The Sun Moon Lake is located in Nantou County, Taipei City, Taiwan. The lake is surrounded by Shuishe and Dajian mountains. With an area of about 7.7 square kilometers, the lake is divided into northern and southern sections by an island called Guanghua. The average depth is 40 meters. The lake owes its name to the northern section, which resembles a diamond-shaped sun, and the southern section, similar to a crescent.
Sun Moon Lake Taiwan |
According to legend, a white deer helped find the lake. Three hundred years ago, a group of peasants went hunting and found a large white deer running northwest. They followed this amazing creature for three days and three nights, but the deer managed to hide in the forest. On the fourth day, the hunters decided to follow the deer through the forest, where they soon stumbled upon a shimmering lake surrounded by mountains, shining brightly under the sun.
Sun Moon Lake Taiwan |
A small round island covered with trees divided the lake in two. One part was like the sun and the other was like the moon, so they called it the Lake of the Sun and Moon. Attracted by the fertile soil and beautiful landscapes, the peasants decided to give up their pursuit and settle in a new place.
Sun Moon Lake Taiwan |
Originally known as Shui Shalian and Long Lake, Sun Moon Lake is the largest natural lake in Taiwan. The climate in this area is quite moderate, the highest summer temperature is 22 ° C, and the lowest does not fall below 15 ° C. With such a pleasant climate, it is the best choice for a summer resort. In addition to the pleasant weather, visitors will love the area's splendid landscapes.
Sun Moon Lake Taiwan |
The view of the crystal-clear waters of the lake, reflecting the surrounding mountains, delights even the most sophisticated travelers.
Sun Moon Lake Taiwan |
If the landscapes of the lake were printed on a wall calendar, then turning over each of the pages of such a calendar could see amazing and breathtaking pictures. This place is especially attractive at night, when moonlight is reflected in the water and a light mist descends over the lake. Many different attractions can be found around the lake. Near the northern shore of the lake is the Wenwu Temple, built in honor of the great Confucius (551-479 BC), the founder of Confucianism.
Sun Moon Lake Taiwan |
The temple also honors General Yue Fei (1103-1142) of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and Guan Yu, a great general of the Shu states during the Three Kingdoms era (221-263). The high temple looks solemn and majestic and is designed according to the characteristics of the surrounding mountains.
Longfeng Temple |
Guanghua Island - the burial place of the famous monk Xuan Zang (602-664), who went on foot to India to find the sutra. And also, on the island there is a pavilion named Old Man under the Moon (the god of marriage).