Sun Moon Lake & Cingjing Farm Day Tour (from Taichung)

What it is

Combine Taiwan's two most iconic inland destinations in a single guided day trip from Taichung. Cruise the shimmering waters of Sun Moon Lake — the island's largest lake, cradled in the mountains of Nantou County — then ascend to Cingjing Farm at 1,750 m elevation, where Corriedale sheep roam emerald hillsides against a backdrop of Central Mountain Range peaks. The full loop takes roughly 10 hours and covers roughly 180 km of Central Taiwan scenery with hotel or station pickup included.

Highlights

• Scenic lake cruise on Sun Moon Lake (Taiwan's largest lake, 8 km²) with views of Lalu Island and the forested lakeshore — boat ticket typically included
• Visit Wenwu Temple, a striking lakeside complex originally consolidated from two temples flooded by the 1930s dam, rebuilt and expanded in 1969
• See Ci'en Pagoda, the 46-metre octagonal tower built in 1971 by Chiang Kai-shek to honour his mother, perched at ~954 m above sea level
• Explore Cingjing Farm's 'Green Green Grasslands' — a high-alpine pasture at 1,750 m with a Swiss-Alpine atmosphere and panoramic mountain views
• Watch the New Zealand-style Sheep-Shearing Show featuring sheepdogs and live shearing demonstrations (held daily during peak seasons, weekends year-round)
• Round-trip transport from Taichung Railway Station, Taichung HSR Station, or participating hotels — no self-driving or local transit required

Good to know

• Tour duration is approximately 8–10 hours; typical departure is around 08:00 from Taichung with evening return
• Lunch is usually at your own expense — Sun Moon Lake's Shuishe Wharf area has lakeside restaurants; budget NT$150–350 per person
• Some tour options include only Sun Moon Lake or only Cingjing Farm — check your specific booking to confirm which stops are included
• Cingjing Farm sits at 1,750 m elevation; temperatures can be 5–10 °C cooler than Taichung — bring a light jacket year-round
• Green Green Grasslands entrance tickets and optional attractions (Cingjing Skywalk, Swiss Garden) are typically at travellers' own expense unless specified
• The Sun Moon Lake Cable Car (1.8 km gondola) offers aerial views of the lake but is usually an optional add-on, not included by default