Sun Moon Lake Xiangshan Visitor Center: A Lakeside Sanctuary Where Architecture Meets Nature

📍 Location No. 599, Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County ⸻ 🚗 Transportation • By car: From Taichung, take National Highway 6 and exit at Ailan Interchange. Follow Provincial Highway 14 to Puli, then switch to Provincial Highway 21 and drive straight to Sun Moon Lake. Follow the signs to Xiangshan Visitor Center. • By public transport: Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Sun Moon Lake Line to "Xiangshan Administration and Visitor Center Station." Get off and you’re there. ⸻ 📝 Personal Experience Located across from the Hanbi Peninsula of Sun Moon Lake, Xiangshan Visitor Center was designed by Japanese architect Norihiko Dan. The building features a wood-grain exposed concrete style that harmonizes with the natural landscape, showcasing a minimalist aesthetic infused with Eastern Zen. The structure consists of two curved buildings: the west side houses the visitor center, while the east side serves as the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration. The sloped roof design connects seamlessly with an infinity pool, blending the architecture with the lake view, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the scenery of Sun Moon Lake. Inside the visitor center, there is an exhibition space introducing the natural and cultural features of Sun Moon Lake, along with a multimedia room for visitors to delve deeper into the local culture. Additionally, the on-site café offers aromatic coffee and specialty tea eggs, allowing guests to savor delicious treats while admiring the lake view. Nearby, the Xiangshan Bike Path and the Sun Moon Lake Circular Bike Path have been recognized by CNN as one of the world's top ten most beautiful cycling routes, making it a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts. Overall, Xiangshan Visitor Center is not just a tourist information hub for Sun Moon Lake but also an artistic space that combines architectural beauty with natural landscapes. It’s definitely worth a visit.