Sun Moon Lake Introduction
Sun Moon Lake is a well-known natural lake in Taiwan, situated at an altitude of 760 meters, surrounded by lush mountains offering a majestic view. The lake's scenery is picturesque, with a beautiful landscape reflecting in its waters, showcasing different appearances throughout the day and across seasons. As the largest inland lake in the country, Sun Moon Lake is rich in various fish species that are known for their delicious flavors, complemented by an array of stunning views along its shores. With a long and storied history, Sun Moon Lake became widely recognized, especially after the 921 earthquake in 2000 when the National Scenic Area Administration was established. The initial phase of its mission focused on post-disaster reconstruction to restore the lake's grandeur. The second phase involved preparations for the opening to Chinese tourists in 2009, including dock renovations and improvements to the visitor center. This solid foundation, together with the opening of National Highway No. 6 and the Sun Moon Lake Cable Car, led to a continuous increase in visitor numbers, growing from 1.4 million annually at its inception to a peak of 8 million in 2011. The third phase saw the expansion of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area from 9,000 hectares to 18,000 hectares, incorporating parts of Puli, Jiji, and Xinyi Township. This phase emphasized “low-carbon tourism and smart tourism” to pursue sustainable development for Sun Moon Lake.
