Sun Moon Lake Shuishe Lakeside Trail Introduction
The entrance to the Shui She Riverside Trail is located at the wooden gate on the left side of the Shui She Pier. It serves as an important pedestrian connection from Shui She Pier to Jiulongkou, consisting entirely of an accessible sloped path that is very gentle and easy to walk. Following the wooden plank trail alongside the pond, it extends from Chaowu Pier directly to Jiulongkou. The trail is lush with greenery, making it feel cool even in the height of summer. Along the way, locally sourced sandstone has been used to construct stone walls that reflect regional themes, creating resting spots for visitors to take a break or enjoy distant views, appreciating the yachts passing through the pond, or the serene lake surface that glistens in the sunlight, resembling countless precious metals dropped into the water. On foggy days, Xuan Zang Temple on the Qingshan Mountain takes on the appearance of an ancient temple depicted in traditional Chinese paintings, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Moreover, the Cien Pagoda on Shabalan Mountain is always visible from any angle of the trail, standing tall as if it were a sword, continuously guarding Sun Moon Lake. Upon reaching Jiulongkou, there are artificial floating islands filled with wild ginger flowers on the lake's surface, where one may occasionally spot night herons lurking beneath the flower leaves, poised to hunt. If you still have the energy and interest, you can continue to the Wenwu Temple’s stair trail, or ascend the steps to the opposite side's Zhushiyuan for another segment of your journey. At night, gazing from the trail towards Shui She Pier, the lights of hotels and restaurants twinkle, resembling colorful gems more radiant against the dark backdrop. The Riverside Trail also offers an interpretive system providing travel information and ecological knowledge, making it a great trail for family outings.