Introduction to Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
If you’re heading to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s most iconic alpine lake, there’s one experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss: riding the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway. This scenic cable car not only connects you to one of the most beautiful cultural theme parks in Taiwan—it also offers unmatched panoramic views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and deep green forests from high above.
Sun Moon Lake is already a jewel of central Taiwan, but viewing it from above adds a magical new perspective. The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is a scenic cable car that offers visitors a breathtaking aerial journey over forested hills and shimmering waters. It’s more than just transportation—it’s one of the best ways to truly appreciate the lake’s natural beauty.
Where the Journey Begins
The ropeway starts at the Ita Thao Station, located on the southern side of the lake, near the lively Ita Thao Village. From here, passengers board enclosed gondolas that travel nearly 1.9 kilometers across the lush green valley, connecting Sun Moon Lake to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, a unique theme park nestled in the hills.
Views You Won’t Forget
As the gondola lifts off, you’re treated to panoramic views of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and dense forests. On clear days, the turquoise water and distant peaks create a postcard-perfect scene. On misty mornings, it feels like floating through a dream. For an even more thrilling ride, opt for the crystal cabin, which features a glass floor so you can see straight down into the forest canopy.
Easy to Access, Simple to Enjoy
Riding the ropeway is straightforward. Tickets can be purchased at the station or as part of a combo package with the culture village. The ride lasts about 7 minutes each way and runs daily (except the first Wednesday of each month). With clear signage, friendly staff, and smooth operations, it’s ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a romantic view.
What Awaits at the Top
Once you arrive at the upper station, you’ll find yourself at the entrance to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, which blends amusement park rides with educational exhibits about Taiwan’s indigenous tribes. Even if you don’t enter the park, the upper station offers beautiful lookout points, a café, and a great photo opportunity before heading back.
A Must-Do at Sun Moon Lake
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying overnight, the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is a must-include in your itinerary. It combines scenic wonder, cultural discovery, and a touch of adventure in just a few minutes. From tranquil lake views to highland thrills, this ride lets you experience Sun Moon Lake from a whole new angle.
Here’s your complete guide to riding the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway—from ticketing and schedules to insider tips and what you’ll find at the top.
What is the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway?
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (日月潭纜車) is a dual-line cable car system that stretches 1.877 kilometers between two stations: Ita Thao (伊達邵站) on the lakefront and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village on the hillside. The ride lasts about 6–7 minutes each way and travels at an elevation of up to 142 meters above the ground.
Originally built to boost tourism and connect the lake with the cultural village, the ropeway has since become a must-do attraction thanks to its scenic beauty, engineering quality, and fun factor.
Things to Do at the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway area
Ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
One of the most iconic experiences at Sun Moon Lake is riding the ropeway that stretches between Ita Thao Village and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. The ride lasts about seven minutes, gliding smoothly above the treetops and across mountain valleys with breathtaking views of the turquoise lake and the surrounding Central Mountain Range. The ropeway is modern, safe, and suitable for all ages.
If you’re feeling adventurous, request to ride in one of the crystal cabins—featuring a transparent glass floor for an extra thrill. It’s a fantastic way to take in 360-degree panoramic views, especially during cherry blossom season or clear autumn mornings.
Key points:
Enjoy scenic aerial views of Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Choose the crystal cabin for a thrilling glass-floor ride.
Visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
The ropeway delivers you directly to the entrance of the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, a unique theme park that blends cultural heritage with amusement attractions. Inside, visitors can explore reconstructed villages representing Taiwan’s indigenous tribes, complete with traditional homes, clothing, crafts, and performances.
In addition to its cultural exhibits, the park features thrilling rides, flower gardens, and fun seasonal festivals. It’s especially popular during cherry blossom season, when thousands of sakura trees bloom throughout the park.
Key points:
Learn about Taiwan’s indigenous cultures through exhibits and live shows.
Enjoy theme park rides and stunning cherry blossoms in spring.
Take Photos at the Observation Deck
Both the Ita Thao Station and the upper station of the ropeway feature observation decks with spectacular photo opportunities. From the top, you can capture wide-angle views of Sun Moon Lake nestled between rolling hills and mountain peaks, offering one of the best viewpoints in the area.
These spots are perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset, when the light casts a golden glow over the water and hills. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a serious photographer, don’t forget your camera.
Key points:
Capture panoramic shots of the lake and mountains.
Best visited during early morning or golden hour for dramatic lighting.
Relax at the Mountain Café
Near the upper station, there’s a peaceful café where visitors can enjoy a coffee, tea, or dessert while soaking in views of the valley below. It’s a great place to take a break after riding the ropeway or exploring the nearby culture park.
With its cozy seating and large windows, the café offers a relaxing atmosphere to sit back and enjoy the scenery—ideal for couples or solo travelers looking for a quiet moment.
Key points:
Enjoy drinks with scenic mountain views.
Perfect rest stop between attractions.
Browse Souvenirs and Local Crafts
At both ends of the ropeway, small shops offer a variety of souvenirs and locally made goods. These include tribal-inspired jewelry, traditional snacks, and handwoven crafts made by indigenous communities.
It’s a great opportunity to bring home a piece of your visit—whether it’s edible souvenirs like sun cakes or a keepsake from one of Taiwan’s vibrant indigenous cultures.
Key points:
Shop for unique local and tribal-inspired souvenirs.
Support local artisans and indigenous communities.
Explore Ita Thao Village
Before or after your ropeway ride, take time to explore Ita Thao Village, a vibrant lakeside area known for its indigenous culture and food. Walk through narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and street food stalls offering everything from bamboo rice to grilled mochi.
The village is also home to the Ita Thao Pier, where you can board lake cruises or catch a ferry back to Shuishe. It’s the perfect spot to experience a more local side of Sun Moon Lake.
Key points:
Taste indigenous street food like bamboo rice and millet wine.
Visit Ita Thao Pier for lake cruises or ferry access.
Ticket Info and Pricing
You can purchase tickets at the Ita Thao Station or online via local travel apps. Ticketing is straightforward and can be bundled with entrance to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village for savings.
Ticket Prices:
Adult round-trip: NT$380
Children (6–12), seniors (65+): NT$290
Kids under 6: Free (must be accompanied)
Combo Pass: Around NT$850–900 (includes round-trip ropeway + theme park entry)
Where to buy:
On-site ticket counter at Ita Thao Station
Online platforms (Klook, KKday, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village official site)
Operating Hours
Weekdays: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Weekends & holidays: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: First Wednesday of each month for maintenance
Last ride: 10–15 minutes before closing
Tip: Operations may stop during heavy rain, fog, or strong winds. Check the official website or signage at the station for real-time updates.
What to Expect During the Ride
The cable cars are modern, enclosed gondolas that seat up to 8 passengers comfortably. The ride takes you over dense forests, hilly ridgelines, and river valleys—all with breathtaking aerial views of Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains.
There are two types of cabins:
Standard cabin (regular floor)
Crystal cabin (glass-bottom floor)—available at no extra charge, but you may need to wait slightly longer
Photography Tip: Sit on the lake-facing side (facing backward when leaving Ita Thao) for the best shots.
What’s at the Top?
Once you reach the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Station, you’re just steps from the entrance to the theme park—a combination of cultural exhibits, traditional villages, and amusement park rides.
You can:
Explore replicas of tribal homes from Taiwan’s indigenous peoples
Watch live cultural dance and music performances
Ride Taiwan’s longest suspended roller coaster
Visit gardens, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season (late February to early March)
If you’re not entering the theme park, you can still:
Enjoy the upper station’s observation deck
Browse the souvenir shop
Relax at the hillside café with views over the valley
The Best Time to Visit
Key Points:
● October to April offers the best weather and clear views.
● Late February to early March is cherry blossom season.
● Morning (10:00–11:30 AM) and late afternoon (3:00–4:00 PM) provide the best light and fewer crowds.
● Avoid summer typhoon season (July–September) due to unstable weather.
● Weekdays are quieter and more relaxing than weekends or holidays.
Autumn to Spring: Clear Skies and Comfortable Weather
The best overall months to visit the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway are between October and April. During this time, Taiwan experiences cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer afternoon rain showers.
The skies are often clearer, allowing you to fully enjoy panoramic lake and mountain views from the gondola. Autumn especially offers calm weather and vibrant forest colors, perfect for sightseeing.
Cherry Blossom Season: February to March
If you visit in late February to early March, you’ll catch the famous cherry blossoms blooming throughout the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and the surrounding mountain slopes.
This makes the ropeway ride extra stunning, as pink blossoms blanket the hillsides beneath your feet. It’s one of the most photogenic and festive times to visit.
Best Time of Day: Morning or Golden Hour
For the best lighting and least crowded conditions, take the ropeway during morning hours between 10:00–11:30 AM or during the late afternoon around 3:00–4:00 PM.
These times offer softer sunlight, better for photography, and often cooler temperatures. Avoid midday hours if you want to skip the long lines.
Times to Avoid: Summer and Holidays
The summer months (July–September) are hot and humid, and afternoon thunderstorms or typhoons may temporarily shut down the ropeway. Also, avoid national holidays and weekends if you prefer a quieter ride, as large crowds can lead to long wait times—especially for crystal cabins.
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway starts at the Ita Thao Station, located near Ita Thao Pier on the southern side of the lake.
By boat:
Take a ferry from Shuishe Pier or Xuanguang Pier to Ita Thao Pier, then walk 5–10 minutes to the ropeway station.
By bus:
From Taichung HSR Station, take the Nantou Bus to Sun Moon Lake.
Transfer to the Round-the-Lake Shuttle Bus to reach Ita Thao Village.
By bicycle:
Bike parking is available outside the station, making it a great pit stop if you’re cycling the famous Sun Moon Lake bike trail.
Local Tips for a Great Experience
Go early: Lines can get long during weekends and holidays.
Try both cabins: If you go round-trip, request a crystal cabin one way and a standard one the other.
Bundle your ticket if you plan to visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village—it saves money and time.
Visit in February or March for cherry blossoms blooming along the hillside.
Avoid on the 1st Wednesday of each month, when the ropeway is closed for regular maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway isn’t just transportation—it’s an experience. It lets you see Taiwan’s most beloved lake from a stunning new angle, offering moments of tranquility, excitement, and awe. Whether you’re planning a family day, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, make time for this sky-high ride—you’ll leave with unforgettable views and a fresh perspective.