The nine-frog sculpture was designed to illustrate the significant water level fluctuations occurring within the Sun Moon Lake reservoir.
The sculpture represents the historical indigenous connection to the area, specifically the 'Shuili-tou' site where water was historically abundant.
The frogs are tiered in height, allowing engineers and locals to gauge the volume of the lake based on how many sculptures remain visible above the waterline.
The trail descends through a canopy of moso bamboo, which provides a natural acoustic barrier from the nearby road.
The entire structure is elevated on wooden pylons to protect the fragile shoreline soil and minimize impact on the lake's ecological habitat.
Shuili-tou Trail is a dedicated lakeside boardwalk situated along the shoreline of Sun Moon Lake, famous for its nine-frog statue cluster. The sculptures serve as a visual water-level gauge for the reservoir; as water levels rise and fall, varying numbers of the frog figures are exposed. The trail spans approximately 500 meters, winding through a native bamboo forest before descending to the lakeshore. Visitors can observe local amphibians and aquatic ecosystems from the viewing platforms. The path is built with wooden planks and follows the contours of the terrain. It remains one of the primary observation points for monitoring reservoir capacity in the Nantou region.
The main viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk, directly overlooking the nine-frog statue cluster.
Bring insect repellent as the shaded, humid environment is home to mosquitoes and forest gnats.
Wear footwear with good grip as the wooden boards can become slippery during or immediately after rain.
Arrive early in the day to avoid the peak tour bus crowds that congregate around the main frog statue.
Attempting to hike down to the water's edge off-trail, as the shoreline mud can be unstable and protected for ecological reasons.
Stay on the designated boardwalk to protect the shoreline vegetation; do not climb on or touch the frog statues.
