If your experience with Taiwan so far has been restricted to its famous night markets and hot springs in Taipei, you are missing out on one key aspect of the island’s appeal — the scenic attractions outside the capital.

One such must-see spot is the Sun Moon Lake, the island’s largest lake that is fast gaining popularity with mainland visitors.

Nestled in Nantou County in central Taiwan, the lake derives its name from its shape — with the eastern side being round like the sun while the western part is shaped like a crescent moon.

With an elevation of 760m above sea level, the lake’s beauty is largely created by the combination of sparkling blue water set against a picturesque mountain backdrop.

Splendid views aside, visitors looking to experience the tranquillity of nature at Sun Moon
Lake can do so in various ways.

One popular choice is to embark on a boat cruise around the lake — a journey that takes visitors past several scenic attractions, including a historical pagoda and Lalu Island situated in the middle of the lake.

However, no trip to Sun Moon Lake is complete unless you take a 90-minute boat cruise alone.

Take a leisurely stroll or ride a rented bicycle — or motorcycle, for the truly adventurous — along the road circling the lake, and you can pop by popular attractions such as the Wenwu Temple which was built to enshrine and worship philosopher Confucius, deity Guan Gong and legendary warrior Yue Fei.

Another historical attraction that one should not miss is the 46m-tall Ci En Pagoda — built by the late President Chiang Kai-Shek in memory of his mother.

Indeed, the structure itself is hard to miss given that it sits on the 954m-high Shabalan Mountain. The top of the pagoda stands at 1,000m above sea level, offering tourists a magnificent view of the lake and Lalu Island.

Those with cash to spare can go a notch higher by taking a room at the super posh Lalu Hotel, the most expensive in Taiwan.

Singaporean men could learn a trick or two from their Taiwanese counterparts, many of whom proposed to their partners in the area set against the picturesque stretch of mist-shrouded water fringed by mountains.

That Sun Moon Lake is fast gaining popularity as a honey-moon destination for many Taiwanese couples should come as no surprise. After all, it was one of President Chiang’s favourite holiday destinations.

While the natural beauty of the lake has remained intact over the years, the Taiwanese government has introduced initiatives to boost the lake’s appeal to tourists.

One such measure is the ongoing construction of a 1,825m long cable car system that costs NT$720 million (S$33 million).

When it is completed by the end of next year, visitors can ride the Sun Moon Lake Gondola that links the lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, another popular tourist attraction in Nantou.

One traveller who has been mesmerised by the lake’s beauty is Tan Ying Hui, a Singaporean who visited Taiwan for the first time recently. “It’s definitely a beautiful and relaxing place that you must visit in Taiwan,” she said.

For sure, the tranquil turquoise water and the surrounding mountains at the lake offer travellers a different experience from those they would have in bustling Taipei. It’s definitely worth a day or two on the travel itinerary.

- TODAY/nt