2026 Sun Moon Lake Mass Swim
Sun Moon Lake International Mass Swim Carnival
SWIM LIFE × SUN MOON LAKE

Swim Across
the Beauty of Taiwan

Zhaowu Pier — Ita Thao Pier, a magnificent 3,000-meter swim
Once a year, a once-in-a-lifetime swim across Sun Moon Lake with thousands of others

EVENT DATE
2026.9.20
Held before Mid-Autumn Festival
LOCATION
Sun Moon Lake, Nantou
Enter at Zhaowu Pier → Exit at Ita Thao Pier
CAPACITY
25,000
Closes once full
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DAYS
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HOURS
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MINS
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SECS
Register Now Learn More
📋 Registration 🚌 Transport ⚠️ Safety Info 🎒 Supply Pickup
🚨 Important: We keep updating the latest news, so please keep checking this site    ★ A torpedo buoy is mandatory gear — no buoy, no entry into the water    🏊 Eligibility: ages 8–79, teams of 5 or more required    ⚠️ Please do not register if you have heart disease, asthma, epilepsy, or other high-risk conditions    📍 Swim Life club: www.swimlife.tw    🚌 Traffic control is in effect on event day — chartered buses or the official shuttle are strongly recommended   
01 · About

A Grand Challenge Every
Taiwanese Should Try Once

The Sun Moon Lake Mass Swim began in 1983, launched by the Puli Four Seasons Morning Swim Club. What started with 580 participants has grown to over 20,000 swimmers each year. In 2002 it was officially inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, and is regarded alongside cycling around Taiwan and climbing Yushan as one of the "three great challenges every Taiwanese should complete."

Each year around Mid-Autumn Festival, swimmers from Taiwan and around the world set off from Zhaowu Pier in the early morning light, crossing the deep blue waters of Sun Moon Lake all the way to Ita Thao Pier — not just a 3,000-meter physical challenge, but a personal journey of self-discovery.

1983
Year Founded
44th
Edition in 2026
25K
Annual Participant Cap
3000m
Total Swim Distance
🗺️ Route
START
Zhaowu Pier
→
FINISH
Ita Thao Pier
～3000m
A full crossing of Sun Moon Lake
Typical finish time: 2–3 hours
Floating aid stations along the route
🏅 Hall of Fame Inducted 2002 🚵 One of Taiwan's Three Great Challenges 🌏 International Swimmers Welcome 👴 Finishers as old as 99
International Certification
Certified
Finishers receive a digital certificate
Mass Swim
Mass Swim
Swimmers from all over the world take part
Stunning Route
Stunning Route
A unique lake crossing through the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area
Safety Support
Safety Support
Watched over by a professional lifeguard team
Finisher Keepsake
Finisher Keepsake
A beautiful finisher medal to mark the achievement
Event-Day Schedule

Schedule

Below is a typical event-day schedule; official timing follows the current year's announcement

05:00
Official shuttles begin departing
Buses depart from each stop in sequence — arrive early and wait
05:30
Boat transfer from Ita Thao Pier
Swimmers staying near Ita Thao can take a boat to Shuishe Pier for NT$150 and walk to Jiulongkou
06:00
Check-in begins at Jiulongkou
Check in with your cap voucher, and change before getting off the bus
06:30
Water entry opens by time slot
Enter according to your registered time slot — arrive on time
07:00
Floating aid stations open
Aid stations along the route offer drinking water and basic assistance
09:00
Most swimmers expected to finish
Exit at Ita Thao Pier; team leaders collect finisher supplies with the voucher
10:30
Check-in closes
No check-ins accepted after this time — please plan accordingly
Event ends
Return shuttles begin running
Return via the original shuttle route, or walk to Ita Thao to wait for a bus
02 · Registration

Fees & Eligibility (Swim Life registration fees below)

Registration is online only — walk-in registration is not accepted. Please complete registration as soon as the official site opens.

Most Popular
General Public / Foreign Nationals
NT$1,700
per person
Public liability insurance incl. medical
Commemorative swim shirt (size options)
Commemorative sports towel
Official swim cap
Finisher certificate
Bottled drinking water
NT$200 registration handling fee
Adult Swimming Association Members
NT$1,500
per person (association membership required)
Same inclusions as the general plan
Association-certified discount
Athletes with Disabilities
NT$1,400
per person (disability certificate required)
Same inclusions as the general plan
Special accessibility accommodations
2026 Sun Moon Lake Mass Swim finisher medal

Eligibility

✅ Ages 8–79
✅ Good health, no major medical conditions
✅ Able to swim
✅ Teams of 5 or more required (join the club to form a team)
ℹ️ Minors and those 65+ must be accompanied throughout by an adult team member with lifesaving skills
ℹ️ Those 75+ need two qualified lifeguards to accompany them, plus a doctor's health certificate
❌ Registration is prohibited for anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, cellulitis, or other high-risk conditions

Registration Process

1
Download and read the registration info and waiver｜ Download the 2026 Mass Swim liability waiver
Every team member must print, sign in person, and send back a photo
2
Send the signed waiver to the club email
swimlifetw3@gmail.com
3
The club helps enter your team details into the official registration system
Team leader info, member names, ID numbers, shirt sizes, etc.
4
Complete payment via ibon
A payment code is sent by SMS — must be paid within 1 day
5
Wait for organizer review
Registration is confirmed once the status shows "Congratulations, your registration is complete"
6
Arrange your own NT$2 million travel accident insurance
By law, you must sign for it yourself; keep the receipt — no need to submit it
📱 One-Page Quick Links
Registration, chartered transport, buoy rental or purchase, pre-event safety training, and professional coach-accompanied swimming — the club handles it all in one place. Just show up on the day!
📋 Register for the Swim 🗺️ Round-Trip Chartered Bus ⏰ Torpedo Buoy Rental / Purchase 📖 Shirt Size Chart
📋 Pre-Event Training & Safety Class 🗺️ Professional Coach-Accompanied Swim

Official Announcement Documents
📋 2026 Sun Moon Lake Mass Swim Rules 🗺️ 2026 Liability Waiver 📖 Ita Thao Traffic Control (not yet final) 📋 2026 Swimming Assoc. Excel Import Template 🗺️ 2026 General Public Excel Import Template ⏰ On-Site Tent Layout (not yet final) 🗺️ Shuttle Bus Routes (not yet final)
03 · Safety Info

Gear Checklist & Swim Safety

Being well-prepared is the key to a safe finish — check all your gear before you go

🔴 Mandatory Gear No entry without it
  • 🛟
    Torpedo Buoy (flotation device) Must be a standard rescue tube — inflatable or ball-type buoys are not allowed
  • 🏊
    Official Swim Cap & Chip Only this year's official cap may be worn — no personal caps allowed Includes 2 timing chips that record your finish
🔵 Recommended Gear Strongly recommended
  • 👓
    Swim Goggles Protects your eyes — anti-fog goggles recommended for open water
  • 🎒
    Waterproof Bag Make sure it's sealed tight — for your phone, NHI card, etc.
  • 🩴
    Sandals (with a strap) Tie to your buoy while swimming, wear once ashore
  • 🧴
    Reef-Safe Sunscreen Avoid regular chemical sunscreen to help protect Sun Moon Lake's ecosystem
  • 🔔
    Whistle For emergencies — clip it to your buoy
  • 💊
    Personal Supplies / Motion Sickness Tablets Boat wakes can cause waves — a must if you're prone to motion sickness

Swim Safety Rules

🚫
Don't Enter the Water If You're Unwell
Anyone with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, cellulitis, or who feels unwell on the day must not force themselves into the water. Safety always comes first.
🆘
If You Cramp Up or Run Out of Energy
Immediately grab your torpedo buoy to stay afloat, blow your whistle or raise your arm for help, and stay calm while waiting for a lifeguard. Do not panic.
🍫
Using Aid Stations
Aid stations along the route let you rest briefly and hydrate. They also serve as emergency rally points, so note their locations.
🌊
Swim Stroke Tips
Alternate between freestyle and breaststroke to conserve energy. Avoid butterfly (too tiring) and backstroke (you can't see ahead). Treading water is fine for a rest.
♻️
Environmental Rules
No littering in the lake. Harmful chemical sunscreens are prohibited. Please wear sandals to avoid disturbing the lakebed ecosystem; fins are not allowed.
👥
Team Safety
Confirm everyone is present before entering the water and stay grouped to avoid anyone getting separated. Team leaders are responsible until the event ends.
04 · Transport & Lodging

Getting to Sun Moon Lake

Traffic control is strict on event day — we recommend arriving the day before and taking a shuttle the next morning

⚠️ Club Charter Bus Reminder

Sign-ups are open now through the end of August. We'll notify you if a bus fills up.

🗺️ Sign Up for the Club Charter Bus
Northern Charter
Departs: 9/20 at 2:00 AM, boarding at MRT Banqiao Station Exit 1, with an added stop at National Freeway 3 Taoyuan Daxi and Hsinchu Baoshan interchanges
Returns: 9/20 at 1:00 PM, boarding in front of the LDC Wyndham Sun Moon Lake Hotel
Central Charter
Departs: 9/20 at 4:00 AM, boarding in front of the Taichung City Hall MRT station — no boarding/alighting except at designated stops
Returns: 9/20 at 1:00 PM, boarding in front of the LDC Wyndham Sun Moon Lake Hotel
Southern Charter
Departs: 9/20 at 2:00 AM, boarding next to Kaohsiung Railway Station — no boarding/alighting except at designated stops
Returns: 9/20 at 1:00 PM, boarding in front of the LDC Wyndham Sun Moon Lake Hotel
💡 The Official Shuttle Is Recommended

Roads around the venue are strictly controlled on event day, so parking is difficult if you drive yourself — the shuttle is the most convenient option.

🅰️
Route A
Yuchi Junior High → Jiulongkou Check-in
Departs Yuchi Junior High at 06:00 AM
Flag down the bus at stops along the way
Terminus: Jiulongkou (Provincial Hwy 21, 61.5K)
🅱️
Route B
Xiangshan Visitor Center → Jiulongkou
Departs Xiangshan Visitor Center at 06:00 AM
Arrives at Shuishe Visitor Center
About a 20-minute walk to Jiulongkou check-in
⛵
Charter Bus Parking
Note for chartered groups
After dropping off at Jiulongkou
Buses park along the hillside toward Ita Thao
Regroup at Ita Thao after the event
🚢
Boat from Ita Thao
For swimmers staying near Ita Thao
Boats depart from Ita Thao Pier from 05:30 AM
Fare: NT$150 (self-pay)
Walk from Shuishe Pier to Zhaowu Pier on arrival
⚠️ Event-Day Traffic Control Notice

Both sides of the old Provincial Hwy 21 and the round-the-lake road are under traffic control, with all vehicles required to drive clockwise. We recommend parking at a designated lot and taking a shuttle from there.

From the North / Taichung
Freeway 3 → Wufeng Interchange (Freeway 6) → exit at Ailan Interchange → Hwy 14 toward Puli → Hwy 21 → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake → Jiulongkou
Northbound Freeway Travelers
Freeway 1 → transfer to Freeway 3 south at Changhua Interchange → Wufeng Interchange (Freeway 6) → exit at Ailan Interchange → Hwy 14 toward Puli → Hwy 21 → Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake
From Caotun
Freeway 3 → exit at Caotun Interchange → Hwy 14 toward Puli → Hwy 21 toward Yuchi → Sun Moon Lake → Jiulongkou
Via THSR to Taichung
THSR Taichung Station → Sun Moon Lake
Transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle "Sun Moon Lake Line"
About 1.5 hours
Stops include Puli, Jiji, and others
One-way $195 / Round-trip $360
Via TRA to Taichung
TRA Taichung Station → Sun Moon Lake
Transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle "Sun Moon Lake Line"
About 1 hour 50 minutes
Or take a bus to Puli and transfer
Varies by route
💡 THSR Discount

A 25% discount is available on THSR fares, with even better savings when combined with the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Sun Moon Lake Line package. Check the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle or THSR website for the latest offers.

With over 25,000 participants, nearby lodging books up fast — start looking 1–2 months ahead of the event.

🏨
Around Sun Moon Lake
The Shuishe and Ita Thao area — walkable to the venue. Staying overnight to avoid traffic control is most recommended.
🏡
Puli City Center
More choices at friendlier prices, about a 20-minute drive from Sun Moon Lake, with shuttle access
⛺
Yuchi Township
Full of charming guesthouses, near Yuchi Junior High, the main shuttle departure point
🌿
Toushe Area
Quiet and secluded countryside scenery, away from the event-day crowds
05 · Check-in & Supplies

Supply Pickup & Event-Day Flow

Supplies are collected on-site at check-in — finish early to avoid the event-day rush

Map of check-in, water-entry and boat departure points

Check-in at Zhushiyuan, water entry at Chaowu Pier, boat departure at Shuishe Pier

📦 Supply List

🧢 Official Swim Cap
👕 Commemorative Shirt
🏅 Digital Finisher Certificate
🥇 Finisher Medal
🧣 Sports Towel
💧 Bottled Water
🍱 Meat/Veg Lunchbox
(not ordered by the club as a group)
📋 Cap Voucher

📍 Event-Day Check-in Flow

1
Change before getting off the bus (Jiulongkou)
Clothes cannot be stored on-site — change on the bus beforehand
2
Club staff exchange your voucher for a cap
All members wait to check in at the Zhushiyuan club booth
3
Collect your official cap and chip
Without a cap and chip, you may not enter Zhaowu Pier
4
Check all your gear before entering the water
Torpedo buoy, sandals tied on, waterproof bag sealed
5
Collect items at the finish after completing the swim
After exiting at Ita Thao Pier, use your voucher to collect keepsakes and your certificate
⚠️ Important Reminders
  • A lost voucher can be reissued at the check-in counter with valid ID (a phone photo backup is recommended)
  • Please check in on time for your registered slot — early arrivals cannot check in ahead of schedule
  • For lost items, ask at the lost-and-found desk; contact the organizer after the event ends
  • The torpedo buoy is mandatory — a life jacket alone without a torpedo buoy does not qualify for water entry
Live Weather

Sun Moon Lake Weather & Water Temp

🌤️
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Sun Moon Lake, Nantou
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Humidity
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Wind
24°C
Water Temp (est.)
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06 · FAQ

What You Want to Know

Here are the most commonly asked questions — see official announcements for further details

📋 For Club Group-Registered Members
What to Do After Registering ＋
After registering, make payment, fill in your payment details and shirt size in the registration record in the member area, and email your signed waiver to the club. Wait for reconciliation to complete registration.
Team Registration Notes ＋
Remember to fill in your payment details and note your shirt sizes and quantities. Print the waiver — all team members can sign the same copy if convenient — then email it to the club and wait for reconciliation.
Checking Your or Your Team's Registration ＋
The notification email includes a Google Form link — check which group you're in, your check-in time, and your personal details. Be sure your shirt size is correct and that your waiver has been submitted.
Group Registration Refund Deadline ＋
Full refunds (minus a NT$15 transfer fee) are available before July 15; no refunds after that date. Email the club with your name, payment details, and refund account.
Event-Day Check-in and Post-Swim Supply Pickup ＋
Caps and chips are shipped to the club in bulk. On the day, all members sign in and collect them at the club check-in area (Zhushiyuan, near Jiulongkou). After finishing, collect your finisher supplies at a designated booth near Ita Thao Pier. Check-in time, process, and location will be announced two weeks before the event — watch your email or join the club's LINE group. Torpedo buoy rental or purchase is also available near the club booth.
🛟 Swim Gear Questions
Is a torpedo buoy mandatory? ＋
Yes, it's a strict requirement. Anyone without a torpedo buoy may not enter the water, even while wearing a life jacket. It must be a standard rescue tube — inflatable or ball-type buoys do not meet the requirement.
Can I wear swim fins? ＋
Fins are strictly prohibited, since kicks with fins can easily injure other swimmers and damage the lakebed ecosystem. Bring regular sandals instead, tied to your buoy, and wear them once ashore.
Do I need a wetsuit? ＋
Sun Moon Lake's water temperature in autumn is about 22–26°C, so a regular swimsuit is fine. If you feel the cold easily, a rash guard or wetsuit is optional, not required. We suggest doing pool distance training first to gauge your cold tolerance.
Can I join if I can't swim well or at all? ＋
Sun Moon Lake is open water, with variables like waves, currents, and temperature, so basic swimming ability is recommended before registering. It's not a race, but the full 3,000-meter distance still requires solid fitness — training with distance swims beforehand is advised.
🚌 Event-Day Transport & Shuttles
Can I drive myself there? ＋
Yes, but strict traffic control is in effect around the venue on event day and parking is limited, so you'll need to park at a designated lot and take a shuttle from there. We strongly recommend arriving the day before and taking a shuttle the next morning.
Where's the finish, and how do I get back to the start? ＋
The finish is Ita Thao Pier. After coming ashore, take a return shuttle to the parking lot, or pay NT$150 for a lake cruise boat back to Shuishe. Ita Thao has plenty of food stalls afterward — a great way to reward yourself!
Should I bring cash? ＋
A small amount of cash is helpful: NT$150 if you take the boat, and there are food stalls at Ita Thao after you finish. Keep your NHI card and a bit of cash in your waterproof bag just in case.
📋 Registering on the Official Site
When does registration open, and how do I register? ＋
Registration usually opens about two months before the event, per the official announcement. It's online only (a computer is recommended) — walk-in registration isn't accepted. Payment via ibon must be completed within one day, then wait for review.
Can I register alone? ＋
No, teams must have 5 or more members to register. Water activities carry inherent risk — participants are responsible for their own safety.
How do I check my registration status? ＋
Log in to the official registration system and check the "Registration Status" page. A message reading "Congratulations, your registration is complete" means you've successfully registered and passed review.
🌀 Refund Policy
What happens if there's a typhoon or natural disaster? ＋
If the event can't proceed due to a force-majeure event on the day (severe weather, earthquake, etc.), the standard refund policy does not apply. Historically the event has only been cancelled twice — Typhoon Longwang in 2005 and the 2021 pandemic — and the organizer will announce the latest decision as soon as possible.
Can I get a refund? ＋
No refunds are available once registration closes (around late July). If you apply for a refund before the deadline, about 40% can be refunded (after deducting postage, supplies, lifesaving equipment, and administrative costs).
07 · Contact

Questions? Get in Touch

Swim Life club contact information

🌐
Swim Life Website
www.swimlife.tw
📧
💬
Official LINE Group
Swim Life LINE Group
📘
Facebook Page
Swim Life
Organizer
R.O.C. Adult Swimming Association · Puli Four Seasons Morning Swim Club
Event founder and organizer, hosting the Mass Swim annually since 1983
Supervising Agencies
Sports Administration, MOE · Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration, MOTC · Nantou County Government
Co-organizing and providing venue, traffic control, and safety support