Nestled in the heart of Chiayi County, the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations, renowned for its misty forests, ancient cypress trees, breathtaking sunrises, and historic forest railway. Spanning 1,400 hectares at an elevation of 2,000–2,500 meters, this alpine paradise offers a serene escape from Taiwan’s bustling cities. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or a culture enthusiast, this guide will help you plan a magical visit to Alishan.
A Travel Guide to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Why Visit Alishan National Forest Recreation Area?
Alishan is celebrated for its “five wonders”: radiant sunrises, a sea of clouds, lush forests, vibrant sunsets, and the charming Alishan Forest Railway. The area’s ancient red cypress groves, some over 2,000 years old, create an ethereal atmosphere, while its trails offer stunning views of the Yushan (Jade Mountain) range. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers cool mountain air, and autumn paints the landscape in fiery hues. Alishan is also home to the indigenous Tsou tribe, adding cultural depth to your visit. With its compact layout and well-maintained trails, it’s perfect for day trips or overnight adventures.
How to Get There
Alishan is located in Alishan Township, about 2 hours east of Chiayi City, the main gateway. Here are the primary ways to reach the park:
By Public Transport from Chiayi: High-Speed Rail (HSR) + Bus: Take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei (2 hours, ~NT$1,350) or other major cities to Chiayi HSR Station. From there, catch the 7322 bus (2–2.5 hours, NT$240–278) to Alishan Bus Station, just outside the park gate. Buses run hourly, and tickets can be bought on the day or online via Klook. Regular Train + Bus: Take a TRA train to Chiayi Station (3–4 hours from Taipei, ~NT$600), then transfer to the 7322 bus or 7329 bus to Alishan. Alishan Forest Railway: This scenic narrow-gauge train from Chiayi to Alishan is iconic but currently only operates from Chiayi to Fenqihu (2.5 hours, NT$384) due to typhoon damage. From Fenqihu, take a bus to Alishan (1 hour, ~NT$100). Tickets are limited, so book in advance via the Taiwan Railway website.
By Shuttle from Sun Moon Lake: A direct shuttle (3–4 hours, ~NT$600) connects Sun Moon Lake to Alishan, departing at 8 AM and 9 AM from Sun Moon Lake’s Shuishe Visitor Centre, or 1 PM and 2 PM from Alishan. This scenic route passes the Yushan massif and is ideal for combining both destinations.
By Car or Private Driver: Rent a car in Chiayi (NT$2,000/day) or hire a private driver (NT$4,000–6,000 round-trip) via Klook or Tripool. The drive takes 1.5–2 hours along Provincial Highway 18. Parking is available at Alishan (~NT$100/day).
From Other Cities: From Kaohsiung or Taichung, take a train or HSR to Chiayi, then follow the bus route above. Alternatively, join a guided day tour from these cities via Klook or KKday for hassle-free transport.
Tip: Keep your bus ticket to get a 50% discount on the park entrance fee (NT$150 instead of NT$300).
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms blanket the park, especially around Zhaoping Park, making it peak season. Book accommodations early. Summer (June–August): Cool temperatures (14–24°C) offer relief from coastal heat, though expect occasional rain.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air and colorful foliage create ideal hiking conditions. Winter (December–February): Chilly (5–10°C) but perfect for sea-of-clouds views and fewer crowds. Dress warmly.
Weather Tip: Check forecasts, as fog and rain can obscure views. November to April is best for the sea of clouds due to the northeast monsoon.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: Open 365 days, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (April–September: until 6:00 PM). May close during natural disasters.
Entrance Fee: Adults: NT$300 (NT$150 with public transport ticket); Concessions (students, children 7–12): NT$150; Free for children under 6 and seniors over 65. Additional Costs: Alishan Forest Railway (within park): NT$50–150 one-way; Electric shuttle bus: ~NT$50–100, depending on route.
Booking: Buy entrance tickets at the park gate. Pre-book bus and railway tickets online to avoid sellouts, especially on weekends.
What to See and Do
Alishan’s compact layout makes it easy to explore its key attractions in 1–2 days. Here are the highlights:
Sunrise at Zhushan: Catch the famous sunrise from Zhushan Station (2,451m), Taiwan’s highest train station. Take the pre-dawn train from Alishan Station (4:30–5:00 AM, NT$150) or hike to the Zhushan Sunrise Observation Deck. The sight of the sun rising over Yushan amid a sea of clouds is unforgettable. The nearby Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout offers panoramic views and stargazing opportunities.
Giant Tree Trails: The Giant Tree Plank Trail (1–2 hours) winds through 36 ancient red cypress trees, some over 2,000 years old. The Alishan Sianglin Sacred Tree, 45 meters tall and 2,300 years old, is a must-see. The trail is well-maintained with English signage, passing landmarks like the Elephant Trunk Tree and Zhouzhi Bridge.
Alishan Forest Railway: Ride the historic narrow-gauge train within the park, connecting Alishan, Zhaoping, Sacred Tree, and Zhushan stations. The 700-meter Zhaoping Line (NT$50–80) is perfect for cherry blossom views in spring. The railway’s misty forest backdrop is a highlight.
Zhaoping Park and Sky Bridge: Near Zhaoping Station, this park features a raised sky bridge with bird’s-eye forest views and a Cherry Blossom Trail (best in March–April). It’s a great spot for leisurely walks and photography.
Sister Ponds: These two scenic ponds, Elder and Younger Sister, are linked by a romantic Tsou legend. The Elder Sister Pond has a picturesque pavilion, ideal for photos. The trail is short and accessible.
Tashan Trail: A challenging 3.5-km hike to Tashan Peak (2,663m), the highest in Alishan. The 4-hour round-trip offers sweeping views of the mountain range, often above the clouds. Start near Zhaoping Station and bring water.
Cultural Sites: Shouzhen Temple: Taiwan’s highest temple at 2,150m, located between Zhaoping and Sacred Tree areas. Ciyun Temple: A century-old temple on the west side, offering serene views. Tsou Culture: Visit nearby Tsou villages to learn about indigenous traditions, including straw-roofed houses and the Kuba men’s club.
Tea Tasting: Alishan’s high-altitude oolong and Jinxuan teas are world-famous. Visit tea shops in the main village or join a tea-tasting tour at nearby plantations.
Where to Eat
Main Village: The area near Alishan Station has restaurants serving local cuisine, including bamboo shoots, wild vegetables, and Tsou specialties like millet mochi. Meals cost ~NT$150–300.
7-Eleven: Two 7-Elevens (Taiwan’s highest at 2,200m) offer snacks, microwave meals, and bus tickets. Great for quick bites. Fenqihu (En Route): If stopping at Fenqihu, try the famous Railway Bento Box, a hearty meal with rice, meat, and vegetables (~NT$100).
Tip: Bring snacks for sunrise hikes, as dining options are limited early in the morning.
Where to Stay
Staying inside the park is ideal for sunrise viewing and convenience, but hotels are limited and pricey. Book 2–3 months in advance.
Inside the Park: Alishan House ($$$): The most famous hotel, with modern and historic wings. Prime location, but rooms start at NT$4,000–8,000. Offers sunrise tour packages. Dafeng Villa ($$): A cozy mid-range option with clean rooms, ~NT$2,500–4,000. Highly rated for service. Gau Shan Ching Hotel ($–$$): Budget-friendly but basic, ~NT$1,500–2,500. Convenient back exit to trails.
Outside the Park: Stay in Chiayi (e.g., Lan Kwai Fong Garden Hotel, ~NT$1,200) or Shizhuo/Fenqihu for day trips. These are cheaper but less convenient for sunrise.
Tip: Most hotels offer free pick-up from the bus station if arranged in advance.
Tips for a Great Visit
Book Early: Secure bus, train, and hotel reservations well in advance, especially for cherry blossom season or holidays. Pack Warm Clothing: Temperatures can drop to 5°C, especially at night or in winter. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
Bring a Camera: The misty forests, cherry blossoms, and sunrises are photogenic, but a good lens is needed for low-light shots. Use the Visitor Center: Located near the main parking lot, it offers maps, trail guides, and videos (8:00 AM–5:00 PM, +886-5-2679917).
Eco-Friendly Travel: Use the park’s electric shuttle buses (~NT$50–100) for quick access to trails. EasyCard is not accepted. Combine with Nearby Stops: Visit Fenqihu’s old street or Shizhuo’s tea trails en route to Alishan for a richer experience. Respect Nature: Stick to marked trails and avoid picking plants to preserve Alishan’s delicate ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is a bucket-list destination that captures Taiwan’s natural and cultural essence. From the awe-inspiring sunrise over a sea of clouds to the tranquil trails lined with ancient trees, every moment feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Plan ahead, embrace the cool mountain air, and let Alishan’s misty forests and vibrant heritage leave you enchanted.
Happy travels!
