Cycling in Taiwan

Writers and poets have long been inspired to letters by the beauty of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area, and their message seems to have reached far. Visitors flock to the lake throughout the year to enjoy its natural charms, which appear in their fullest splendor along the Round-the-Lake Road.

Sun Moon Lake is situated in the heart of Taiwan. The surrounding mountain ranges help to keep the average summer temperature at a comfortable 24 degrees centigrade, and in winter the mercury rarely drops below 15 degrees. Taiwan's largest natural lake, it encloses its own island—Lalu, which marks the boundary between the southern "Moon" and northern "Sun" parts of the lake.

The Round-the-Lake Road
(Provincial Highway 21) provides access to all of the major scenic attractions at the lake, among them Lalu Island, Wunwu Temple, Dehua Village, and the aboriginal cultural center. Visitors arriving between the late winter to early spring months can expect the additional treat of the cherry blossoms lining the sides of the highway.

It is a good idea to rise early and enjoy the cool morning air and songs of the birds. From noon to dusk, a light breeze beats back the heat as the lake is bathed in sparkling gold and the picturesque reflections of the surrounding peaks.

Compared to whizzing along in a car, cycling around Sun Moon Lake at a slower pace presents the beauty of this area in all of its intimate detail.

At Ita Thao, the starting point of this tour, you can check out the specialty items and cuisine of the local Thao indigenous people and also get a taste of the many hiking opportunities available at the lake. At the next stop, the Tang dynasty style yuanjhuang Temple presents a striking contrast to the aboriginal culture of Ita Thao.

Continuing on to Cih-en Pagoda, you can take a light trail walk into the refreshing forest air. The viewing platform at the side of the pagoda offers an excellent
vantage of Sun Moon Lake in all its sweeping beauty.

In addition to traditional Thao aboriginal fare, there are several restaurants around Sun Moon Lake serving everything from Italian cuisine to fruit dishes, all complemented by the lake view.

◎ By Car
1. Sun Yat-sen Freeway→Wangtian Interchange→Prov. Hwy 14→Caotun→Puli→Prov. Hwy 21→Sun Moon Lake
2. Sun Yat-sen Freeway→Dounan Interchange→Prov. Hwy 3→Dounan→Jhunan→Mingjian→Prov. Hwy 14A→Prov. Hwy 16→Jiji→ Shueili→Prov. Hwy 21→Sun Moon Lake
◎ By Train/Bus
1. From Puli: From Puli take the Nantou Bus (11 buses daily on weekdays and 12 buses daily on weekends from 6:05 to 16:45) direct to Sun Moon Lake. Nantou Bus Puli Station Tel: (049) 298-4031
2. From Taipei: Take the Kuo-kuang Bus direct to Sun Moon Lake. There is one bus every hour. Kuokuang Bus Tel: (02) 2312-3413, 2311-9893

Bike Rental Data
．Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center: No. 101, Jhongjheng Rd., Rihyue Village, Yuchih Township, Nantou County, Tel: (049) 285-0070

Bike Services Shops
．Giant–Nantou Branch: No. 6, Nangang 1st Rd., Jiahe Village, Nantou City, Nantou County, Tel: (049) 220-2300

Bicycle Route
Distance: Approx. 33 km
Riding Time: 2.5 hrs +/- 30 mins
Meeting Point: Shueishe Wharf (Please arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point)
Tour Highlights: The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area offers a high-quality environment for mountain, river and lake recreations. In addition to enjoying the lake scenery, visitors can experience Thao aboriginal culture and learn about the local ecology. Hiking, walks, and evening performances further add to the vacation appeal of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area. Riding high-end Giant bicycles, tour participants will be able to enjoy all of the natural charms of the lake area up close and personal.
Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration Website: http://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/

Cycling Notes
1. The round-the-lake road was damaged during the 921 Earthquake, dividing the road into two sections. The best route to take a side road from Sun Moon Lake and continue directly along Prov. Hwy 21A to Cih-en Pagoda, Dehua Village, and Yiyong St.
2.There are several series of turns along the round-the-lake road so ride slowly.

Travel Services
Visitor Center, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area, Tourism Bureau, MOTC
Address: No. 163, Jhongshan Rd., Yuchih Township, Nantou County
Tel: (049) 285-5668

Sun Moon Lake Station

Giant Bicycle Rental Station: Sun Moon Lake Station

Natural Banquet Located at an elevation of 760 meters, Sun Moon Lake is the biggest inland lake in Taiwan . The lake is surrounded by green peaks, creating a landscape of exceptional beauty. The 33-km lake-round path is easy to cycle, with the help of a top-of-the-line Giant bicycle, and opens a window to the abundant scenic charms of the lake.

Address: No. 163 Jhongshan Rd. , Yuchih Township , Nantou County

The cycling path is expected open in October 2008.

Services: Introduction to bicycles and cycling accessories by professional cycling instructors
Cycling Services: Supply car support and bicycle pick-up and return service
Repair Services: Maintenance personnel/tools to ensure a worry-fee ride
Safety Services: Professional staff accompany riders; NT$2 million in travel insurance protection
Guide Services: Introductions to scenic sites and points of interest
Recording Service: Tours are fully documented with photos and video
High-end Bicycles: High-end bicycles best suited to the particular terrain of the route will be provided for rental along with safety helmets, water bottles, and riding gloves.
Food Service: Replenishing snacks and beverages will be provided during the tour.

Chase the Wind

1 Ita Thao
Ita Thao (also known as DehuaVillage) is the place to go at Sun Moon Lake for walks. The Youtan Souvenir Shop here specializes in hand-sewn traditional Thao clothing and other Thao handicrafts. The prices here are a bit high, but the quality well justifies the cost.

Lalu Specialty Store is another shop worth checking out for Thao plum-flavored sugar treats. At the Jhihla Restaurant you can choose from a menu of authentic Thao fare and "president fish" (aruzay) cuisine, finished off with a cup of high-grade Sun Moon tea.

2 Syuanjhuang Temple
This Tang-style temple is simply adorned with square tile paving. Inside is a plaque with an inscription by the former President Chiang Kai-shek reading "Circular Treasure of the Country." The outer walls are engraved with a map and inscriptions related to the famous "Journey to the West" by the Tang-period monk Syuan Jhuang. On the left side of the temple is a Taiwan-Japan Friendship Memorial with a biography of Syuan Jhuang; and to the right is a Taiwan-Japan Buddhism Friendship Exchange Memorial. Two stone elephants stand guard at the temple entrance, and at the rear are a large drum and a bell that visitors can sound.

3 Cih-en Pagoda Trail
Cih-en Pagoda looks out to Sun Lake on the right and Moon Lake on the left from its perch on Cinglong ("GreenDragon") Mountain. Syuanjhuang Temple and Syuanguang Temple respectively mark the head and mouth of the hill's namesake dragon shape, while Lalu Island represents the "dragon pearl." Across the lake from the pagoda is Huanglong ("Yellow Dragon") Mountain, completing the image of "two dragons competing for the pearl."

The Cih-en Pagoda Trail is just over 700 meters long and easy to walk. This is
a good place to take in the forest air and, in early spring, a popular spot for star
watching.

4 Spa Home
This upscale resort hotel is chicly designed with Philippe Starck furniture, including the orange sofas and transparent chairs that greet visitors upon entering through the hotel's glass front doors. The white marble tiling further adds to the hotel's luxurious ambiance.

The hotel has an outdoor lakeside cafe that serves Italy's famous Lavazza coffee.
The cafe, accommodations and restaurant all come together to create a relaxing and
elegant place to enjoy the beauty of Sun Moon Lake.

5 Lalu Island
Originally known as Guanghua Island, Lalu Island is a sacred ancestral site of the Thao aboriginal people. In recent years, the island has been designated as a protected area and is now off-limits to general visitors.

The Thao have succeeded in preserving their language, tribal names and culture into the modern age. The tribe's faithful adherence to its heritage is also evident in its traditional farming techniques and hunting ceremonies.

6 Wunwu Temple
The Jhihsheng Sianshih Hall at Wunwu Temple is the only Confucius temple in Taiwan that keeps its central door open. The temple is especially crowded during school examination periods when students come here to pray for good test results.

At the temple entrance there is a finely carved sculpture depicting two dragons. If you continue up the hill behind the temple you can enjoy an expansive view of Sun Moon Lake. A 365-step stone stairway links the temple to the boat landing below.

7 Full House
Located at the Dehua Village Wharf, this 10-room resort hotel commands an unobstructed view of Sun Moon Lake.

The log-cabin style hotel is decorated with oil paintings by the owner. High-ceilinged hallways, soft light, soothing music, and finely crafted wood furniture complete the feeling of simple elegance at this scenic retreat.

8 Jioung Yuan Restaurant
After considerable effort, Jioung Yuan Restaurant re-opened to the public following heavy damage to the restaurant in the 921 Earthquake of 1999. In gratitude to the locals who helped getthe restaurant back on its feet, the Thao aboriginal owner provides diners with free rice and side dishes with their meals.

Lalu Island
Directions: From the Visitor Center take the Nantou Bus (Lake Route) to the boat wharf and continue to the island by boat.

Full House
Address: No. 8, Shueisiou St., Rihyue Village, Yuchih Township, Nantou County
Tel: (049) 285-0307
Website: fhsml.idv.tw
Price: Rooms NT$2,800-up, Herbal tea NT$150-up, Fruit plates NT$1,600-up

Jioung Yuan Restaurant
Address: No. 9, Shueishalian St., Rihyue Village, Yuchih Township, Nantou County
Tel: (049) 285-0229
Website: sunmoonjyong.mmmtravel.com.tw