver will pick you up at hotel in Taipei and take you to Sun Moon Lake. You will enjoy a Sun Moon Lake one day tour.

From Taipei, drive 3.2h to Sun Moon Lake (日月潭), Taiwan's largest natural freshwater lake and one of its "Eight Great Sights," as well as a sacred site for Taiwan's Thao indigenous people. At 748 meters elevation, the 116 square-kilometer lake boasts emerald green waters. Lalu Island divides it into two halves: Sun Lake (north, round like the sun) and Moon Lake (south, crescent-shaped like the moon).

Look afar, lake is surrounded by mountains adorned with beautiful trees. Pagodas peek through the foliage, and sunlight dances on water's surface. That’s "jumping sunshine"! You can take a sightseeing yacht counter-clockwise to explore all the highlights (Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple Pier → Ita Thao Pier → Shuishe Pier).

Departing from Shuishe Pier by sightseeing yacht, you'll pass Lalu Island (拉鲁岛), the legendary home of the Thao ancestral spirits, which partially submerged due to an earthquake. Arrive at Xuanguang Pier to disembark and try delicious tea eggs. Follow the trail to Xuanguang Temple (玄光寺) by the lake, then proceed to Xuanzang Temple (玄奘寺) to see the relics of Master Xuanzang, and finally ascend Ci'en Pagoda (慈恩塔) for a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake. Return to the pier to head to Ita Thao Pier, enjoy local delicacies ashore, and then return to Shuishe Pier.

Then, take a bike around lakeside. This cycling path was named one of the "World's 10 Most Beautiful Cycling Routes" by CNNGo. A full loop takes three hours, but you can choose to ride the scenic 30-minute section from Shuishe Pier to Xiangshan Visitor Center. The scenery along the way is picturesque, with a gentle breeze. If you time it right for sunset, you'll see sun cast a long shadow across lake. Stop for photos or focus on the ride!

After the tour, head to hotel in Sun Moon Lake.

Today, you’ll DIY traditional Taiwan cake and discover an old street before heading back to Taipei.

After breakfast, drive 45 minutes to DIY Pineapple Cakes (凤梨酥). This cake stand out as Taiwan's representative traditional pastry, filling with fresh pineapple or winter melon. It’s crisp, milky, and melt-in-your-mouth. This cake symbolizes good luck in Taiwan, and you'll get to make your own good fortune!

Note: Book seven days in advance.

Then, drive 1h to Lukang Old Street (鹿港老街). It is one of Taiwan's best-preserved Qing Dynasty areas, with a history spanning over 300 years. Once a major port, its original layout remains intact, making it a key representation of Taiwan's old street culture. It's often less crowded than other popular spots, offering a more genuine local feel.

Walking these streets, you'll find architecture from the Qing Dynasty to the Japanese colonial period. Continuous rows of red-brick houses line the alleyways. Covered walkways connect the shops. Exploring the carved windows and wooden archways is a delight. Don't miss Lukang Tianhou Temple (鹿港天后宫), one of Taiwan's oldest Mazu temples and a crucial coastal spiritual hub. Locals pray here for safety, career success, and family happiness. With fewer crowds, you can truly experience protective aura of folk goddess Mazu.

This old street is also a food lover's paradise. Signature dishes include bite-sized fried seafood and braised pork hock rice. Be sure to try local snacks like Zheng Yu Zhen pastries, vermicelli paste, and oyster omelets. Pick whatever tempts your taste buds and eat like a local.

After the tour, we'll drive you back to Taipei for your departure. Your 2 Days Sun Moon Lake Tour Concludes. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Taipei tour!

Extend Your Taiwan Tour: Our travel car can take you to Alishan, Kaohsiung in Taiwan.