About Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Alishan, located in Chiayi County in central Taiwan, is a stunning mountainous area that stands as one of the country’s most iconic and beloved travel destinations. Nestled at an average elevation of around 2,200 meters (7,200 feet), Alishan is part of the larger Alishan National Scenic Area, a vast and diverse region covering majestic mountains, ancient forests, tea plantations, and indigenous villages.
The name Alishan is derived from the Tsou indigenous people, who have inhabited this area for centuries and whose traditions remain deeply rooted in the region. Alishan is not a single mountain, but a range that includes over 18 peaks, with the tallest reaching over 2,600 meters.
The Alishan Forest Railway is one of the most scenic and historically significant railways in Asia. Originally built in the early 20th century by the Japanese for logging, it now serves as a heritage railway, offering travelers an immersive way to experience the mountains. The train winds its way from Chiayi City up into the heart of Alishan, stopping at charming towns like Fenqihu, known for its nostalgic vibe and famous lunch boxes.
Natural Wonders and Scenic Beauty
Alishan is famous for its “Five Wonders”:
The Sunrise : Best viewed from Zhushan, the sunrise paints the sky with vibrant colors as it emerges above the Central Mountain Range.
The Sea of Clouds : A magical blanket of clouds often fills the valleys below the peaks, creating an ocean-like view.
The Sunset : It’s one of those moments that makes you feel like you’re in a dream.
The Forest : Towering ancient cypress trees, some over 2,000 years old, line peaceful walking trails.
The Forest Railway : The historic Alishan Forest Railway traverses steep terrain, tunnels and tight turns, an engineering marvel from the Japanese era.
The Best Time to Visit
Alishan Average Temperature by Month
According to the statistics of rainfall days in Alishan, the best tourist season in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is from October to March of the following year. Due to the influence of the northeast monsoon, it is easier to see sea of clouds and cloud waterfalls during this period.
The Alishan area is surrounded by mountains, with a cool climate, high humidity and abundant rainfall. The rainy season is from April to September, and the dry season is from October to March of the following year. In addition, dense fog occurs from time to time, so you need to be extra careful when traveling.
Alishan Taiwan – Forest Guide
Alishan Forest is one of Taiwan’s most enchanting natural treasures. Alishan Forest is located in the mountains of central Taiwan. Here, time seems to slow down and nature seems to whisper. Towering ancient cypress trees, layers of mist, and moss-covered trails come together to create an atmosphere that’s both mystical and serene. For many visitors, the forest is more than just a scenic stop — it feels like stepping into a living fairytale.
Part of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, this lush high-altitude forest sits at over 2,000 meters above sea level, offering cool, fresh air year-round. It’s home to sacred trees, tranquil ponds, rare alpine flora, and wildlife — all linked by a beautifully maintained network of wooden paths and forest trails.
Alishan is more than scenery. it’s a place rich in indigenous culture, spiritual legends, and deep ecological value. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or seeker of peace, the forest offers a rare kind of stillness you’ll carry with you long after you leave.
What Makes Alishan Forest So Special
Sacred Trees: Some trees are over 1,000 years old, especially the famous Xianglin Sacred Tree and Alishan Shouzhen Temple’s giant cypress.
Peaceful Trails: Walks like the Giant Tree Plank Trail and Sisters Ponds Trail take you through some of the most serene forest landscapes in Taiwan.
Mystical Atmosphere: Morning mist, filtered sunlight, and the scent of cedar and cypress make the forest feel magical — especially around sunrise or after a rain.
Seasonal Beauty: Cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, golden foliage in autumn, and peaceful fog in winter.
The Experience: Whether you’re taking a quiet hike under the shade of redwoods, sipping tea by a pond, or glimpsing macaques and mountain birds, Alishan Forest invites you to reconnect with nature, tranquility, and yourself.
Must-Visit Spots in the Forest
Sisters Ponds : Two mirror-like mountain ponds surrounded by legend
Xianglin Sacred Tree: A towering ancient tree and spiritual landmark
Zhaoping Park & Trail: Great for seasonal flowers and easy walks
Classic Alishan Forest Trail Route for First-Timers
The forest trail route gives you a perfect blend of nature, iconic sights, and peaceful vibes. This will be a half-day to full-day walking itinerary, depending on your pace — and don’t worry, the trails are all well-maintained, safe, and scenic.
Duration: 3 to 5 hours (leisurely pace, with photo & rest stops)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — wooden paths, stairs, and forest trails
Highlights: Sacred trees, ponds, temples, misty forest vibes
Route Overview:
Start at: Alishan Forest Recreation Area Main Entrance
Zhaoping Station (沼平車站) & Cherry Blossom Trail (櫻之道)
In spring, this path is surrounded by blooming sakura trees.
Even off-season, it’s a scenic walk through alpine gardens.
Sisters Ponds (姊妹潭)
Two peaceful ponds, said to be tied to an indigenous legend of sisterhood and love.
Quiet, reflective spot — great for a short rest.
Xianglin Sacred Tree (香林神木)
A massive red cypress, over 2,300 years old — one of Alishan’s most sacred and photographed trees.
Beautiful even in the fog; great light around sunrise or dusk.
Shouzhen Temple (受鎮宮)
A serene temple nestled in the forest.
You can light incense or just enjoy the peaceful mountain energy.
Giant Tree Trail (巨木群棧道)
The highlight trail! Walk among dozens of massive old cypress trees.
Watch for birds and forest animals — especially in the early morning.
Sacred Tree Station (神木車站)
Sacred Tree Station is small, serene, and surrounded by towering thousand-year-old trees that feel like they’re watching over you.
The entire walk takes about 3 hours. The forest trail takes about 2 hours to walk. If you need to take public transportation on the road, you can take a minibus or Alishan train (Zhaoping Line + Shenmu Line) at your own expense, which can shorten the walking time by about 0.5~1 hour.
Step-by-Step Trail Plan:
Zhaoping Railway Station (沼平車站) → Alishan Skywalk (天空步道) → Sisters Pond (姊妹潭) → The Three Brothers (三兄弟) → The Foue Sisters (四姊妹) → Golden Pig Tree (金豬報喜) → (永結同心) → Magnolia Garden (木蘭園) → Shouzhen Temple (受鎮宮) → Xianglin Arch Bridge (香林拱橋木) → No. 28 Giant Tree (28號巨木) → Shenyi Waterfall (神怡流瀑) → Sacred Tree Remains (阿里山神木遺跡) → Sacred tree Station (神木車站) → Ciyun Temple (慈雲寺) → Sacred Tree (香林神木) → Tree Spirit Pagoda (樹靈塔) → Thousand Years Cypress (千歲檜) → Alishan Museum (阿里山博物館) → Ciyun Viewing Platform (慈雲觀景) → Xianglin Elementary School (香林國小) → Three Generations Trees (三代木) → Elephant Trunk Tree (象鼻木) → Giant Tree Plank Trail (巨木群棧道) → King Cherry (阿里山櫻王) → Alishan Ranger Station (阿里山工作站) → Alishan Visitor Center (阿里山旅客中心)
There were several vendors selling snacks at Alishan Shouzhen Temple. If you’re hungry, this is a good time to refuel.
- Read Alishan Taiwan – Sunset Guide
Ends at the Sacred Tree Station, where you can either:
Take the Forest Railway train back to Alishan Station or minbus.
Or walk back along the forest path (30-50 minutes)
Optional Add-ons: Alishan House Cafe for tea or coffee with a view.
Other Hike Trails:
Shuishan Healing Trail (水山療癒步道)
Shuishan Giant Tree Trail (水山巨木步道)
Zhushan Sunrise Trail (祝山觀日步道)
Duegaoyue Trail (對高岳步道)
Tashan Trail (塔山步道)
Giant Tree Plank Trail (巨木群棧道)
Forest Trail (森之道)
What to Bring for Hiking in Alishan
Hiking in Alishan is a magical experience with misty forests, ancient trees, and cool mountain air. Here’s a practical checklist of what to bring when hiking in Alishan, especially if you’re planning to explore the Sacred Tree area, Sister Ponds, or catch that famous sunrise.
Luggage Storage at Chiayi Train Station, Chiayi HSR Station or Taipei?
Essentials:
- Comfortable walking shoes or Easy-grip shoes: Trails are well-maintained, but forest paths can get slippery if wet or rains.
- Hiking pants, Thermal long-sleeve shirt and Light waterproof jacket: The weather in the mountains can change quickly, with sunshine quickly turning into fog or drizzle. Even in summer, it’s cool.
- Reusable water bottle:Stay hydrated!There are drinking fountains at the entrance transfer station, the passenger service center, Alishan Station, Zhuoping Station, Alishan Work Station, and all hotels in the area.
- Snacks or energy bars: There are food vendors – Alishan Shopping Street, which includes the 7-Eleven, dining area andmost of the restaurantsr. There were several vendors selling snacks at Alishan Shouzhen Temple. If you’re hungry, this is a good time to refuel.
- EasyCard: Useful for local transport like the Alishan Forest Railway. You can use it to buy items at all the convenience stores.
- Camera or phone with extra battery – trust me, you’ll want to capture everything.
- Small backpack for storing layers and essentials.
Nice to Have:
- Hat and sunglasses (for sunny spells)
- mall towel or wet wipes – trails can get muddy, and restrooms are basic
For Sunrise Visitors (Zhushan Trail):
- Warm layers or fleece – early mornings are cold, even in warmer months
- Headlamp or phone flashlight – if you’re walking in the dark to catch the sunrise
- Thermos with hot tea or coffee – bonus comfort points while waiting for the light show
Optional, but Helpful:
- Map or offline trail guide – trail signs are good, but a map helps you plan
- Umbrella or poncho – great for misty rain or unexpected showers
- Bug spray – not usually bad, but depends on the season
What Not to Bring:
- Bulky luggage – leave it at your hotel or visitor center
- Plastic bags – help keep Alishan clean and plastic-free
Pro Tip:
- Arrive early, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday. Trails are peaceful early in the day, and you’ll beat the crowds.
Alishan Tourist e-Minibus
The Alishan Tourist e-Minibus can replace some walking routes in the park. The bus is a point-to-point shuttle and does not take tourists around the entire park area.
Operation Information: Daily service hours
April to September:08:00 to 18:00
October to March: 08:00 to 17:00
Zhuoping Line (Blue Line) / Xianglin Line (Red Line)
Zhuoping Line (Blue Line)
There are two boarding locations: Terminal and the Visitor Center Station. The bus stops in front of Zhuoping Park. Visitors can get off at Zhuoping Station and walk to the Sisters Pond and other attractions.
Xianglin Line (Red Line)
There are two boarding locations: Terminal and the tourist center station. The bus stops next to Shouzhen Temple. Visitors can get off at Xianglin Station and walk to the giant tree trail and other attractions.
Shift time: No fixed shift, flexible arrangement at each station
Departure Interval
Visitor Center Station → Zhuoping Station: The distance is about 2.2 kilometers. The travel time, including the time for tourists to get on and off the bus, is about 10 minutes.
Visitor Center Station → Xianglin Station: The distance is about 1.8 kilometers. The travel time, including the time for tourists to get on and off the bus, is about 8 minutes.
Zhuoping Station → Xianglin Station / Visitor Center Station: The distance is about 1.2 kilometers. The travel time, including the time for tourists to get on and off the bus, is about 6 minutes.
Zhushan Line (Yllow Lne)
There are two boarding locations: Visitor Center Station and Zhuoping Station.
The bus stops at Duegaoyue Station and you get off at Zhushan Station. If you wish to take the return Zhushan Line, please follow the timetable.
Uphill: 09:00/11:00/13:00/15:00/16:00
Downhill: 09:30/11:00/13:30/15:30/16:30
Departure Interval
Visitor Center Station → Zhushan Station: The distance is about 5.5 kilometers. The driving time, including the time for tourists to get on and get off the bus, is about 35 minutes.
Zhushan Stargazing Route
The boarding point is the Visitor Center Station (via Zhuoping Station) to Zhushan and back.
The night tour of Zhushan (round-trip tickets only) departs at 19:00 AM (the tour will be cancelled in case of bad weather) and 21:00 returns from Zhushan.
The stargazing activity will decide whether to sell tickets based on the weather conditions on the day. Tickets can be purchased on site after 17:30.
Zhushan Sunrise e-Mnbus
You can purchase pre-sale tickets at the Visitor Center Station before 4:40 p.m. the day before.
Zhushan Line one-way ticket: Full fare NT$ 150, Half fare NT$ 75
Zhushan Line round trip ticket: Full fare NT$ 300, Half fare NT$ 150
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Hiking Reminder
To ensure your safety and have a seamless and enjoyable trip in the mountain forest regardless of the degree of hiking difficulty, please pay attention to the following：
Check the weather a few days before and after your planned hiking trip. During rainy season (April to September in Alishan), you must pay attention to changes in the mountain region.
During holidays, carpooling or public transportation is recommended.
Stay on existing trails and do not damage plants off the trails.
Do not disturb wild animals, and do not take away anything in the forest.
Do not litter. It is appreciated if you can help pick up trash along the way!
Respect local residents. Do not enter private property.
Pay attention to the closest emergency rescue unit.
Special Reminder
If you’re hiking for multiple days, or embarking on an arduous mountain climbing trip (the challenging advance level etc.), here are a few special reminders:
Pick routes that are suitable for your level. If you’re new to hiking, we recommend that you join a group of experienced hikers.
Bring a sufficient amount of water and snacks. Snack choices should be high in calories, light weight and won’t spoil easily.
When traveling on dangerous sections of the trail, first check for stability with your hand or foot. Remember the rule of thumb: 3 contact points are more stable than 1 contact point.
Do not make loud noises in the mountain.
Alishan Weather & Seasons – A Year-Round Guide
Alishan is about 2,200 (7,200 ft) meters above sea level. Alishan has a cool, temperate mountain climate — a peaceful escape from Taiwan’s humid lowlands. Here’s a detailed introduction to Alishan’s four seasons and temperatures, so you’ll know exactly what to expect (and pack) when visiting.
Spring (March – May)
Average Temperature: 5°C – 20°C (41°F – 68°F)
Weather: Mild days, chilly mornings & evenings. Occasional mist or light rain.
Highlights:
Cherry blossoms (mid to late March) – one of the biggest attractions
Lush forests waking up from winter
Sunrise and “sea of clouds” views are often stunning
What to Pack:
Light jacket or fleece for daytime
Warm layers (like a hoodie or puffer) for early mornings and nights
Summer (June – August)
Average Temperature: 12°C – 24°C (54°F – 75°F)
Weather: Cool and comfortable, but can be humid. Frequent afternoon fog or rain, especially in July/August.
Highlights:
Perfect for escaping Taiwan’s city heat
Lush green landscapes and hiking trails
Misty, mysterious forest vibes in the late afternoon
What to Pack:
Light layers, breathable clothes
Rain gear (umbrella or light rain jacket)
A light jacket for night, especially after rain
Autumn (September – November)
Average Temperature: 7°C – 20°C (45°F – 68°F)
Weather: Clear, dry, and pleasantly cool. Probably the best weather of the year.
Highlights:
Maple leaves turning red and gold (late Oct to Nov)
Crisp air, less fog, clearer views for sunrise and cloud sea
Great for photography, hiking, and peaceful walks
What to Pack:
Medium jacket, long sleeves
Scarf or extra layer for chilly evenings
Good walking shoes – this is prime hiking season
Winter (December – February)
Average Temperature: 1°C – 15°C (33°F – 59°F)
Weather: Cold, especially at night. Rare snow, but frost and icy mornings are common.
Highlights:
Serene and peaceful — fewer crowds
If it snows, Alishan becomes a quiet, snow-dusted fairytale
Beautiful sunrises over crisp, frosty forests
What to Pack:
Warm jacket or coat (puffer, down, etc.)
Gloves, scarf, hat
Layers – it can warm up slightly mid-day
Bonus Tip
The temperature on the mountain is relatively low in the early morning, so please prepare warm clothes. Even in summer, early mornings (especially if you’re catching the sunrise at Zhushan) can be below 10°C (50°F). So always pack layers, no matter the season.
Taiwan’s Highland Paradise
Alishan’s natural beauty, cultural significance, and why it’s a special tourist destination in Taiwan.
How to get to?
Transportation information
Chiayi to Alishan Bus Schedule and Frequently Asked Questions
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Alishan Route
Alishan Route A (Departure from THSR Chiayi Station via Fengqihu)
Alishan Route B (Departure from TRA Chiayi Station via Fengqihu)
Ruili Route (Departure from TRA Chiayi Station)
Taiping Route
Chiayi County Bus Schedule and Route
7322 Chiayi ⇌ Alishan
7322 (Ride around Fenqihu) Chiayi ⇌ Alishan
7329 HSR Chiyi Station ⇌ Alishan
7302 Chiaiyi ⇌ Fenqihu
7315 Chiaiyi ⇌ Ruifeng
7314 Chiaiyi ⇌ Dabang
107 Meishan ⇌ Taiping Suspension Bridge
Google Map: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
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