Attraction · Sun Moon Lake
Ita Thao village
The lakeside village of the Thao people, with a market selling millet wine, wild-boar sausage and tea eggs, plus a small cultural centre. Boats from Shuishe dock here.
Photo: Amymu123 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The visit
Ita Thao is a good place to eat, wander and watch the boats come in. The village is small, but the market and the lakeside setting give it a lively, welcoming feel. Try the local millet wine and snacks.
History and context
Ita Thao is a Thao indigenous village on the lake’s south shore. The Thao are one of Taiwan’s smallest indigenous groups, and the village market is known for millet wine and local food.
The Thao are one of Taiwan’s smallest indigenous peoples, and their old village was partly submerged by the rising lake. Ita Thao was rebuilt on the south shore, where the market now supports the community and shares its culture with visitors.
What to see
- Thao indigenous village
- Millet wine and wild-boar sausage
- Lakeside market and food stalls
- Boat and cable-car connections
Practical notes
- Allow about: 2 hours
- Type: cultural site
- Destination: Sun Moon Lake
- Tickets: Free
- Best time: Afternoon
- Booking: Not needed
- Accessibility: Partial
Getting there
- Ferry: from Shuishe
Good to know
Try the tea eggs cooked in mushroom broth and the millet mochi. Prices are higher than in the city but the setting is lovely.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
Recommended duration: 2 hours.
When is the best time to visit?
The afternoon offers a good balance of light and atmosphere.
Do I need to book?
No booking is needed.
Location
Keep exploring
More places in Sun Moon Lake
Ci'en Pagoda
A nine-storey pagoda built by Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother, reached by a steep staircase through the forest. The top offers the best full-lake panorama.
FamilyFormosan Aboriginal Culture Village
A theme park and cultural village combined, with performances, traditional houses and a cable car over the lake. It is touristy but a good option for families.
NatureThe lake loop by bike
A 30-kilometre cycle path circles the lake, passing through tunnels of trees, tea farms and waterfront villages. The section between Shuishe and Xiangshan is especially beautiful.
TempleWenwu Temple
A grand lakeside temple dedicated to Confucius and the gods of war and literature, with sweeping views over the water and mountains. The architecture is a photogenic blend of northern Chinese styles.