【阿里山國家森林遊樂區】Alishan National Forest Guide
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Imagine waking up in Alishan to a breathtaking sunrise, with a sea of fluffy clouds stretching out below, as the golden light bathes the ancient cypress trees. Alishan National Forest offers stunning scenery, historic railways, and unforgettable hikes. However, planning a trip to Alishan can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, especially with too little or too much information.
Recently, I explored Alishan and although we didn't get to visit every trail, I learned a lot! This blog post is your one-stop guide to planning a smooth and enjoyable trip to Alishan, whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a getaway from the city!
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getting there
Alishan's accessibility depends on your starting point and preferred travel style.
Here's an overview of the options:
From Major Cities
High Speed Rail (HSR)
Consider the high-speed Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) to Chiayi HSR Station, followed by a bus or Forest Railway ride up to the mountains.
Take the train
Consider taking the train to get to Chiayi from different cities, which stops at Chiayi Train Station.
From there, you can take a separate train ride up to Alishan via the Forest Railway from a separate platform located at Chiayi Train Station. Alternatively, you can buy bus tickets to travel up the Alishan mountains.
From Chiayi
Bus
This is the most budget-friendly option.
The bus stops at Chiayi HSR Station, then Chiayi Train Station before continuing to Alishan. The journey from Chiayi Train Station to Alishan takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on the weather and road conditions.
ALISHAN FOREST RAILWAY (阿里山森林鐵路嘉義火車站)
This historic railway offers a scenic journey to Alishan. However, you'll need to transfer from Chiayi Train Station.CAR RENTAL OR TAXI
Renting a car or taking a taxi provides flexibility but can be more expensive. The drive takes roughly 2-3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
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where to stay
Choosing your accommodation depends on your budget and what you like to experience.
Astrea
Stay at a charming B&B run by a friendly family with their own nearby tea plantations. It's a great place to catch the magical sunrise. My favorite stay!
Find More with Agoda
💡 TIP
Try to book your accommodations in advance — especially during peak season. Most places tend to get booked very quickly
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things to do in Alishan
Alishan offers a treasure trove of experiences that will leave you breathless. Here are some highlights:
Experiences
Watch the sunrise or
“Sea of Clouds”
Rise early to witness the stunning sunrise illuminating the sky with beautiful colors. On certain days, you may observe a breathtaking "sea of clouds" covering the valleys below.
💡 TIP
Sunrise times vary by season, so research beforehand for the best viewing.
RIDE THE ALISHAN FOREST RAILWAY
From Chiayi Train Station, climb aboard this historic railway. Make sure to ask which platform the railway is at so you have clarity. We missed our train by standing on the wrong platform. 🫣FIND THE GIANT CYPRESS (紅檜巨木)
Get “lost” in the ancient Alishan Forest, home to towering cypress trees, some reaching over 2,000 years old! Find the Giant Cypress and be impressed with its size!
Hiking
Alishan has a ton of different hiking trails catering to your hiking preferences.
Here are a few popular options:
【巨木群棧道】
Giant Cluster Tree trail
(Easy) This short and accessible trail leads you to some of Alishan's most magnificent cypress trees.
【姊妹潭】
Sister Ponds Trail
(Easy) This easy trail leads to the iconic Sister Ponds, a symbol of eternal love.
ZHUSHAN SUNRISE TRAIL (祝山觀日步道)
(Easy to Moderate) This scenic trail offers breathtaking sunrise views and a moderate climb.TRAIL OF TEA (茶之道)
(Moderate to Difficult) For experienced hikers, this long and challenging trail goes deep into the heart of the forest. Stunning views through the bamboo forest.ALISHAN SAKURA TRAIL (櫻之道)
(Easy) Time your visit right to witness the enchanting spectacle of cherry blossoms in bloom (typically late March to early April).MIST TRAIL (霧之道)
(Difficult) Get ready to climb a ton of stairs and steep hills. This is not an easy trail but it’s definitely worth the hike when you get to the top and see the tea plantations.
⚠️ IMPORTANT TIP
Always check weather conditions and trail information before heading out.
Sightseeing
Cultural and historical gems in Alishan
【姊妹潭】
Sister Ponds
These two crystal-clear ponds, named for their heart-shaped reflections, is a popular spot for photos and a symbol of everlasting love 💗
ALISHAN SHOUZHEN TEMPLE (阿里山受鎮宮)
The highest-altitude temple in Taiwan, Shouzhen Temple offers a place for quiet reflection and cultural immersion.GIANT TREES
There are giant cypresses that are said to be over 2,000 years old! Can you believe it? Look out for some of those giant trees to witness how we connect over different generations.
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FAQ
Q: Is Alishan worth visiting?
A: Yes, definitely! Especially if you love watching the sunrise, and sunsets, or even being in nature.
Q: What's the best time to visit Alishan?
A: Alishan offers something special year-round, but the ideal time depends on your preferences:
Spring (March-May): Enjoy pleasant weather, cherry blossoms (late March to early April), and potentially clear skies for sunrises.
Summer (June-August): Peak season — meaning, there are a ton of people traveling during this time! Temperatures can be warm, with occasional showers. This is the rainy season, so be prepared with rain gear to avoid getting wet or slipping.
Autumn (September-November): Experience comfortable temperatures and potentially clearer skies for sunrises. Crowds may be smaller compared to peak season.
Winter (December-February): Temperatures can drop significantly, with occasional frosts or even snow! This is the least crowded time to visit, but some trails might be icy and require extra caution. The chance of witnessing a sea of clouds might be higher during winter.
Q: What should I pack for a trip to Alishan?
A: Packing for Alishan depends on the season and planned activities. Here are some general recommendations:
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction
Layered clothing (temperatures can vary)
Rain jacket or poncho (especially during the rainy season)
Warm hat and gloves (for winter months)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Water bottle and reusable snacks
Camera and any necessary hiking gear (if planning longer hikes)
Cash (some vendors might not accept credit cards)
Q: Are there any limitations to visiting Alishan?
A: While generally accessible, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Alishan's altitude can cause mild altitude sickness for some visitors.
Some trails might be challenging or require a higher level of fitness. Choose trails that suit your ability.
Public transportation schedules, especially for the Forest Railway, can be limited. Plan your trip accordingly.
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know before you go!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
November to April offers comfier temperatures, with lower chances of rain and potentially clearer skies for sunrises. Spring has cherry blossoms (late March to early April), while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage.
PERFECT FOR
Nature lovers. Sunrise and sunset chasers.
PET POLICY
Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome, but please be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your furry friend.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Don’t worry, there are 4 public restrooms available within Alishan National Forest for your convenience.
PRICING
$
WHAT TO WEAR
A light jacket is recommended, especially for mornings and evenings. Comfy hiking shoes with good traction.WHAT TO BRING
Rain gear (during rainy seasons). Sunglasses. Reusable water bottle and snacks (you can also buy snacks at 711 before entering the trails). Camera. Drone. Cash.
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check out my Taichung travel vlog!
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DISCOVER MORE
10162023 12:30
Last Updated: 08.01.2024
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