CNN Certified, Visitor Approved: Sun Moon Lake Pulls Nearly 1 Million Tourists in Early 2026

Taiwan's most internationally recognized lake has once again proven its staying power. Sun Moon Lake's lakeside circuit area recorded 921,276 visits between January and April 2026, topping Nantou County's tourism rankings and outpacing better-known highland retreats such as Cingjing Farm and the Xitou forest reserve, according to data from Taiwan's Tourism Administration.

Nestled among layered mountain ridges in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is no stranger to international recognition. CNN once named its lakeside cycling route among the ten most scenic bike paths in the world. Yet visitors who return repeatedly say the destination consistently offers something new. Google reviews collected from recent visitors reflect that sentiment — many describe the changing quality of light across the water, noting that rainy-day and fair-weather visits feel like entirely different experiences. Night-time views of the lake have also drawn praise.

The area's appeal spans activities: leisure boat cruises, a lakeside cycling loop, a gondola offering panoramic views from above, and a dense cluster of local food stalls leading down to the docks. One reviewer noted the cruise boats are large and steady, though suggested buying only a half-circuit ticket gives a limited view of the lake's full scope. Others highlighted the site as ideal for multigenerational family outings, combining cycling, boat rides, and local cuisine in a single visit. Travel tip: the gondola stops running at 4 p.m., so an early start is recommended for those wanting to return by cable car.

The second spot on Nantou's 2026 early-year rankings may raise eyebrows. The Baguashan Scenic Area — the Nantou section of the Bagua Mountain range — drew 701,640 visitors in the same four-month period, surpassing the far more internationally promoted Xitou Nature Education Area, Cingjing Farm, and the aboriginal cultural park Nine Tribes Culture Village.

The Baguashan area spans a broader cultural and recreational corridor than many visitors expect. It includes the hilltop Great Buddha statue — a towering landmark visible from much of Changhua City below — as well as the Monkey Cave recreation zone with its sky bridge, the birthplace of the Sunny Hills pineapple cake brand, and a network of tea gardens and scenic walking trails. Visitor reviews describe the Great Buddha as commanding even for non-religious visitors, with interior stairs allowing access up into the statue and sweeping city views from the summit. The surrounding Guashan Village is noted for its artisan boutiques and a shifting evening skyline that reviewers describe as carrying a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Royal Poinciana trees along the grounds peak in bloom during May.

Third Place: Xitou's Forest Sanctuary Draws 560,000

​Xitou Nature Education Area, located in Lugu Township and managed as an experimental forest by National Chung Hsing University, pulled in 560,491 visitors from January through April — placing third overall. The reserve is known for its ancient sacred trees, a canopy walkway, and diverse bird population, and is widely regarded as one of Taiwan's premier destinations for forest bathing.

Online reviewers consistently praise the air quality and temperature — one called it a "99-out-of-100 summer escape," docking one point only for insufficient water fountains near the sacred tree zone. Visitors describe the trail network as accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, from flat introductory paths to the more demanding observatory climb, though weekend congestion and traffic bottlenecks are frequently flagged as drawbacks. The park accommodates overnight stays, making it a popular choice for a relaxed two-day itinerary.

Rounding out the county's top ten by visitor count: Nine Tribes Culture Village (279,556), Checheng historic village (262,754), the Taomi ecological community in Puli (253,643), Cingjing Farm (219,021), Shanlinxi Forest Eco Resort (210,176), Jiu-Jiu Peak Wildlife Park (174,250), and the Tatajia recreation zone at the foot of Yushan (154,180).

Notably, Cingjing Farm — the high-altitude sheep pasture that has long dominated Nantou's international tourism marketing — came in seventh, behind several destinations that receive far less promotional attention abroad.

Source: Tourism Administration （Related： The 21-Times-a-Month Rule for Prostate Cancer: What Harvard's Research Actually Says ｜ Latest ）

Original Article in Chinese