In preparation for the 2026 44th Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Carnival, scheduled to take place on September 20, Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua personally presided over a prayer ceremony at Chaowu Pier, Sun Moon Lake, on September 14. She was joined by representatives from various county government departments, County Councilor Lin Fang-yu, Yuchi Township Mayor Liu Chi-fan, the Puli Four Seasons Morning Swimming Association, local schools in Yuchi Township, and representatives from various sectors of society. Together, they prayed for favorable weather, a safe and successful event, and for all participating swimmers to challenge themselves and successfully complete the swim.
First held in 1983, the Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Carnival celebrates its 44th edition this year. It has become one of Taiwan’s most iconic international aquatic sporting events and a benchmark for open-water swimming, attracting swimmers from around the world each year. This year’s event has reached a new milestone, with 1,796 teams and 21,700 participants registered. Among them are 451 international swimmers from 38 countries and regions, including the United States, mainland China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Germany, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Their participation highlights Sun Moon Lake’s growing international visibility and appeal in the world of sports.
The event also attracts numerous swimmers with disabilities each year. This year, 197 swimmers with disabilities have registered to participate, demonstrating remarkable determination and courage in challenging themselves. Their participation embodies the positive spirit of “Sports Without Barriers, Courage Without Limits,” showing that the Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival is more than just a sporting competition. It is an inclusive event that encourages everyone to challenge themselves, overcome limitations, and experience the joy of swimming.
Magistrate Hsu stated that the Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Carnival is one of the world’s major open-water swimming events. Now in its 44th year, it attracts more than 20,000 swimmers annually. To further enhance participant safety, this year’s event introduces a pioneering “Real-Name Dual-Chip Identification System.” Each swimmer will wear two personalized identification chips, one on the wrist and another attached to the metal ring of their tow float. Sensors and continuous video recording systems will be installed at the starting point at Chaowu Pier and the finishing point at Ita Thao Pier. This system enables real-name registration and accurate participant tracking, reduces the workload of rescue personnel, and provides enhanced safety measures to help every swimmer complete the event safely.
Magistrate Hsu also expressed her gratitude to the Nantou County Council, the Puli Four Seasons Morning Swimming Association, and other supporting organizations. The event is expected to attract more than 50,000 domestic and international swimmers, family members, and friends to Nantou, generating business opportunities for local accommodations, restaurants, and tourism-related industries. She warmly invited everyone to visit Sun Moon Lake and take part in this major sporting celebration.
Magistrate Hsu further noted that Nantou will host several major events following the swimming carnival, including the “2026 L’Étape Sun Moon Lake by Tour de France – Herbalife” on October 3, the “2026 Nantou Global Tea Expo” from October 3 to 11 in Zhongxing New Village, and the “2026 Sun Moon Lake Marathon” on November 1. She invited visitors from Taiwan and abroad to explore Nantou and enjoy its many attractions.
Source: TaiwanHot News / Reporter Wu Su-chen
