Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, and the closest thing I've seen to a tourist resort. Inhabited by a number of the Taiwanese aboriginal tribes (namely the Thao), it offers a nice quiet high mountain getaway from the hustle and bustle of Taipei life. I was quite sad to have only spent one day and one night here, but my studies await.  Highly recommend the Laurel Villa B&B - very nice family-run business (3 generations at once!) and great local food for a very modest price (ok - where's my free room? :p). Also recommend the fresh passion fruits - brought a bag of them home with me to Taipei!