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National Scenic Area (II)-Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area, Alishan National Scenic Area, Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Following last month, this month we will cover three more national scenic areas in West Taiwan. These three scenic areas cover Central and Southwest Taiwan, and all boast beautiful mountain and coastal scenery.

1. Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Sun Moon Lake is the biggest lake in Taiwan. It consists of the irregular rhombus-shaped Sun Lake, and the crescent-shaped Moon Lake to the west. Sun Moon Lake is the traditional habitat of the Thao people.According to legend the Thao people came across Sun Moon Lake while they were hunting a white buck. On discovering the lake, the tribe decided to move there for its beauty. The island on the lake, called Lalu by the Thao people, is where the Thao used to reside and is still considered to be the holy residence of the spirits of the tribe's ancestors Sun Moon Lake's beauty lies in its tranquil turquoise water and the surrounding mountains, which layer upon one another as they recede into the misty distance and are reflected in the still waters of the lake. The scenery looks like a living Chinese painting, and is truly breathtaking. Frequent mists and passing rain showers lend an air of mystery and contribute to the constantly changing moods of the area. In the surrounding mountains there are trails for hikers. Each of them offers visitors a different perspective of the lake's beauty. The sacred Lalu Island is off limits to visitors, but gardens built on rafts featuring a variety of local vegetation now surround it, so the tourist boats continue to call. Like other scenic areas in Taiwan , Sun Moon Lake has a rich and diverse fauna and flora. Six rare indigenous birds including the Taiwan whistling thrush, the Taiwan sibia, the Taiwan blue magpie, Steere's liocichla, the white-throated hill partridge and the Taiwan yuhina as well as another 80-plus species are found here, and there are also dozens of butterfly, fish, and animal species in the area. Read more... http://go2taiwan.net