Sun Moon Lake Hanbi Trail

Formerly known as "Shouwangdi" (Hand Net Land), this area was named for its terrain resembling a fishing hand net cast by early settlers. The mountain's jade-like appearance led to its name, Hanbi Mountain, also known as Bi Mountain. Surrounded by the lake on three sides, looking down from The Lalu reveals the lush green mountains, winding shores, and azure waters of Sun Moon Lake, intertwining to form a beautiful tableau. The Hanbi Trail is a forest path that meanders around The Lalu. The trail, which spans 1.5 to 2 kilometers, gently winds around Hanbi Mountain at an elevation between 750 and 780 meters. The Lalu (formerly President Chiang Kai-shek's temporary residence), situated at an elevation of 793.3 meters, is located along the trail. The entire walk takes approximately one hour. It was formerly a restricted area; when President Chiang Kai-shek resided here, he often strolled along the path or took a boat from the pier below the trail to Moon Lake, heading to Ci'en Pagoda. To this day, the pier and a guard post can still be seen below the trail. The Hanbi Trail has a gentle slope, and its steps are all constructed with red bricks, appearing even more rustic and elegant amidst the green forest. Tall trees line both sides of the trail, their foliage lush and verdant, making it common to spot low-altitude birds such as the Taiwan Barbet, White-eared Sibia, and Taiwan Yuhina. From the trail, distant views of Sun Moon Lake show its surface like a mirror, reflecting the hazy mountain scenery, creating an enchanting landscape that is truly exceptional.