The Grandest Temple at Sun Moon Lake
Wenwu Temple stands on the north shore of Sun Moon Lake, its back against the mountains and its face toward the water. Dedicated to both Confucius (the Civil Saint) and Guan Yu (the Martial Saint), the temple complex is built in a grand Northern Chinese palace style with red walls and golden roof tiles that glow brilliantly in the sunlight. It's a 12-minute drive from our B&B — leave by 5:30 AM to catch the best sunrise.
Best Sunrise Times by Season
- Spring (Mar–May): Sunrise ~5:30–5:50 AM; arrive by 5:00
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Sunrise ~5:10–5:30 AM; arrive by 4:50
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Sunrise ~5:40–6:10 AM; arrive by 5:20
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Sunrise ~6:10–6:30 AM; arrive by 5:50
Autumn and winter mornings are especially magical, with crisp air and mist hovering over the lake surface.
The 366-Step Year Ladder
Beside the temple, a unique staircase of 366 steps climbs from the lakeshore to the entrance — one step for each day of the year (including leap day). Each step is inscribed with a date and the name of a famous person born on that day. Finding your birthday step is a fun tradition. The climb takes 15–20 minutes; wear comfortable shoes and pause at the viewing platforms to admire the lake below.
Photography Angles
- Mid-Ladder Lookback: Around step 150–200, turn back for a stunning shot of the winding staircase with the golden lake beyond — use a wide-angle lens
- Temple Courtyard Framing: Use the red pillars as a frame for the lake and mountains; golden sunrise light from behind the peaks is spectacular
- Rear Hall High Point: Climb to the Dacheng Hall at the back for a bird's-eye panorama — a lesser-known vantage point
History & Culture
Originally at a lower elevation, Wenwu Temple was relocated to its current site in 1938 when the Sun Moon Lake hydroelectric project raised water levels. The present structure dates to 1969 and features three halls, magnificent stone lions (the largest in Taiwan), and intricate stone and wood carvings throughout.
Practical Information
- By car: 12 minutes from our B&B via Highway 21; free parking lot beside the temple
- By bus: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle "Sun Moon Lake Line," alight at Wenwu Temple
- Hours: Open 24/7, free admission
- Tip: Bring a flashlight and a light jacket for the pre-dawn chill