Ringed by temples, Taiwan's biggest manmade lake is a peaceful haven
Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan's Nantou County is well known for its scenic alpine views. The biggest natural lake on the island that some see as a country and others as a Chinese province is divided by tiny Lalu Island. The eastern part of the lake is round like the sun, and the western part a crescent moon - hence the name.
"What's on Lalu Island?" I ask our guide Liu.
"Nothing!" he says. "It was home to the Thao tribe and their ancestral spirits. Most of the island has been underwater since the Japanese built a hydroelectricpower plant was built there in 1934."
But along the shore are temples and walking and bicycle trails.
Wenwu Temple on the northern shore was built in the style of a northern Chinese palace, with three separate halls. The front hall is a shrine to the First Ancestor, Kaiji, and the God of Literature.
The central hall is devoted to Guan Gong, the God of War, and the warriorgod Yue Fei. The rear hall is dedicated to Confucius.
I am carried away with the beauty and the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, but in the corner of my eye I see some unnatural movement. I stop and look around carefully.
My jaw drops as the stone soldier guarding the front hall waves at me.
"Have a good look," a woman nearby chuckles.
The soldier is now flashing a V sign. I have a good laugh and take his picture. It's time for some cycling.
"Taiwanese love to bike," says Liu, and they do so on the left side of the road. That's new to me, but the Sun Moon Lake bike trail is irresistible.
We inhale the sweet smell of the grass and serene atmosphere, and gaze at the emeraldgreen water reflecting the hills and mountains on all sides.
I hear myself whispering, "I'll be back."
If you go
<< EVA Air flies daily to Taipei from Bangkok. Check flight schedules and promotions at www.EvaAir.com
<< Sun Moon Lake is in central Taiwan. Public bus (Feng Jung Bus and GuoGuang Bus) run daily from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake.
<< Visit the lake on weekday if you want to avoid the crowds and get the best deal.
<< Visit www.taiwantourism.org