Alishan is located in the central-eastern part of Chiayi County, Taiwan, within the Alishan National Scenic Area. Sitting at an elevation of 2,000 to 2,700 meters, it’s one of Taiwan’s most popular mountain destinations! The cherry blossom season in spring is absolutely magical! The entire mountain covered in blooming sakura is incredibly romantic and definitely the highlight of the year. Besides spring cherry blossoms, summer brings firefly season (and it’s the perfect escape from the heat!), autumn showcases stunning red maple leaves and silver grass, while winter offers the best chance to witness Alishan’s famous sea of clouds. Simply put, Alishan has something special to offer in every season.
While Alishan is worth visiting year-round with countless attractions, how should you choose and connect these spots? The most popular travel themes include: Forest Railway / Sunrise & Sea of Clouds / Tea Culture Experience / Indigenous Culture Experience.
Table of Contents
5 Must-Do Experiences in Alishan (The Absolute Highlights)
Experience 1: 🚂 Alishan Forest Railway – Ride a Century-Old Train Through Misty Forests and Three Climate Zones (A Paradise for Railway Enthusiasts)
When you think of Alishan, you can’t help but think of the legendary century-old Alishan Forest Railway!
Built in 1912 originally to transport thousand-year-old red cypress timber, it’s now one of only three operational high-mountain railways in the world, earning it the title of “living industrial heritage.”
Stretching about 71.4 kilometers from Chiayi all the way up to Alishan, the route climbs through plains, hills, and high-mountain forests. Its unique “spiral ascent,” “zigzag switchback,” and “horseshoe curve” designs drive railway enthusiasts crazy with excitement.
The most breathtaking part? As the train climbs using zigzag switchbacks and spirals along winding tracks, you pass through three climate zones in just 30 minutes, from tropical banana trees to temperate bamboo forests to cold-zone coniferous forests. When the train plunges into the clouds with only the rumbling of wheels echoing around you, it feels like traveling through a time tunnel.
For railway buffs, Alishan has several secret spots worth exploring. Dulishan Station in the mountains is famous for its 360-degree spiral track where the train passes overhead three times – spectacular and unique! Shenmu Station preserves the remains of an early wooden station that, though no longer in service, still radiates historical charm. And the First Branch is the classic photo spot for the railway’s zigzag switchback, constantly attracting photography enthusiasts who capture Alishan Railway’s most iconic scenes.
🚆 Recommended Main Line Route: Chiayi → Fenqihu → Alishan
This main line is the classic route for experiencing the forest railway. The full journey from Chiayi to Fenqihu takes about 2.5 hours, or 4-5 hours if you include stops and rest breaks. One-way tickets cost around NT$384, with 2-3 daily trains on weekdays and additional services on holidays. Along the way, the Dulishan spiral, zigzag switchbacks, and First Branch are must-see photo spots for railway fans. ⚠️ Note: While full-line service resumed in July 2024, some trains only run to Shihzihlu Station, requiring passengers to transfer to buses for Alishan. Check the Alishan Forest Railway official website for the latest schedules before departure.
You can buy tickets and check schedules on their official website or choose from these Klook tour options.
🚉 Fenqihu Rest Stop: A Showa-Era Town in the Clouds
Fenqihu sits at 1,403 meters elevation and serves as an important rest stop on the Alishan main line and a popular attraction, known as the “Hometown of Mist.”
The old street preserves Japanese colonial-era wooden buildings, stone paths, and traditional tea shops. Wandering through feels like stepping back 80 years into the Showa period. I’d recommend spending about 1.5-2 hours here. The must-do? Try an authentic railway bento box!
Fenqihu bento is Alishan’s legendary food. Since the Japanese colonial period, this has been the birthplace of Taiwan’s railway lunch boxes. The classic flavors are pork chop or sausage bento, packed with abundant side dishes (braised egg, dried tofu, bamboo shoots, cabbage, sausage – at least eight items) and generous portions (around NT$100-120). I recommend “Fenqihu Hotel” (thick, juicy pork chops) and “Yahu Railway Bento” (amazing smoked sausage). If those aren’t available, honestly 7-Eleven sells them too, and they’re actually pretty good.
🚋 Park Branch Lines: Zhushan Line & Zhaoping Line
Once you reach the Alishan park area, there are two short branch lines you absolutely can’t miss:
🌄 Zhushan Line (Sunrise Special Train)
The train runs from Alishan Station to Zhushan Station, with departure times adjusted according to sunrise – usually between 4:00-5:00 AM. You need to purchase tickets in person the day before between 1:00-4:00 PM at Chiayi, Fenqihu, or Alishan stations. Riding the small train winding up the mountain and witnessing the spectacular sunrise and sea of clouds at Alishan is an unforgettable, moving experience.
You can also check schedules and buy tickets here.
🌸 Zhaoping Line (Cherry Blossom Season Special)
Running from Alishan Station to Zhaoping Station takes about 5 minutes. Every spring, the red train threading through pink cherry blossom tunnels creates Alishan’s most dreamlike scene. The route is gentle, suitable for families with children and elderly travelers, and even easy to navigate with strollers which is a perfect choice for relaxed sightseeing. There are multiple daily departures, mostly concentrated in the morning and afternoon, so buying tickets on-site works fine.
🌲 Experience 2: Walk Among Thousand-Year-Old Sacred Trees (Forest Therapy Experience)
Walking into Alishan’s sacred tree trails is like entering a time tunnel. When you stand beneath a 2,000-year-old red cypress, looking up unable to see the top, reaching out to touch bark that’s weathered millennia, you’ll deeply understand that this tree has stood here for nearly two thousand years before you were born. That weight of time and sense of human smallness instantly brings peace to your mind.
The Giant Trees Trail at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is incredibly easy to walk and you can even push a stroller! The full 1.3-kilometer loop takes about an hour to complete, perfect for the whole family. The best time to visit is 8-10 AM when sunlight filtering through the forest creates the most beautiful light and shadows.
Giant Trees Trail Highlights:
- Thousand-year Red Cypress: Trees aged 1,000-2,000 years requiring 5-6 people to wrap their arms around
- Shenmu Station Ruins: Abandoned wooden station full of historical traces
- Suspension Bridge: Spanning the valley with a thrilling slight sway as you walk
- Sister Ponds: Two connected alpine lakes with a legend of two sisters’ tragic love story
🌅 Experience 3: Chase a Sunrise That Tears Through the Sea of Clouds (You Might as Well Not Come if You Miss This)
At Alishan, the absolutely can’t-miss experience is that heart-stopping sunrise and sea of clouds spectacle, witnessing the moment sunlight tears through the cloud layers is truly unforgettable. The best viewing spot is Zhushan Sunrise Platform at 2,451 meters elevation with an incredibly expansive view where you can simultaneously enjoy the sunrise and rolling sea of clouds. You can either take the Zhushan Line train directly there or hike about 40 minutes.
If you’re a photography enthusiast, I recommend Xiaoyuan Mountain Observatory at 2,488 meters – Taiwan’s highest station viewpoint with 360-degree panoramic views and the perfect position for photographing Yushan (Jade Mountain) Main Peak. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Zhushan, or you can take the Zhushan sunrise train! (I mentioned how to buy tickets above.)
Oh, and remember to arrive 30 minutes early to claim your spot, bring a tripod, flashlight, and power bank, plus prepare a bottle of hot cocoa or coffee to stay warm. Early morning mountain temperatures are low and winds strong so warm clothing is essential.
I’ll never forget my first Alishan sunrise – departing at 4 AM in the freezing cold. Though I was shivering uncontrollably, when the sun slowly rose from the sea of clouds and golden light flooded the valley, all the exhaustion and cold instantly melted away. That shock and emotion are something no photograph can replace! You have to experience it in person.
Sunrise Times & Sea of Clouds Probability by Season:
| Season | Sunrise Time | Sea of Clouds Probability | Clothing Recommendations |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 6:40-7:00 AM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Heavy down jacket essential |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 6:00-6:30 AM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cherry blossom season, big crowds |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 5:30-6:00 AM | ⭐⭐ | Light jacket sufficient |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 5:45-6:15 AM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Warm clothing essential |
🍵 Experience 4: Sip High Mountain Tea at a Misty Tea Garden (So Healing You Won’t Want to Leave)
Coming to Alishan, you absolutely can’t miss “a cup of high mountain tea brewed in the clouds.” Alishan tea gardens sit at about 1,000-1,600 meters elevation where large temperature differences between day and night plus swirling mists cause tea leaves to grow slowly with thick leaves, resulting in sweet aftertaste and elegant aroma and this is what gives Alishan tea its unique character.
Three signature teas here each have captivating flavors: Alishan Qingxiang Oolong is lightly fermented with delicate floral notes and sweet aftertaste, the classic that best represents Alishan’s tea essence; Jinxuan tea has natural milky aroma and smooth texture, light and easy to love even for beginners; and High Mountain Black Tea with its rich aroma and mellow taste has lingering finish, perfect for those who prefer stronger tea flavors.
When buying Alishan tea, avoid large tea shops where tour buses cluster to prevent inflated prices. Ask shopkeepers to brew samples before purchasing to confirm the flavor suits your taste, and always look for “Alishan Origin Certification” to ensure authenticity. Reasonable price references: High Mountain Oolong costs about NT$600-1,200 per 150g – quality products with transparent pricing are key to confident tea shopping.
Alishan tea harvesting seasons are typically spring (around March-May) and winter (around November-December). So I recommend visiting during these periods, you can not only enjoy beautiful scenery but also arrange tea-picking experiences.
🍃 Three Must-Visit Tea Areas
Shihzhuo Tea Area: The most popular tea garden scenic area with crisscrossing trails and swirling seas of clouds – an Instagram paradise. There are 6 trails total, and I recommend three: “Sunset Trail,” “Tea Trail,” and “Cherry Trail.” The backlight from 4-5 PM is most beautiful.
- Sunset Trail (800m / ~20 min): Most expansive views with distant sea of clouds and mountain ranges
- Tea Trail (1,030m / ~30 min): Winding through tea fields, best for experiencing tea farmers’ daily life
- Cherry Trail (130m / ~10 min): Spring cherry blossoms line the path – the shortest yet most beautiful trail
Leye Tea Area: Tea experience zone combining Tsou indigenous culture where you can try tea-making DIY, tea ceremonies, and tribal tours at “Yuyupass Tea Culture Center.” Including tea-picking, tea-rolling, and tea ceremony classes plus guided tours and song/dance performances, costs around NT$350-500 per person. (Friendly reminder: Most tea houses and tea-picking experiences require advance booking – contact at least three days ahead to confirm.)
🍖 Experience 5: Savor an Indigenous-Style Feast (Alishan on Your Taste Buds)
Besides the super famous Fenqihu bento, if you only eat at convenience stores or fast food while at Alishan, you’ll miss this mountain’s most authentic flavors. This is the traditional territory of the Tsou people, and tribal cuisine emphasizes “eating the mountain’s taste” – from wild plums and wasabi to seasonal mountain vegetables, everything comes from the forest, preserving the most natural aromas and textures. Every dish is like the language of the mountains – simple yet full of life.
🌿 Indigenous-Style Feast (Must-Try Recommendations)
The most representative Tsou dishes combining traditional cooking with local ingredients:
- Plum Chicken (NT$350) | Marinated in plums, tangy-sweet and appetizing, the chicken is so tender you can suck the bones
- Mountain Vegetable Platter (NT$200) | Includes cat’s whiskers, mountain lettuce, black nightshade and other wild vegetables with natural bitter-sweet fragrance
- Bamboo Rice (NT$120) | Steamed in bamboo tubes, the rice carries bamboo fragrance and is delightfully chewy
- Wasabi Dishes (Market Price) | Alishan produces fresh wasabi, spicy and flavorful, a local specialty
💡 Ordering Tips: For 2-3 people, one plum chicken is plenty – portions are generous; mountain vegetable platter with rice or bamboo rice as the main is just right.
🍵 Creative Tea Cuisine
Being in tea country, you’ll also find clever dishes incorporating tea:
- Tea Eggs (NT$15 each) | Slowly stewed in high mountain tea, incredibly aromatic
- Tea Oil Chicken (NT$420) | Stir-fried with tea seed oil, tender chicken that’s not greasy
- Tea Jelly (NT$80) | Lightly fragrant, the perfect after-meal palate cleanser
🌽 High Mountain Specialty Snacks
Easy to find on old streets or in the park area – these Alishan-exclusive treats:
- Alishan Sweet Corn (NT$50) | Grown at high altitude, sweetness off the charts
- Millet Mochi (NT$30 each) | Traditional Tsou dessert, chewy and satisfying
- High Mountain Aiyu Jelly (NT$40) | Pure hand-washed natural jelly, refreshingly cool
💬 Travel Note
If you only have time for one meal, definitely try Tsou cuisine. A plate of tangy-sweet plum chicken, a bowl of bamboo rice, plus a pot of high mountain tea – that’s the most authentic, most healing “Alishan flavor combo.” Those natural, honest flavors will stay with you for a long time.
Alishan Itinerary Suggestions: 2-Day+1-Night
If you want to fully enjoy Alishan’s sunrise, tea gardens, forests, and cuisine without rushing, two days and one night is the ideal arrangement. Here’s an itinerary suitable for most travelers:
⛅ Day 1 | Forest Railway + Tea Garden Scenery at a Leisurely Pace
Depart Chiayi → Fenqihu Lunch & Old Street Stroll → Shihzhuo Tea Garden Trails → Check into Alishan Park Area
- Morning: Depart Chiayi by forest train or self-drive
- Noon: Arrive at Fenqihu, enjoy bento, explore old street, visit old station
- Afternoon: Head to Shihzhuo Tea Garden Trail Group (recommend Sunset Trail, Tea Trail), stroll and photograph beautiful misty tea gardens
- Evening: Check into accommodation within Alishan Forest Recreation Area to prepare for sunrise next day
🌄 Day 2 | Sunrise Spectacle + Deep Forest Trail Experience
Zhushan Sunrise → Sister Ponds → Sacred Tree Trail → Tea Garden Experience or Laiji Local Cuisine → Return Trip
- Early Morning: Take Zhushan Line train to Zhushan Sunrise Platform to watch Alishan sunrise
- (Suggest departing at least 1 hour early; tickets must be purchased afternoon before or early that morning)
- After Breakfast: Stroll around Sister Ponds and Zhaoping Park, feel the morning forest tranquility
- Morning: Visit Sacred Tree Trail, see thousand-year red cypress, experience forest energy
- Noon: Enjoy local cuisine (like plum chicken, wild vegetables, tea oil chicken) or join tea garden experience
- Afternoon: Return via Chiayi, ending your healing mountain retreat
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Cost | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Self-Drive | 2-2.5 hrs | Gas + Parking NT$800-1,000 | • Flexible itinerary • Can stop at hidden gems (Dingshihzhuo, Laiji, Dabang) | • Narrow, winding mountain roads • Possible fog/ice in winter • Requires driving experience | Experienced drivers wanting deep exploration |
| Public Transport (Train + Bus) | 3-4 hrs | One-way NT$250-300 | • Safe and comfortable • No road worries | • Limited buses, easily full • Need early booking/queuing • Must match schedule | First-timers, those not wanting to drive |
| Forest Railway | 4-5 hrs | By section | • Experience century-old railway culture • Beautiful scenery along route | • Limited schedules • Time-consuming | Those wanting railway cultural experience |
💡 Recommended Combo: Take forest railway up the mountain for railway culture experience, return by bus to save time
Departure Points & Ticket Information
Chiayi Bus/Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Depart from either Chiayi Train Station plaza or HSR Chiayi Station transit center. Buses are limited and fill quickly, so book early or queue early on-site.
Forest Railway Depart from Chiayi Station or Fenqihu Station, buy tickets on-site according to schedule, but limited runs so check timetables carefully.
Ticket Pricing
Alishan Forest Recreation Area admission uses weekday/holiday differential pricing: weekdays NT$200 full price, holidays NT$300 full price. Can purchase on-site and supports EasyCard, Line Pay, Jko Pay and other e-payment methods. If buying Taiwan Tourist Shuttle packages (including bus + admission), slight discounts available, we can check official website for latest deals.
Accommodation Recommendations
Why Stay Overnight?
✅ Sleep 30 extra minutes for sunrise ✅ Sacred tree trails nearly empty at dawn ✅ Evening park strolls under starry skies
| Area | Price Range | Distance to Zhushan Line | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Inside Park | NT$2,200-5,500 | 5-min walk | • No commute for sunrise • Sleep 30 min longer • Empty trails at dawn | • Higher prices • Need early booking | Sunrise viewing, deep experience, not wanting super early wake-up |
| Fenqihu | NT$1,500-2,800 (30-40% cheaper) | Need 1 hr earlier | • Affordable prices • Old street atmosphere • Signature bento | • Need earlier departure for sunrise • Commute time | Budget-conscious, wanting old street experience |
Recommended Accommodation List
| Name | Location | Price Range | Features | Rating |
| Alishan House | Inside park | NT$2,200-5,500 | • Historic hotel • 5-min walk to Zhushan Line • Prime location | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Xianglin Lodge | Inside park | NT$2,200-4,000 | • Great value • Peaceful atmosphere • Top choice for independent travelers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fenqihu Century-Old Hotel | Fenqihu | NT$1,500-2,800 | • Historical charm • Signature bento • Old street vibes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fenqihu Wooden Cabin B&B | Fenqihu | NT$1,500-2,800 | • Tea garden views • Nostalgic decor • Cabin style | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Luggage Storage Services
Alishan Station has coin-operated lockers available. For larger luggage, you can ask your accommodation hotel or visitor center if they provide storage services. When riding the train, some cars have large luggage areas, just ask staff on-site for arrangement assistance.
Q&A Time!
Q: Can I do a day trip?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended. You’d need to depart at dawn and miss the sunrise, with rushed timing and limited attraction experiences. Suggest staying at least one night to truly feel Alishan’s magic.
Q: Is it suitable for families or elderly travelers?
A: Absolutely! Most Alishan trails are gentle wooden boardwalks where you can push strollers, suitable for elderly companions. Suggest avoiding winter cold periods and allow plenty of rest time.
Q: When is cherry blossom season most beautiful?
A: Mid-March to mid-April, with late March to early April being peak bloom, but also the biggest crowds.
Q: Must I stay inside the park to see sunrise?
A: Not necessary but highly recommended. Staying inside lets you sleep 30 extra minutes without transportation hassles – just walk to the Zhushan Line boarding point at dawn.
Q: Will I get altitude sickness?
A: 2,000 meters usually doesn’t cause it, but those with cardiovascular conditions should consult a doctor first.
Q: Can I visit on rainy days?
A: Yes, though sunrise and tea garden views will be compromised. Sacred tree trails and train experiences aren’t affected.
Conclusion
Alishan is truly Taiwan’s most worthwhile mountain destination, especially during spring cherry blossom season! However, this is also Alishan’s peak tourist season, so it’s best to book accommodation and train tickets 2-4 weeks in advance. Besides that, winter is the easiest season to see the sea of clouds, though it’s colder on the mountain, so definitely bring warm clothing. (Of course, summer fireflies and autumn maple leaves are also beautiful!)
Also, if you’re planning to see the sunrise, remember to rest early the night before, because to catch the most beautiful sunrise, you’ll need to depart around 4-5 AM. Otherwise, you’ll be scrambling and tumbling out of bed!
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