Shuishe Mountain | Nantou Attraction

Shuishe Mountain (Shuishe Dashan) reaches 2,059 meters, making it the highest peak around Sun Moon Lake and one of Taiwan's Xiao Baiyue (Little Hundred Peaks). The trail starts from Shuishe Dam, follows the ridgeline to the summit, and offers a bird's-eye view of Sun Moon Lake in its entirety along with the surrounding mountain ranges. The trail is approximately 8 km round trip, requiring 6 to 8 hours, and is one of the more demanding day-hike routes in Nantou County — suitable for experienced hikers.

Highlights of Shuishe Mountain

What makes Shuishe Mountain distinctive is its geographical relationship with Sun Moon Lake: from the lakeshore you look up to see the mountain rising as a backdrop, and from the summit you look down to see the lake as a panoramic stage. On a clear day, the lake surface, Lalu Island and Guanghua Island, and the Ita Thao community on the opposite shore are all clearly visible, while the Central Mountain Range extends from south to north; in exceptional visibility, the outlines of more distant peaks become discernible.

The trail starts near Shuishe Dam. The first section is steep, passing through secondary forest before gradually entering old-growth broadleaf forest; the ridgeline section opens up progressively. The trail is rich in vegetation along the way and has high bird diversity, making it a multi-purpose route combining summit views with nature observation. The summit and the entire ridgeline are unshaded; summer afternoons bring thunderstorms, so heed the weather and start early.

Making the most of your visit

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Full ridgeline hikeThe approximately 8-km round trip takes 6 to 8 hours. Set off before 6 a.m.; bring plenty of water, rain gear, and trail shoes with good grip — these are essential.

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Summit view over Sun Moon LakeClear-weather summit views are the highlight of this climb. Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains spread out below — bring binoculars to enhance the experience.

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Start early for the best lightMorning light is soft and the sky is often clear; summer afternoons frequently bring thunderstorms. The safest approach is to reach the summit and begin your descent before noon.

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Ridgeline bird watchingThe ridgeline section offers opportunities to spot bird species endemic to Taiwan's mid- and high elevations. Walk quietly and listen for calls on all sides; binoculars make a significant difference.

Practical information

Getting there and time needed

The trailhead is near Sun Moon Lake's Shuishe Dam. Drive to the Shuishe car park and walk to the trailhead. Sun Moon Lake parking is tight on holidays — weekday visits are recommended.
The full round trip requires 6 to 8 hours and a solid hiking fitness level. Trail conditions vary by season; fallen trees and rockfalls are possible after typhoons — check trail status before setting out.

Nearby connections

Shuishe Mountain and Sun Moon Lake are neighbors; after descending, a boat tour or an easy lakeside trail walk makes a good recovery activity.
Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Story House in Yuchi Township is about 15 to 20 minutes by car from the Shuishe area — a good cultural visit to schedule the day before the hike.

Source: compiled from context data; some information supplemented from public sources. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

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