We were most fortunate during our trip to Taiwan to be treated by our host family to a day trip to Sun Moon Lake. Sun Moon Lake is the largest natural lake in Taiwan, and is nestled in the interior of the Island nation at an elevation of 2450 feet above sea level. The surface area of the lake is slightly over three square miles, and is 89 feet deep at its deepest point. The area is one of the most popular areas in Taiwan to visit.
Enough of the statistics. This lake is one of the most beautiful natural areas that we have ever seen. The lake gets its name from the shape: The East side of the lake looks like the sun, and the west side of the lake is crescent shaped like the moon. As we drove from Taichung up into the mountains, the scenery became more and more magnificent. The climate of inner mountains is close to tropical, and the peaks were covered with lush, green foliage. These mountains completely encircle the Sun Moon Lake, and add yet another vista of nature’s glory to the vision presented to those fortunate enough to travel to the lake.
As we arrived at the “village” that was our destination, the beauty of the lake became apparent. As we looked across the waters, the rows of mountains in the distance were visible. The mountains close to the far shore were clearly seen, and each ridge behind became more and more ‘misty‘ in the way it looked, and the furthest ridge away almost blended into the clear blue sky.
We took in the sights and sounds at the village as we waited to board the yacht that would take us across the lake for our tour. Traditional tribal singers were performing on the docks, complete with beautiful clothing and simple instruments. The street vendors were out in force, selling everything from jewelry to snacks.
We took the boat across the lake to the Lalu Island. This island once housed a pavilion that was used for wedding ceremonies. However, the tragic earthquake of September 21, 1999, caused most of the island to sink several feet, and destroyed the pavilion. It was rather eerie seeing the remnants of the old concrete steps and pier, now resting under the surface of the water. The island is now only open to the native tribal members of the Thao tribe, one of the original aboriginal peoples. The tourists on the boats are only allowed on a series of wood decks on the edge of the existing shoreline of the island. This island is the most sacred land for the Thao tribe.
Our trip across the lake continued to a pier that led to a trail leading to the magnificent Hsuankuang Temple. Master Hsuan Tsang (605 – 664) was a Chinese Buddhist scholar and translator, famous for his texts that he brought back to Taiwan after a trip to India in 625 to 645. A portion of his relics are in this beautiful Temple.
Our trip to Sun Moon Lake culminated in a meal at a traditional restaurant operated by some of the native Thao people. The food was marvelous. A superb pork dish, with vegetables, and rice wrapped and cooked in leaves were my favorites. Once again our host family showed us a slice of Taiwan that we will never forget. The image I carry in my mind of the Sun Moon Lake will always be treasured.
