Shuishe Great Mountain Hiking Trail

⚠️Temporarily closed due to storm damage and not yet reopened⚠️ The 'Sun Moon Lake Four Beauties' refers to four characteristic mid-level peaks surrounding Sun Moon Lake: Shuishe Great Mountain (2059 meters above sea level), Dajian Mountain (2017 meters), Maolan Mountain (approximately 1016 meters), and Houjian Mountain (1008 meters). Hikers affectionately call them the 'Sun Moon Lake Four Siblings'. The Shuishe Great Mountain Hiking Trail is the climbing route to Shuishe Great Mountain, the highest peak in the Sun Moon Lake area, at an elevation of 2059 meters. The trail is approximately 5.6 kilometers long (11 kilometers round trip) with an elevation gain of over 1280 meters, making it a moderately challenging route suitable for hikers with a certain level of physical fitness and hiking experience. The entire journey takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete. It is recommended to start early and bring plenty of water and supplies. The trailhead is located next to the Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center restaurant. The first 1.6 kilometers consist of stone steps, after which it transitions into an original mountain path. The forest landscape along the way is diverse, transitioning from low-altitude broadleaf forests and Cinnamomum kanehirae forests to mid-to-high-altitude Moso bamboo forests and rhododendron forests, finally entering temperate Yushan cane bamboo forests. Its rich and diverse ecosystem makes it an excellent route for observing mountain forest ecology. Several pavilions and viewpoints are set up along the way, where hikers can admire panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake, Lalu Island, and the magnificent mountains of the Central Mountain Range. The grand scenery helps one forget the fatigue of hiking. The trail conditions are good, and the path is clear. Some steep sections are equipped with ropes for assistance, but overall it is safe. Along the way, you will pass small peaks such as Buji Mountain, and clear kilometer markers are provided to help track your progress. As there is no water source along the entire route, you must bring your own drinking water. Also, mountain weather is unpredictable, so it is advisable to carry rain gear and warm clothing.