Sun Moon Lake Shuishe Lakeside Trail Introduction
The entrance to the Shui She Riverside Trail is located to the left of the wooden gate at the Shui She Pier. It is an important pedestrian route connecting the Shui She Pier to Jiulongkou, and the entire trail features a barrier-free slope that is very gentle and easy to walk on. The boardwalk runs alongside the pond, leading from the Chaowu Pier directly to Jiulongkou. The trail is lush with greenery, making it feel cool even in the height of summer. Along the way, local sandstone has been used to build stone walls that create rest areas, allowing visitors to take a break or gaze out over the pond, enjoying the sight of yachts navigating the waters. On the calm lake surface, sunlight reflects off the water, creating a shimmering effect as if countless silver coins have been dropped into the lake. On foggy days, the Xuanzang Temple on the Qingshan Mountain appears like an ancient temple in a traditional Chinese painting, evoking feelings of nostalgia. The Cien Pagoda on the Shabalanshan can be seen from various angles along the trail, standing proudly on the peak like a sword, always guarding Sun Moon Lake. Upon reaching Jiulongkou, there is an artificial floating island filled with wild ginger flowers, where you might occasionally spot a night heron hiding beneath the foliage, poised to hunt for food. If you still have the interest and energy, you can continue on to the Wenwu Temple's stairway trail, or climb the steps to the opposite side at the Zhushiyuan to continue another leg of your journey. At night, looking back at the Shui She Pier from the trail, the lights of hotels and restaurants twinkle, appearing like colorful jewels against the backdrop of the dark night. The Riverside Trail also offers an interpretive system providing travel information and ecological knowledge, making it a very suitable trail for family outings.
