Sun Moon Lake's name is mainly derived from its shape. The eastern part is round like a sun, and the western part is narrow and long like a crescent moon. Actually, if you look at the lake from a high elevation you will see that it has a winding shoreline and is surrounded by mountains. The curves of the shoreline resemble dragons, and the peninsulas that project into the water from the surrounding mountains also look like dragons pushing into the water. At least, that is the opinion of the Fengshui or geomancy masters. They say that Sun Moon Lake has "Nine Dragons Chasing a Pearl", and so the shoreline has many place names that are related to dragons: Kunlun Dragon Ride, Green Dragon Mountain, Two Dragons Mountain, and others. The lake itself was once called "Dragon Lake”. So the place where Provincial Highway 21 enters the lake is called Jioulongkou, meaning“Mouth of the Nine Dragons” [ Share to Social Network ]