Sun Moon Lake and Cingjing Day Tour

Shuishe Pier is at the north end of Sun Moon Lake, the busiest part of the lake and where most visitors gather. It is the departure point for boat tours and a public transportation hub, with bus stops and bike rentals.

The name Shuishe comes from the language of the Thao, the local Indigenous people. In the Thao language, “Shuishe” means “by the water,” which reflects the area's close ties to the lake. The Thao are the original inhabitants of Sun Moon Lake, and their way of life and culture are closely bound to it.

Historically, Sun Moon Lake was an important place for the Thao. In 1934, the Japanese colonial government built Taiwan's first large hydroelectric power station here, which made the lake much better known. The power station still operates today and has become a popular sight.

The pier has lovely views. From here you can see across the whole lake, with the mountains reflected in the still water. It is also a great spot for sunrise and sunset, when the lake turns gold.

Nearby are historic sites such as Wenwu Temple and a Thao cultural village, where you can learn about Thao history and culture and see their distinctive architecture.

Grandma's Tea Eggs is next to Ita Thao Pier in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, and is one of Sun Moon Lake's best-known snacks. The eggs are simmered with Sun Moon Lake black tea leaves, shiitake mushrooms, star anise and other spices, giving them a rich aroma and a springy texture that visitors love.

The shop was started by Grandma Jin-pen, whose full name was Chen Jin-pen. She first sold fruit at Sun Moon Lake, then switched to tea eggs and gradually became well known. After she passed away, her family took over and renamed the shop “Grandma Jin-pen Shiitake Tea Eggs.”

What makes these tea eggs special:

Simmered in Sun Moon Lake black tea: Sun Moon Lake black tea is a well-known Taiwanese tea with a rich aroma and a long, sweet finish. Simmering the eggs in it gives them a distinctive tea flavor.

Shiitake and other spices: Besides the tea leaves, the eggs are simmered with shiitake mushrooms, star anise and other spices for a fuller aroma.

Springy texture: The eggs are simmered for just the right time, so the whites are springy and the yolks rich. It is hard to stop at one.

Green Green Grassland is part of Cingjing Farm in Nantou County, about 1,800 m above sea level. The pastures stretch into the distance with sheep wandering across them, a scene that recalls northern lands, and the area is nicknamed “Paradise above the Mist.” It is one of the most popular sights in central Taiwan.

The grassland was once primeval forest. After the government resettled the families of the Yunnan-Burma guerrilla forces here, it was cleared for grazing and became today's Green Green Grassland. Visitors can see Angus cattle from the US and Corriedale sheep from Australia grazing in the fields.

Green Green Grassland is the most popular spot at Cingjing Farm, best known for its sheep-shearing show and its Lipizzaner horse show. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.