In the past, the Sun Lake Road was Sun Moon Lake's only road, and because it only circled Sun Lake, tourists had to turn back, unable to travel around the whole lake area. This was the only drawback in an otherwise perfect journey. However, since the end of 1995, due to the completion of construction work on the Moon Lake Road, tourists are now able to drive around the entire Sun Moon Lake, enjoying each of its scenic spots. The route is around 33 kilometers in length. If tourists prefer to use bicycles or motorcycles, they can expect to cover all the scenic spots around the lake in one day. They can take in exercise as they enjoy the leisurely, carefree experience of Sun Moon Lake's mountains and waters.

Starting from the Shueishe Visitor Center, and going in a clockwise direction, you can cycle to Wunwu Temple and Peacock Garden. As you arrive at Dajhuhu, you can view the aquatic birds. After seeing Sun Moon Springs, go toward the Youth Activity Center sign, and turn left at the fork road toward the Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center, where you may feed the pigeons and take a brief rest. By this time, you will have completed one quarter of the route.

After traveling a short distance from the Youth Activity Center, you will arrive at Ita Thao, where you can eat lunch and quench your thirst, before setting off once more. You will first pass Syuanzang Temple, before going up a slope to Cihen Pagoda. If you feel up to it, you can walk a small path of around 570 meters, where you will be able to see a beautiful view of Sun Moon Lake from Cihen Pagoda. Or else you can start going down the slope to Syuanguang Temple. From here you can view the nearby Lalu Island. You have now entered the Moon Lake Area. Although there are no famous old sights around Moon Lake, some people feel that the natural scenery of this part of the route is even more beautiful than that of Sun Lake. Do not rush this part of the route; otherwise you will miss these beautiful sights.

Once you arrive at Syuanguang Temple, you will have completed two thirds of the course, and you can adjust your cycling speed according to your time schedule. After you reach Shueishe Dam Park, you have just one tenth of the journey remaining. If time allows, you can take a stroll around the Hanbi Peninsula, before arriving at Jhongshan Road or Mingsheng Street for dinner. From there, you can return to the starting point, having completed your one-day tour around the lake!

As far as circling the lake is concerned, which is better, cycling in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction? It is hard to tell. The advantage of cycling in a clockwise direction is that it is easier to enjoy the lakefront scenery (as it can be seen unobscured from the road). However, you need to pay more attention to safety, being immediately by the edge of the lake shore. If you take a counter-clockwise route, you are closer to the mountains, and safer. However, the on-coming traffic blocks your view, making it impossible to enjoy the lakefront scenery at your leisure. However, if you set off earlier, you can enjoy the sunrise, and then when you get to Dajhuhu, you can enjoy the sunset. You cannot have your cake and eat it! Whichever route you take is up to you.

The Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center promotes cycling tours for health and recreation. The various bicycles that they rent out to the tourists include motor-driven bicycles, tandems, mountain bikes, ladies' bicycles, and bicycles for children and youth. All these kinds of bicycles are available for tourist rental, and tourists have a wide variety of choices based their own special needs. According to the Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center, there are three pricing standards available when renting bicycles, which they encourage the tourists to make use of. Every year from March to June, a special premium price is offered. For further details, please call 049-2850070.