Your ultimate guide to the Sun Moon Lake Fireworks FestivalIs the Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival worth it? 2025 dates, tickets, and location at a glance

The event runs from September 20 to November 15, 2025. The main fireworks display dates are as follows:

• 2025.09.20 Nine Days of Thunderous Reverberations at Sun Moon Lake
  • Event Time: Starts at 17:30
  • Event Venue: Ita Thao Pier
• 2025.11.01｜Taiwan Mobile Sun Moon Lake Fireworks & Music Festival “Beat Talk”
  • Event Time: Starts at 18:30
  • Event Venue: Sun Moon Lake - Shuishe Zhongxing Parking Lot
• 2025.11.15｜NTSO Taiwan Wind Orchestra Fireworks & Music Festival
  • Event Time: Starts at 18:30
  • Event Venue: Xiangshan Visitor Center

Yes, it's definitely worth it!

• A visual feast of natural landscapes and fireworks: Sun Moon Lake's scenery is already stunning, and the evening fireworks, reflected in the water and framed by the surrounding mountains, create an incredibly atmospheric experience.
• Rich concert and cultural events: The Fireworks Festival isn't just a fireworks display; it features a diverse program of musical carnivals, Indigenous drum performances, orchestral music, film scores, and more, plus warm-up acts. There's something for everyone, whether you have children or simply want to enjoy a comfortable show.
• Multiple shows and location options: The 2025 festival will host several fireworks displays at locations including Ita Thao Pier, Shuishe Zhongxing Parking Lot, and Xiangshan Visitor Center. You can choose a show based on convenience.
• Perfect for holiday outings and photography: The evening fireworks combined with the lakeside scenery offer excellent photo opportunities. If you enjoy landscape or night photography, this will be a very rewarding destination. It's also ideal for a fun outing with family and friends.

There will be three fireworks displays:

• September 20, 2025｜Nine Days of Thunderous Reverberations at Sun Moon Lake
  • Event Time: Starts at 17:30
  • Event Venue: Ita Thao Pier
• November 1, 2025｜Taiwan Mobile Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Music Festival "Beat Talk"
  • Event Time: Starts at 18:30
  • Event Venue: Sun Moon Lake - Shuishe Zhongxing Parking Lot
• November 15, 2025｜NTSO Taiwan Wind Orchestra Fireworks Music Festival
  • Event Time: Starts at 18:30
  • Event Venue: Xiangshan Visitor Center

On Friday, October 17, the “Sun Moon Lake Wedding: Love in Nantou, Happiness Forever” event will take place at Wenwu Temple, inviting couples to embark on the next chapter of their lives under the temple’s auspicious gaze!

November 1–2: Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Culture Festival

If you're looking to experience the authentic charm of Yuchi's tea, the Black Tea Culture Festival is for you. It brings together local farmers' markets, black tea competitions, award ceremonies, and "Creative Workshop" DIY experiences. The tea market and agricultural tours allow visitors to savor tea while learning about rural culture. Through competitive exchange, black tea gains unique character and attracts young people to farming, spreading its aroma across Taiwan!

October 26: Sun Moon Lake Round-the-Lake Marathon

The most exhilarating event every October! The Round-the-Lake Marathon gathers over 6,000 runners at Sun Moon Lake, featuring a 42K full marathon, a 29K ultra-half marathon, and a 6K walk. The 29K loop around the lake is especially popular. The race boasts international certification and age-group Grand Slam qualification, with professional medical care ensuring safety. Plus, its "donate one dollar for every kilometer run" charitable spirit means you get exercise, beautiful scenery, and a good cause all in one!

Saturday, 9/20: Fireworks Shuttle Information

• Ita Thao Venue｜Fare: NT$450 per person (includes round-trip bus ticket from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Ita Thao)
• Departure Schedule
  • Bus A: Gancheng 09:00 → HSR 09:25 → Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station 10:40
  • Bus B: Gancheng 09:30 → HSR 09:55 → Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station 11:10
• Return Schedule
  • Bus A: Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station 20:15
  • Bus B: Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station 20:20
  • Boarding Location: Sun Moon Lake Ropeway Station Parking Lot

Saturday, 11/1: Fireworks Shuttle Information

• Shuishe Venue｜Fare: NT$390 per person (includes round-trip bus ticket from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Xiangshan)
• Departure Schedule
  • Bus A: Gancheng 09:00 → HSR 09:25 → Shuishe Zhongxing Parking Lot 10:20
  • Bus B: Gancheng 09:30 → HSR 09:55 → Shuishe Zhongxing Parking Lot 10:50
• Return Schedule
  • Bus A: Shuishe Zhongxing Parking Lot 22:00
  • Bus B: Shuishe Zhongxing Parking Lot 22:05
  • Boarding Location: Zhongxing Parking Lot

Saturday, 11/15: Fireworks Shuttle Information

• Xiangshan Venue｜Fare: NT$410 per person (includes round-trip bus ticket from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Xiangshan)
• Departure Schedule
  • Bus A: Gancheng 09:00 → HSR 09:25 → Xiangshan Visitor Center 10:30
  • Bus B: Gancheng 09:30 → HSR 09:55 → Xiangshan Visitor Center 11:00
• Return Schedule
  • Bus A: Xiangshan Visitor Center 21:10
  • Bus B: Xiangshan Visitor Center 21:15
  • Boarding Location: Xiangshan Visitor Center Coach Parking (next to the restrooms behind Xiangshan)

If you're driving to Sun Moon Lake from Taipei, you have three route options:

• Route A: National Freeway 3 → Wufeng System Interchange (National Freeway 6) → Ailan Interchange (connect to Provincial Highway 14 towards Puli) → Puli (connect to Provincial Highway 21) → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake
• Route B: National Freeway 1 → Changhua System (National Freeway 3 South) → Wufeng System Interchange (National Freeway 6) → Ailan Interchange (connect to Provincial Highway 14 towards Puli) → Puli (connect to Provincial Highway 21) → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake
• Route C: National Freeway 3 → Caotun Interchange (connect to Provincial Highway 14) towards Puli → Puli (connect to Provincial Highway 21) → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake

If you're driving from Taichung, you have two route options:

• Route A: Taichung → Zhongtou Expressway → Zhongtou Interchange (connect to National Freeway 3 South) → Wufeng System Interchange (National Freeway 6) → Ailan Interchange (connect to Provincial Highway 14 towards Puli) → Puli (connect to Provincial Highway 21) → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake
• Route B: Taichung → Taichung Road → Dali → Guoguang Road → Wufeng → (connect to Provincial Highway 14) → Caotun → (connect to Provincial Highway 14) → Puli (connect to Provincial Highway 21) → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake

If you're driving from Kaohsiung, you have two route options:

• Route A: National Freeway 1 → Provincial Highway 78 Expressway → National Freeway 3 → Zhushan Interchange → Jiji (connect to Provincial Highway 3, then Provincial Highway 16) → Shuili (connect to Provincial Highway 16) → Sun Moon Lake (connect to Provincial Highway 21)
• Route B: National Freeway 3 → Zhushan Interchange → Jiji (connect to Provincial Highway 3, then Provincial Highway 16) → Shuili (connect to Provincial Highway 16) → Sun Moon Lake (connect to Provincial Highway 21)

1. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

• Sun Moon Lake Line｜Taichung Gancheng⇄Sun Moon Lake, approx. 105 minutes travel time
  • Departing Taichung Gancheng: First bus 7:20, last bus 19:45
  • Departing Sun Moon Lake: First bus 7:25, last bus 19:25
• Checheng Line｜Checheng⇄Sun Moon Lake, approx. 30 minutes travel time
  • Departing Checheng: First bus 8:50, last bus 18:15
  • Departing Sun Moon Lake: First bus 8:10, last bus 17:35

2. Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport

• 1833 Taipei Direct Express｜Taipei Bus Station⇄Sun Moon Lake, approx. 215 minutes travel time
  • Departing Taipei Bus Station: First bus 06:20, last bus 15:20
  • Departing Sun Moon Lake: First bus 09:45, last bus 17:15

No tickets are required for the Fireworks Festival events and fireworks display.

The Sun Moon Lake Marathon, part of the Fireworks Festival series, has closed for registration; all other events are open to the public without prior registration.

The observation deck offers expansive views, making it the premier spot for capturing brilliant fireworks reflected on the water. The organizers have tentatively announced that for the final fireworks show on Saturday, November 15, tickets will be available to the public for the "Xiangshan Visitor Center Second Floor Observation Deck." If you want to enjoy the fireworks from the best vantage point, be sure to keep an eye on the organizers' latest announcements!

This spot offers a retreat from the performance area's distractions, providing a more picturesque vantage point to capture the stunning interplay of lake and firelight.

This spot offers a lively foreground with a parking lot and concert venue near the lake, perfect for dynamic compositions.

Longfeng Temple is a popular spot for viewing the Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival, offering a perfect vantage point to capture the fireworks' reflection on the lake, especially when streetlights don't interfere with the view.

This elevated spot offers a panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake and any fireworks displays, making it ideal for wide-angle photography.

Taiwan Beauty Hotel is known as the "Taipei 101 of Sun Moon Lake." If you book a high-floor room with a lake view in advance, you can easily photograph the Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival fireworks from your balcony and comfortably enjoy the night view.

Xiangshan Visitor Center and Shuishe Pier are classic must-sees, offering expansive views perfect for watching fireworks reflect on the lake. Yidashao Pier has a livelier atmosphere, so if you're an extrovert who doesn't mind crowds, joining the throng to watch the fireworks is sure to be a blast!

To catch the best views, arrive by 3 or 4 PM; for prime photo spots, it's best to stake out your claim by noon. The later you arrive, the more crowded it gets, and parking becomes much harder to find!

Pets and children are welcome, but be aware that the crowds and fireworks can be loud, which might make pets anxious. While there are some family-friendly areas and vendors on-site, we recommend bringing your own stroller, noise-canceling headphones, and pet carrier for a more comfortable experience.

The main viewing areas are mostly outdoors, and indoor space is limited, so we recommend bringing a light rain jacket, a warm coat, or a scarf. Given the significant temperature swings at Sun Moon Lake at night, especially the cool autumn evenings, dressing in layers is the most practical approach!

If you're shooting with a phone, we recommend using Night Mode or Pro Mode. Slow down the shutter speed, lower the ISO, and use a tripod to capture clearer fireworks trails and lake reflections. If you forget your tripod and have to shoot handheld, try to keep your phone as steady as possible, or use wide-angle mode for a more expansive shot.

Camping is not permitted on-site, but simple picnics are allowed in designated areas, provided you adhere to cleanliness guidelines. If you wish to extend your stay, we recommend booking nearby hotels, B&Bs, or campsites in advance to avoid disappointment.

Located right next to Sun Moon Lake's Shuishe Pier, this venue is the ultimate choice for taking in the stunning beauty of Sun Moon Lake! The hotel's exterior design echoes the lake's waves, and it offers panoramic lake-view rooms. Book early to secure a room with magnificent lake and mountain views; some room types even feature a private balcony, perfect for stepping out to breathe in the fresh morning air.

The hotel also provides complimentary bicycle rentals, making it easy for guests to cycle around the lake. Additionally, the restaurant serves both Western and Asian cuisine and boasts a lakeside terrace where you can dine while enjoying the lake views. If you love admiring lake scenery, don't miss the Sun Moon Lake Dalaiguan Hotel!

The Apollo Resort Hotel at Sun Moon Lake offers a serene, elegant Japanese Zen-style escape. Its prime location near the pier and shopping street means you can easily walk to Shuishe Pier and Shuishe Shopping Street, making it convenient for guests to take a boat tour of Sun Moon Lake. If you're looking for a blend of Japanese Zen aesthetics and stunning lake views, the Apollo Resort Hotel is an excellent choice for your stay!

This is the first international five-star hot spring resort in the Sun Moon Lake area, located right next to Ita Thao Pier, within walking distance of the cable car station and major attractions. The hotel blends Thao culture with modern design, offering 203 guest rooms, each equipped with a private hot spring pool, allowing every guest to enjoy a hot spring bath in their room. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool, children's pool, spa pool, gym, and bar, catering to a variety of traveler needs. If you love spending an entire day at a hotel enjoying all its facilities, this is a must-visit.

These fish rolls are made with freshly ground President Fish paste, a Sun Moon Lake specialty, wrapped in a thin layer of tofu skin, and deep-fried to order. The result is a golden, crispy exterior and a sweet, springy filling. The original fish rolls highlight the natural sweetness of the fish paste, while the scallion and pork rolls add green onions and minced pork for a richer texture. They're best enjoyed hot, and you can add special sauces if you like cilantro or a spicy kick. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of crispiness and fresh seafood flavor.

Anyone who loves gua bao absolutely must try Dong Dong Gua Bao! Their signature "Tiger Bites Pig" gua bao uses homemade soybean floss instead of peanut powder for an even richer aroma. Beyond the traditional steamed bun, they also offer a creative dried tofu gua bao, where dried tofu braised in Assam black tea forms the "bun." This is filled with melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly, crisp pickled mustard greens, and cucumber, then topped with soybean floss for a savory, springy, and richly layered bite. For a heartier meal, the Grand Combo Gua Bao packs in multiple fillings, making it a satisfying choice whether as a snack or a full meal!

Located near Ita Thao Pier, the signature stir-fried wild boar with sausage is tender, juicy, and incredibly fragrant, with onions adding a touch of sweetness. The prickly ash sausage has a unique aroma and a firm, chewy texture, while the flying fish roe sausage offers a delightful pop and a subtle hint of the sea. We recommend enjoying these dishes while taking in the lake views from the pier, soaking up Sun Moon Lake's most chill lifestyle.

Riyue Tea House: If you’re a bubble tea fan visiting Sun Moon Lake’s Ita Thao Pier, Riyue Tea House is a must-visit! What started as a small cart has grown into a popular venue, always bustling with people on weekdays and weekends alike. Riyue Tea House uses carefully selected teas, precisely brewed and sweetened with brown sugar, resulting in a smooth, rich, and lingering flavor in every sip. Sun Moon Lake black tea originated in 1925 during the Japanese colonial period with the trial cultivation of Assam tea. The local climate gives it a unique flavor, making it Taiwan’s signature black tea. Enjoy a cup while admiring the lake view and immersing yourself in the local tea culture — taste Sun Moon Lake through its black tea!

Paper Dome – Yuchi Township tea tasting – Sun Moon Lake boat tour – Wenwu Temple and Annual Ladder Trail – Ita Thao shopping district for dinner – Sun Moon Lake Fireworks and Music Festival

Sun Moon Lake Morning SUP – Lunch – Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Culture Festival – Return