One of the highlights here is a 2,800 years old red cypress call the Sacred Tree (神木) which had survived three lightning strikes. But in order to reach the sacred one, we walked/ hiked for almost 2 km before we saw the oldest tree in the forest.

Another highlight is Skywalk, a 220 meters long canopy walkway which is 22.6 meters above ground (equivalent to seven storeys high). Itâ€s also a nice experience to get a closer look at the canopy, plus the air up here is so refreshing.

An evening at Xitou Monster Village

The evening and dinner were spent at Xitou Monster Village (溪頭怪物村) located at the entrance of Xitou Nature Education Area. Xitou Monster Village is a Japanese style/ monster themed quaint village in the middle of a forest. The wooden huts house many stores selling funny-looking souvenirs and snacks.

Hereâ€s the famous signboard of a monster with long sausage nose.

We were told that there will be more activities during the day where ‘monsters†will roam around the village. We are probably not fated to meet the monsters after all LOL. The Monster Village in the evening is mostly people like us who have booked their accommodation stay in Xitou Nature Education Area.

We had a great tea session in this shop.

STAY: Xitou Education Center review

Ya I know, the name is kinda funny but rest assured we are not sleeping in some classrooms LOL. We stayed at the well-equipped and comfortable villas. Do take note that the Xitou Education Center accommodation is in a forest area so sighting of insects is common…but waking up to the fresh air deep in nature is one huge plus experience.

** Image credits: Xitou Education Center

[alert]

What are your thoughts about Xitou? Leave a comment and share it with me.

[/alert]

Mesmerized by what I saw, I asked my uncle whether itâ€s possible to spend a little more time at Sun Moon Lake and he suggested a hike up to Ci En Pagoda (慈恩塔) after check out. That got me all excited as the Pagodaâ€s high vantage point means that the view will just be spectacular.

Ci En Pagoda at Sun Moon Lake

We alighted at the carpark next to Ci En Pagoda hiking trail northern entrance and raring to go. The information board indicated that the entire trail is 700 meters, which is very manageable. Moreover, the trail is actually a paved road with nice surrounding greenery.

Based on the timestamp of my photos, it took me just 10 minutes to complete the hike.

Ci En Pagoda was built in 1971 by the late Taiwanese President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother. One interesting fact is the 46 meters tall Pagoda sits on a mountaintop with an elevation of 954 meters, which means the tip of Pagoda is exactly 1000 meters. Did the late President actually plan for that?

Upon reaching the top of Ci En Pagoda, I just go wow and wow, finally get to see the awesome turquoise water!! The mirror-like calm water and range of mountain setting are amazingly picturesque. The Pagoda offers a 360 degree of magnificent view of Sun Moon Lake, itâ€s just so freaking beautiful.

Since there arenâ€t many people around, I asked my younger cousins to create something with the sand for me to take a picture from the top. And this was their creation LOL.

Before leaving the Pagoda, I gently rang the bell and prayed.

While walking back to the carpark, I saw an elderly couple heading towards the Pagoda. The lady looked to have difficulties walking but her companion helped her in every step of the way. I offered help but they declined politely. The husband then told me a little about his wifeâ€s illness and though she has difficulty walking, she wanted to complete the trail and see Ci En Pagoda before her condition worsen. They bade farewell to me with a smile and continue…I almost teared up…

Life can be so unpredictable, told myself after that to visit places which I want to go whenever I can, sooner than later.

[alert]

What are your thoughts about Sun Moon Lake? Leave a comment and share it with me.

[/alert]