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The Cihen Tower is the most iconic landmark on Sun Moon Lake, located on Provincial Highway 21A. Its entrance is about 300 meters from Xuanzang Temple, and the path from the parking area to the trailhead is approximately 570 meters long. With towering ancient trees along the trail and lush greenery, even on scorching summer days, the wide path remains refreshingly cool. The stone steps are ergonomically designed to feel like walking on flat ground, easing the climbing experience. Every 100 meters, numbers carved into the steps conveniently indicate the distance remaining to the destination. Continuous cicada songs echo along the way, as if encouraging visitors onward. As you ascend and sweat, a burst of vibrant red hibiscus flowers at the trail's end welcomes you, and turning the corner reveals the imposing Cihen Tower soaring into the sky. Beneath the tower, a broad patch of white pebbles creates an illusion of having entered an ethereal paradise. Standing on Sahaban Mountain (also known as Erlong Mountain) at an altitude of 954 meters, Cihen Tower is 46 meters tall, with its peak reaching exactly 1,000 meters above sea level. Built by Chiang Kai-shek in 1969 as a tribute to his mother, Madam Wang, the tower was completed in 1971. From the summit, panoramic views stretch across the lake: to the northeast, the wider expanse resembles a sun disk; to the southwest, the elongated shape mirrors a crescent moon—immediately explaining the origin of Sun Moon Lake’s name. After a 360-degree scenic tour, if you face west toward Lalu Island, you will find that the pavilion on the Huanbi Peninsula across the lake aligns perfectly with Lalu Island, XuanGuang Temple, Xuanzang Temple, and the Cihen Tower itself, forming a "Happiness Axis." It is said that making wishes along this central axis often leads to their fulfillment. Opposite the Cihen Tower is the two-story Memorial Hall of Madam Wang. The first floor was used as a resting room for Chiang Kai-shek and houses her portrait and simple furniture. The basement floor contains construction photos, original design drafts, and Chiang Kai-shek’s handwritten modifications, demonstrating his commitment to the project. Plum trees surround the memorial hall, and every winter, these trees are filled with fragrant blossoms. Taking the Cihen Tower trail provides a wonderful opportunity to experience nature, enjoy physical activity, admire the scenic views of Sun Moon Lake, and learn about the history and legends of the tower—all in one rewarding journey.