Sun Moon Lake Shuishe Scenic Trail Introduction
The entrance to the Water Recreation Trail is located just to the left of the Shuishe Wharf, marked by a wooden gate. This important pedestrian pathway connects Shuishe Wharf to Jiulongkou and features an entirely accessible slope that is gentle and easy to navigate. Along the wooden boardwalk by the pond, you can walk from the Chaowu Wharf directly to Jiulongkou. The trail is surrounded by lush greenery, making it pleasant even in the summer heat. Along the way, local sandstone has been used to construct stone walls that create resting points for visitors to take a break or gaze out at the yachts gliding across the pond; on calm days, the lake surface reflects the sunlight, shimmering as if countless gold and silver coins had fallen into the water. When there is fog, the Xuanzang Temple on the Qingshan Mountain appears like an ancient Buddhist temple from a traditional Chinese painting, evoking a sense of nostalgia. From any angle along the trail, the Cien Pagoda atop the Shabalan Mountain stands tall like a sword, always guarding Sun Moon Lake. Upon reaching Jiulongkou, you'll find an artificial floating island filled with wild ginger flowers, where you may occasionally spot a night heron hiding beneath the foliage, preparing to hunt for food. If you still have the interest and energy, you can continue to the Wenwu Temple's stairway or ascend to the nearby Zhushi Garden for another segment of your journey. At night, looking back at Shuishe Wharf from the trail, the lights of hotels and restaurants twinkle like colorful gemstones against the dark backdrop, making the scene even more splendid. The Water Recreation Trail also provides an interpretive system for tourists to obtain information on travel and ecology, making it an ideal pathway for family outings.
