Lalu Island / Lalu Viewing Platform Introduction
Lalu Island is located in the center of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, Taiwan. It is a sacred small island with profound cultural significance to the Thao people. In the Thao language, "Lalu" means "holy mountain in the heart," serving as the residence of the highest ancestral spirit of the Thao and the site of early settlements, regarded as a sacred place for the souls of the tribe. Historically, Lalu Island has had multiple names: during the Qing period, it was called "Pearl Isle" or "Pearl Mountain," during the Japanese occupation it was named "Jade Island," and after the war, it was renamed "Guanghua Island," symbolizing the "Glory of China." In 2000, following the advocacy of the Thao people, its original name "Lalu Island" was officially restored, and it was designated as an indigenous protection area, prohibiting general tourists from landing to respect the cultural heritage and ancestral beliefs of the Thao people. With the construction of the Sun Moon Lake reservoir, the water level rose, submerging the former hills and creating a dreamy landscape of a solitary island floating in the clear blue-green waters of the lake. The casuarina trees planted on the island symbolize the generational continuation of Thao culture. Although visitors cannot land on the island, they can admire the magnificent view of Lalu Island from the "Viewing Platform," which offers a 270-degree panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake accessible via the trail next to the Xiangshan Visitor Center. Extending about 450 meters along the trail leads to the "See Lalu Platform." This platform employs clever perspectives and borrowing scenery, allowing visitors to reminisce about the majestic appearance of Lalu Island when it was known as "Mountain in the Lake." The holes in the platform symbolize the former Thao settlements, while the surface mimics the rice paddies surrounding the small island, blending nature and culture vividly to showcase the history of the Thao people and the changes in the topography of Sun Moon Lake. Lalu Island is not open for landing; it is recommended to take a boat tour to view the "See Lalu Platform," which is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and only temporarily closed due to natural disasters like typhoons or construction work, with announcements made in the latest news.
