The lake and its surrounding countryside have been designated one of thirteen national scenic areas in Taiwan.

[9] Tzu-En Pagoda (慈恩塔; Cí'ēn Tǎ) was ordered constructed by late President Chiang Kai-shek in 1971 in memory of his mother.

[2] In legend, Thao hunters discovered Sun Moon Lake while chasing a white deer through the surrounding mountains.

In recent years, due to increasing social and political awareness, more deference and recognition are being given to Taiwanese aborigines.

[citation needed] Wujie Dam, also completed in 1934, diverts water from the Zhuoshui River to increase hydroelectric generation at the lake.

Introduced giant snakehead pose a challenge to the ecological balance of the lake and are a threat to native fish and shrimp species.

The Nantou County Bureau of Agricultural Affairs has in place an eradication program for the species which attempts to electrofish schools of juvenile fish.

[17] The depiction of Sun Moon Lake is featured in the newly-issued People's Republic of China passport in 2012, a move that has triggered protest from Taipei to Beijing.