Located in Chiayi(嘉義), Alishan stands at an altitude of over 2,000 meters and is one of Taiwan’s most famous tourist destinations. The area boasts rich natural landscapes, with flowers blooming throughout the year.
The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area(阿里山國家森林遊樂區) is renowned for its “Five Wonders” — sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset, forest, and railway, which attract countless visitors.
Additionally, the culture of the Tsou tribe adds a deep historical charm and cultural romance to this land.
*Cover image credit: @jahsun_railway
Before You Go
You should consider purchasing the Klook PASS Chiayi because it can help you save up to 40% on your expenses and allows you to customize your adventure by selecting 2 to 4 experience itineraries.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore Chiayi while enjoying substantial savings!
I also strongly recommend that you get a useful tool to make your travel go smoothly: 4G SIM Card.
With the local 4G SIM card, you will find your destination easily, check the latest public transport schedules immediately, and share your vacation photos or videos with your family and friends anytime, anywhere.
The Five Wonders of Alishan
1. Sunrise
The sunrise in Alishan is one of its most famous attractions, drawing thousands of visitors daily. Zhushan Sunrise Observation Deck（祝山觀日平臺） is the best spot to watch the sunrise.
You can take the Zhushan Line train（祝山線） in the early morning, enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way, and then witness the breathtaking sight of the sun rising between the mountains.
2. Sea of Clouds
The sea of clouds in Alishan is poetic and picturesque, especially in the early morning and at dusk. The Erwanping Trail（二延平步道） offer the best views of the sea of clouds, where the spectacular sight of mist swirling among the mountains creates a fairyland-like atmosphere.
3. Sunset
Alishan’s sunsets are equally captivating. The Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout（小笠原山觀景台） is an ideal place to enjoy the sunset, where the evening glow spreads across the mountains, creating a stunningly beautiful scene.
4. Forest
Alishan is home to vast areas of virgin forest, with the Sacred Tree Cluster being the most famous. Visitors can get off at the Shenmu Station（神木車站） and stroll along the Giant Tree Cluster Trail（巨木群棧道）, admiring the towering ancient trees and the primeval forest landscape.
5. Railway
During the Japanese colonial period, the Alishan Forest Railway was constructed primarily for timber transport. Now, it’s a vital transportation mode for tourists, offering scenic mountain and forest views, rendering the journey enchanting and romantic.
The Alishan Forest Railway stands as a prominent mountainous rail network in Taiwan, catering mainly to tourism and transportation needs. It encompasses mainlines and various branch lines. Here’s an overview of the primary and branch lines of the Alishan Forest Railway:
✦ Main Line
✧ Alishan Line
- Starting Point: Chiayi Station
- Ending Point: Alishan Station (Shizilu)
- Length: Approximately 71.4 kilometers
- Number of Stations: 18 stations including the start and end points
- Features:
- This main line is famous for its steep gradients and winding route, climbing from an elevation of 30 meters at Chiayi to approximately 2,216 meters at Alishan.
- It passes through picturesque scenery, including forests, tea plantations, and mountain landscapes.
- Shizilu is the terminus of the Alishan Line, located within the Alishan National Scenic Area, serving as a key tourist destination.
✦ Branch Lines
✧ Zhushan Line
- Starting Point: Alishan Station
- Ending Point: Zhushan Station
- Length: Approximately 6.25 kilometers
- Features:
- This branch line is primarily used to transport tourists to Zhushan to watch the sunrise, one of the highlights of the Alishan Forest Railway.
✧ Shenmu Line
- Starting Point: Alishan Station
- Ending Point: Shenmu Station
- Length: Approximately 1.6 kilometers
- Features:
- This line connects to the famous Giant Tree area of Alishan, making it convenient for tourists to visit notable attractions such as the ancient sacred trees.
✧ Zhaoping Line
- Starting Point: Alishan Station
- Ending Point: Zhaoping Station
- Length: Approximately 1.7 kilometers
- Features:
- This line allows tourists to further explore the alpine ecology and landscapes of Alishan.
The Alishan Forest Railway is a significant tourist attraction, offering a variety of routes that provide a rich travel experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Alishan.
Transportation to Alishan
Alishan Forest Railway
Departing from Chiayi Railway Station, the Alishan Forest Railway(Alishan Line) passes through many beautiful spots and eventually reaches Alishan Station.
Bus
Visitors can take the Alishan Route A from Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station Exit 2 or the Alishan Route B from Chiayi Railway Station.
Driving
Driving is also convenient. You can reach the Alishan National Scenic Area by following Provincial Highway 18.
KLOOK Tours
Booking a tour on KLOOK offers more convenience, including tickets and transportation, providing a hassle-free travel experience.
Alishan Attractions
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket
The original ticket price is NT$200 ($6.25), but you can get 50% off just click the below button!
Photo Source: Klook
✦ Main Line Attractions
✧ Fenqi Hu Scenic Area（奮起湖風景區）
Fenqi Hu is a mid-point on the Alishan railway, rich with a nostalgic atmosphere. Famous for its railway bento, old streets, and bamboo forests, it’s a great place to experience traditional Taiwanese culture. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in summer nights, fireflies add to the romantic ambiance.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Station：Fenqi Hu Station
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✧ Communities have to Enya Na（得恩亞納社區）
Communities have to Enya Na, known as the “Taiwanese Palms Village,” is a Tsou village rebuilt after Typhoon Morakot. Every household features Tsou totems and cultural elements, showcasing unique artistic styles. Visitors can experience indigenous life and savor traditional local dishes here.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 06:00~18:00
- Station：Duolin Station
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✧ Tefuye Historic Trail （特富野古道）
The Tefuye Ancient Trail, originally a Tsou indigenous hunting path, later converted into the “Shuishan Line” railway during the Japanese colonial period, preserves many railway relics. Renowned for its dense ancient trees and historical charm, the trail boasts refreshing air, abundant wildlife, and diverse bird species. With gentle terrain in the first half and steep descents in the latter, it’s a prime spot for outdoor adventures and birdwatching.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Station：Alishan Station (Shizilu)
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✦ Branch Lines Attractions
✧ Giant Tree Cluster Trail（巨木群棧道）
The Giant Tree Cluster trail offers a glimpse of 36 ancient cypress trees, showcasing the grandeur of the forest. Starting from Guangwu and Qiansui cypresses, the 40-minute journey unveils a majestic landscape of towering giants in the Alishan cypress forest.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Station：Shenmu Station(Shenmu Line)
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✧ Sister Ponds（姊妹潭）
Located in the heart of Alishan, are actually two differently sized mountain lakes. Legend has it that they are named after two sisters who fell in love with the same man and chose to sacrifice themselves to avoid hurting each other.
Surrounding the lakes is a 180-meter-long circular trail, with the clear and tranquil waters resembling a mirror. Sister Ponds are an important attraction in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Station：Zhaoping Station(Zhaoping Line)
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✧ Mianyue Line（眠月線）
Originally one of the branch lines of the Alishan Railway, the Mianyue Line ceased operations after sustaining extensive damage from the 921 Earthquake. Since then, it has transformed into a secluded hiking trail, maintaining its original railway features such as tunnels and bridges. Surrounded by lush greenery and endless forests, the pristine beauty of the landscape continues to attract numerous visitors, making it a popular destination for avid hikers in recent years.
- Station：Zhaoping Station(Zhaoping Line)
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✧ Cherry Blossom Railway（櫻花鐵道）
The railway line running to and from Zhaoping Station is adorned with cherry blossoms on both sides. As the small train weaves through the cherry blossom forest, it creates an iconic scene of the Alishan Cherry Blossom Season, earning the railway the charming moniker of “Cherry Blossom Railway”.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 05:00~15:00
- Station：Zhaoping Station(Zhaoping Line)
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✧ Zhushan Sunrise Observation Deck（祝山觀日平臺）
Sunrise at Zhushan is renowned far and wide, constituting a focal point of Alishan’s attractions. Here, visitors can behold the breathtaking sunrise over Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan. Moreover, experiencing the first rays of sunlight gently caressing the soul adds to the wonder of the moment.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Station：Zhushan Station(Zhushan Line)
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✧ Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout（小笠原山觀景台）
In October 1904, the Taiwan Governor-General’s Alishan Survey Team named the area after Kagoshima Prefecture’s Richiro Ogisawa following their exploration and ascent of Mount Wansui. Completed in November 2005, the observation platform offers a 360-degree panoramic view surrounded by mountains.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Station：Zhushan Station(Zhushan Line)
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✦Nearby Attractions
✧ Taiping Suspension Bridge（太平雲梯）
The Taiping Suspension Bridge is the highest scenic suspension bridge in Taiwan, stretching 281 meters at an altitude of about 1,000 meters.
From the bridge, you can overlook the Chianan Plain and the Taiwan Strait. In winter, you can also see Alishan’s famous cloud waterfall, creating an otherworldly scene.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 09:00~17:30 | Wed Closed
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The original ticket price is NT$100($3.33), but you can get 5% off just click the below button!
✧ Danaiku Nature Ecological Park（達娜伊谷自然生態公園）
Danaiku Nature Ecological Park is sacred to the Tsou people, full of cultural charm. Visitors can experience stream trekking here, enjoying the natural beauty and traditional Tsou culture. The well-preserved natural scenery makes it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 09:00~17:30 | Wed Closed
- Get Location
The original ticket price is NT$100($3.33), but you can get 4% off just click the below button!
✧ Erwanping Trail（二延平步道）
The Erwanping Trail in Xiding is a great spot for watching the sunset. The trail is about one kilometer long, with bamboo forests and tea gardens along the way, offering pleasant scenery. The views of the sea of clouds and sunset here are magnificent and unforgettable.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
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Accommodation Recommendations in Alishan
1. Hotel Indigo Alishan（阿里山英迪格酒店）
This is the highest-altitude international brand hotel, blending the beauty of Alishan with Tsou culture. The hotel has an infinity pool, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent sea of clouds by day and the clear starry sky by night.
2. Alishan House（阿里山賓館）
Built during the Japanese colonial period, this is the highest-altitude resort hotel in Taiwan. Surrounded by Yoshino cherry trees, the scenery during cherry blossom season is stunning. The hotel’s interior is made of cypress wood, exuding a strong Japanese style.
3. Alishan Shermuh Hotel（神木賓館）
This comfortable and elegant hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the Sunrise Train Station. The rooms are small but cozy, with excellent heating facilities, making it an ideal choice for watching the sunrise and sea of clouds.
Alishan is not just a place with rich natural scenery but also a treasure trove of cultural history and indigenous culture. Whether you are admiring the natural beauty or experiencing Tsou culture, Alishan will give you an unforgettable travel experience.
Plan your trip to Alishan during your next vacation and enjoy the endless charm of this beautiful mountain forest!
