A misty mountain lake of temples and tea
Sun Moon Lake sits in the central mountains, its name coming from the shape of its eastern and western halves. The lakeside cycle path is one of Taiwan's most beautiful, and boats link the villages of Shuishe and Ita Thao, home to the Thao indigenous people. The Ci'en Pagoda and Wenwu Temple give views over the water, and a cable car climbs to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. The surrounding hills grow black tea; try the local Assam and red jade varieties.