In short
- Shuishe is the main transport hub with direct buses to Taichung.
- Ita Thao is the cultural center with an aboriginal street food market.
- Ferry lines connect both towns in 15 to 20 minutes.
In this article
Choosing where to sleep affects how you plan your days at the lake. Shuishe and Ita Thao sit on opposite shores. Both offer hotels, restaurants, and boat piers. You can easily travel between them during the day. Your decision depends on your luggage, your transport, and what you want to eat at night.
What makes Shuishe a good place to stay?
Shuishe is the transport and administrative center of Sun Moon Lake. It offers the most straightforward logistics for arrivals and departures.
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle drops passengers directly at the Shuishe Visitor Center. The area features bike rental shops, luggage lockers, and hotels. It connects directly to the flat lakeside bikeway.
You can easily start a counter-clockwise ferry loop from Shuishe Pier. This makes it ideal for travelers who want to drop their bags immediately upon arrival.
What makes Ita Thao a good place to stay?
Ita Thao is the cultural hub for the indigenous Thao people. It is the best location for street food and evening dining.
The Ita Thao Shopping Street operates as a lively food market. Visitors can eat wild boar sausages, bamboo rice, and drink local Ruiza black tea. The food stalls provide plenty of dinner options.
You are also close to the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway. This cable car connects Ita Thao to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
Shuishe vs Ita Thao: Head-to-Head Comparison
Shuishe wins on transport and cycling access. Ita Thao wins on food and cultural sites.
Choose your base based on your schedule. If you have heavy luggage and rely on public transit, stay in Shuishe. If you prioritize street food, stay in Ita Thao.
How do you travel between Shuishe and Ita Thao?
You can travel between the two towns by ferry, bus, or car.
Passenger ferries take 15 to 20 minutes between piers. A 1-day pass costs around NT$300 for unlimited rides. Ferries operate a counter-clockwise loop stopping at Xuanguang Temple along the way.
Ferries generally run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the schedule carefully. If you miss the last 5:00 PM boat, you must take a taxi or bus around the lake.
Where should families with children stay?
Families usually prefer Shuishe for its flat cycling routes and easy bus access.
Shuishe avoids the need to drag luggage onto ferries. You can rent bikes and ride the family-friendly route to the Xiangshan Visitor Center. The paths here include over-water boardwalks.
Read our guide on Family Travel Guide for more details on traveling with young ones.
Can I see temples from either town?
Both towns provide easy access to the lake's major temples.
From Shuishe, you can reach Wenwu Temple to see the 366 Year of Steps. From Ita Thao, you can access the trails leading up to Ci'en Pagoda.
Ferries from both towns stop at Xuanguang Temple. You can buy the famous Ah Ma Tea Egg at the pier below this temple.
Questions travellers ask
Are there luggage lockers at Sun Moon Lake?
Yes, you can find luggage lockers near the Shuishe Visitor Center. This is helpful if you want to rent a bike before checking into your hotel.
How do I get to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung?
Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle from Taichung HSR Station or Taichung TRA Station. The bus goes directly to the Shuishe Visitor Center. The ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours and costs NT$229 one-way.
What indigenous tribe lives at Sun Moon Lake?
The Thao aboriginal people live around Sun Moon Lake. Their cultural heartland is centered in the Ita Thao area.
