Overview
Sun Moon Lake is a scenic alpine lake located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is the largest body of water in Taiwan, covering an area of approximately 9.4 square kilometers (3.6 square miles). The lake sits at an elevation of 745 meters (2,444 feet) above sea level, nestled between Yushan and Alishan mountain ranges. Originally consisting of two separate lakes, Sun Moon Lake was merged into a single body of water in 1934 when the first hydroelectric power plant was constructed, raising the water level by over 30 meters. The lake derives its name from its distinctive shape – the eastern part resembling a sun and the western part resembling a moon, separated by Lalu Island.
History
Sun Moon Lake was formed tectonically as a "structural lake" several thousand years ago when the western side of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range experienced geological changes. This created a series of lakes, most of which eventually dried up due to river capture and land elevation. However, Sun Moon Lake, situated at a higher elevation, retained its water due to minimal river erosion, lack of sediment filling, and abundant rainfall with minimal outflow.
The earliest written record of "Sun Moon Lake" dates to 1821 in "Shui Sha Lian Ji Cheng" by Deng Chuan'an, a Qing Dynasty official. The lake was formerly known by various names including Shui Sha Lian, Long Lake, Shu She Da Hu, Zhu Tan, and Shuang Tan.
Historically, the area around Sun Moon Lake was inhabited by the Thao people (also known as Shao tribe), one of Taiwan's indigenous groups. During the Qing Dynasty, the Thao people formed six major settlements in the region. However, their population declined significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries due to Han Chinese immigration and epidemics. During the Japanese colonial period, the Thao people were relocated again when the Japanese constructed the Sun Moon Lake hydroelectric project, with many moving to what is now known as Ita Thao Village (Sun Moon Village).
Key Information
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan |
| Coordinates | 120°55′E, 23°52′N |
| Area | 9.4 km² (3.6 sq mi) |
| Altitude | 745 m (2,444 ft) |
| Average Depth | 40 m (131 ft) |
| Maximum Depth | 46 m (151 ft) |
| Perimeter | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Climate | South Asian subtropical humid climate |
| Vegetation | Primarily secondary forests, with 741 plant species identified |
Cultural Significance
Sun Moon Lake holds deep cultural significance, particularly for the Thao people who traditionally inhabited the area. According to Thao legend, the lake was discovered by a group of hunters who tracked a white deer for three days before stumbling upon the shimmering blue waters. The Thao people settled in the area, finding it ideal for both agriculture and hunting.
Another popular legend tells of two young heroes, Dajian and Shuiche, who fought two dragons that had swallowed the sun and moon. After defeating the dragons, they became mountains that now stand guard over the lake, and the lake itself was named in their honor.
The lake is also significant in Buddhist tradition. During the First Sino-Japanese War, Japanese forces took Xuanzang's (a famous Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk) relic from Nanjing. After the war, part of the relic was returned to the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China and was enshrined at Xuan Guang Temple near Sun Moon Lake in 1958 before being later moved to Xuanzang Temple.
Modern Status
Today, Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan's premier tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. The lake features numerous attractions including:
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Lalu Island (formerly known as Guanghua Island): The island that divides the lake into the sun and moon sections. It is considered sacred by the Thao people as the resting place of their ancestors' souls. The island was partially submerged during the 1999 Jiji earthquake and underwent restoration beginning in 2007.
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Wenwu Temple: Built in 1932 on the northern mountainside of the lake, this temple is dedicated to Guan Di (Guan Yu), Confucius, and Yue Fei. It features 366 steps leading to the temple, each inscribed with a date and the name of a notable person born on that day.
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Xuanzang Temple: Completed in 1965, this temple houses Xuanzang's relic. Built in Tang Dynasty architectural style, it features a three-story structure with a "Xuanzang Pagoda" on the third floor containing the monk's relic.
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Chi'en Tower: Built in 1971 by Chiang Kai-shek to commemorate his mother, this nine-story tower stands atop Qinglong Mountain at an elevation of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), offering panoramic views of the lake.
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Hanbi Building: Originally constructed during the Japanese colonial period and later serving as Chiang Kai-shek's residence, it was rebuilt after the 1999 earthquake and now operates as a luxury hotel.
The lake's surrounding area features well-maintained walking trails, including the Hanbi Trail, which winds around the lakeshore through shaded forests. The region's climate makes it a popular summer retreat, with average temperatures below 22°C (72°F) during July.
References
- Lin, P. (2012). Taiwan's Natural Wonders: A Geographic Guide. Taipei: National Taiwan University Press.
- Huang, S. (2008). Indigenous Peoples and Tourism Development in Taiwan. London: Routledge.
- Chen, T. (2015). Historical Geography of Taiwan's Lakes. Taipei: Academia Sinica Press.