Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake was named one of the top 10 biking paths in the world by CNN. // © 2014 Taiwan Tourism Bureau

The Come! Bike Day ride around Sun Moon Lake is a family-friendly part of the annual Taiwan Bicycle Festival. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

Before the start of Come! Bike Day, participants gathered around the Xiangshan Visitor Center of Sun Moon Lake, a popular biking spot in Taiwan. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

Biking the 19-mile perimeter of Sun Moon Lake is a popular year-round activity. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

The Tutingzai Trail is situated where Shabalan Mountain and Qiedonglun meet at the site of an old Thao village. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

Golden bells on a staircase adjacent to the lake // © 2014 Mindy Poder

The Cien Pagoda, commissioned by Chiang Kai Shek, looms over much of the area. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

On boat tours, visitors can see Lalu Island, a sacred site to the Thao, an aboriginal tribe. // © 2014 Taiwan Tourism Bureau

A captain shares information about the lake and its residents on a private boat ride. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s national scenic areas. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

Admission to the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is about $10 and offers some of the area’s best views. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

The Wenwu Temple was built after a dam caused water levels to rise and offers a picturesque perspective over much of the lake. // © 2014 Mindy Poder

The Wenwu Temple features two stone vermillion lions at the front of the plaza and is a popular attraction for visitors to the area. // © 2014 Tyler Knowles