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.
How to Get to Alishan
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus: Chiayi ⇌ Alishan
Alishan Route A (Departure from THSR Chiayi Station via Fengqihu)
From Chiayi THSR Station to Alishan: Cash Fares NT$278 or EasyCard Fares NT$244
Alishan Route A: THSR Chiayi Station → Ding-liou Elementary School → Wufeng Temple → Chukou Visitor Center → Love Prairie → Chukou → Gongxing Forest Park(Zhuhu Road Intersection) → Longmei → Eryanping Trail(Anding) → Xiding → Longtou → Shizhuo → Fenqihu → Shizi Community → Youth Activity Center → Alishan
Fenqihu: Only some buses stop at Fenqihu. Please confirm before booking.
Alishan Route B (Departure from TRA Chiayi Station via Fengqihu)
From Chiayi TRA Station to Alishan: Cash Fares NT$240 or EasyCard Fares NT$211
Alishan Route B: Daya Stop → Chiayi Station → Ding-liou Elementary School → Wufeng Temple → Chukou Visitor Center → Love Prairie → Chukou → Gongxing Forest Park(Zhuhu Road Intersection → Longmei → Eryanping Trail(Anding) → Xiding → Longtou → Shizhuo → Fenqihu → Shizi Community → Youth Activity Center → Alishan
Fenqihu: Only some buses stop at Fenqihu. Please confirm before booking.
Ruili Route (Departure from TRA Chiayi Station)
Chiayi County Bus: Chiayi ⇌ Alishan
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
Yuanlin Bus: Sun Moon Lake ⇌ Alishan
Yuanlin Bus No. 6739: Alishan to Sun Moon Lake Bus Schedule
Departure from Sun Moon Lake: 08:00
Departure from Sun Moon Lake: 08:30 (Weekends and Consecutive holidays)
Departure from Alishan: 13:00
Departure from Alishan: 14:00 (Weekends and Consecutive holidays)
Driving time: about 3 hours
Alishan → Zizhong → Shishan → Shangdongpu → Tataka → Fuqi Tree → New Zhongheng overseer Station → Caopingtou → Shenmu Village → Huoshe → Sinyi Township Farmers’ Association → Dingkan → Toushe → Xiangshan Visitor Center → Sun Moon Lake
If you pay in cash, the full price is NT$333 and the half price is NT$167. If you use EasyCard or iPass, the full price is NT$295 and the half price is NT$148. Tickets can be booked two months in advance by calling Suili Station (049-2770041) or sending an email (yulinbus@gmail.com).
Kuo Kuang Bus: Taipei ⇌ Alishan
Kuo Kuang Bus No. 1835: Taipei ⇌ Alishan
Driving time: about 5-6 hours
Ticket price: NT$750
Taipei→Alishan
Departure: Every Friday
Summer (March-October) 20:45, Winter (November-February) 21:45
Alishan→Taipei
Departure: Every Saturday at 11:30
Alishan Forest Railway
Main Line: Chiayi ⇆ Alishan
Uphill
Train No.1: 09:00 Chiayi → 12:00 Shitzilu (NT$459)
Train No.5: 10:00 Chiayi → 14:56 Alishan (NT$600)
Downhill
Train No.2: 13:21 Shitzilu → 16:51 Chiayi (NT$459)
Train No.8: 11:50 Alishan → 15:45 Chiayi (NT$600)
Stops along: Beimen, Luman(Lumachan), Zhuqi, Zhangnaoliao, Mt. Duli, Liyuanliao, Jiaoliping, Shuisheliao, Fenqihu, Duolin, Erwanping, Alishan
Alishan Forst Rail Main Line Schedule: Click image to view full size
For tourists who want to take the train, there is only one train per day, which departs from Chiayi Station at 10 am and arrives at Alishan at 2:56 pm. The train will stop at Fenchihu Station for 65 minutes before continuing to Alishan. The train takes 5 hours one way and the bus takes 2.5 hours one way, so taking the train takes twice as long as taking the bus.
Alishan Forest Railway: Main Line Schedule
Branch Line
Alishan Forest Railway Branch Line (inside the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area)
Sunset time is different each season, and Alishan Station will make time adjustments on their train schedules according to the time of sunset each day and the number of passengers. Visitors who wish to ride on the sunset train must purchase their tickets one day prior to their trip from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm on the 2nd Floor of Alishan Forest Rail Chiayi Station, Beimen Station, Fenqihu Station and Alishan Station.
Zhushan Line: For catching the iconic Alishan sunrise
Shenmu Line(Sacred Tree Line): Takes you to the Sacred Tree area — short, but magical
Zhaoping Line: Scenic and easy walk to forest trails
Alishan Forest Railway: Branch Line Schedule
Alishan Multi-Day Tour and Private Day Tour
Tickets:
■ Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Alishan Route Round-trip Tickets (4 times get-on or get-off each way for both Route A or B; one ticket per person; please scan the QR code every time getting on the bus and finish using within 3 days)
■ Chiayi Alishan – Xuyue Sightseeing Train
■ Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket
■ Alishan Tour Package: Popular Attractions + Souvenirs
■ Chiayi Taiping Suspension Bridge Ticket
Day Tour
■ Chiayi Alishan & Nantou Sun Moon Lake 3-day tour (From Taipei)
■ Alishan Private 2-Day Tour (Fom Taipei)
■ Sun Moon Lake & Alishan Private 3-Day Tour (From Taipei)
■ Chiayi Alishan 2-day tour, including cultural experience and attraction tickets (From Taipei)
■ Alishan Forest Railway 1-Day & Multi-Day Tour (From Taichung)
■ Chiayi: Alishan Day Tour & Multi-Day Tour (From Chiayi)
■ Alishan Mianyue Line Hiking Day Tour (From Chiayi)
■ Alishan Day Tour (From Taichung, Chiayi, or Kaohsiung)
■ Chiayi: Alishan Mountain Discovery Journey (From Kaohsiung)
■ Chiayi: Alishan Mountain Discovery Journey (From Kaohsiung)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Alishan?
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. Read Alishan Taiwan
What to wear to Alishan?
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. Read Alishan Weather and Seasons – A Year-Round Guide
How do I get to Alishan from Taipei?
Yes, you need to take the THSR first (book a discounted ticket here), then take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Alishan Route A, and you can complete this impossible round trip in one day.
Alishan Route A Timetable:
THSR Chiayi Station → Alishan
(09:30→12:00) (10:10→12:40) (11:00→14:05) (13:10→15:40)
or
You can take bus no. 1835 from Taipei to Alishan.
Driving time: about 5-6 hours
Ticket price: NT$750
Taipei→Alishan
Departure: Every Friday
Summer (March-October) 20:45, Winter (November-February) 21:45
How do I get back to Taipei from Alishan?
You can take bus no. 1835 from Taipei to Alishan.
Alishan→Taipei
Departure 11:30 Every Saturday
I recommend you take the bus to Chiayi High Speed Rail Station first, then take the high speed rail to Taipei.
Can I do a day trip to Alishan from Taipei?
Yes, you need to take the THSR first (book a discounted ticket here), then take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Alishan Route A, and you can complete this impossible round trip in one day.
Alishan Route A Timetable:
09:30 THSR Chiayi Station → 12:00 Alishan
14:40 Alishan → 17:10 THSR Chiayi Station
16:40 Alishan → 19:10 THSR Chiayi Station
How to get from Chiayi to Alishan?
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)
How long is the journey from Chiayi to Alishan?
The bus journey from Chiayi Railway Station to Alishan takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How to go to Alishan from Chiayi TRA or HSR?
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)
How much is the bus fare to Alishan?
From Chiayi TRA Station to Alishan: Cash Fares NT$240 or EasyCard Fares NT$211
From Chiayi THSR Station to Alishan: Cash Fares NT$278 or EasyCard Fares NT$244
Can I use EasyCard to take the bus?
Just like taking a bus, you need to swipe your card when you get on and swipe it again when you get off. If you use cash, QR code or EasyCard, I recommend lining up at the bus stop 30 minutes early so you can get a good queue position.
How long in advance should I queue at the bus stop?
If you use cash, QR code or EasyCard, I recommend lining up at the bus stop 30 minutes early so you can get a good queue position. During off-peak hours on weekdays, there are usually seats available for passengers to take the bus using cash, QR code or EasyCard. It is recommended to purchase tickets and reserve seats in advance on weekends and consecutive holidays, otherwise there may be no seats available. If the bus is full before you get on, you will have to wait for the next bus.
Are Alishan buses on time?
Stopping times are estimates only. Mountain routes are subject to delays due to roadworks or traffic control. Travelers should allow for plenty of waiting time. For actual bus times, please check the Taiwan Trip E-Bus system.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Yes, you can bring luggage on the bus. If you take the bus from Chiayi TRAor THSR Station, the driver will open the luggage compartment for passengers to place their luggage. If you catch a bus on the side of the road, the driver may not open theluggage compartment because it would hinder traffic.
Is one day enough for Alishan?
If you take the first bus to Alishan around 9am and then the 4pm bus back to Chiayi, you’ll have about 6-7 hours to explore. One day in Alishan can be enough if you’re strategic about what you want to see—but it really depends on your travel style and what kind of experience you’re after.
One day might not be enough if you
Want a slow, immersive forest experience
Plan to do longer nature walks or photography
Care about catching both sunrise and sunset
It is recommended to stay for 2-3 days so that you have enough time to enjoy the beauty of Alishan.
How much is the Alishan entrance fee?
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Full fare Ticket: NT$300 (Foreigner ticket)
Standard Discount Ticket: NT$150 (Tourist holds a ticket for taking public transportation bus or shuttle)
How to buy an Alishan train ticket?
You can use the online system to buy tickets here.
How much time to spend in Alishan?
It is recommended to stay for 2-3 days so that you have enough time to enjoy the beauty of Alishan.
Is Alishan worth visiting?
Yes, Alishan is definitely worth visiting. Alishan is less about flashy attractions and more about atmosphere, nature, and chill vibes. If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about fog rolling through ancient forests, a scenic train, and a peaceful escape from the city—then it’s so worth it.
How to dress for Alishan?
General Tips (Year-Round):
Layer up: Weather can shift fast—from sunny to foggy to rainy—so dress in layers you can add/remove.
Good walking shoes: Lots of trails and uneven paths—wear comfortable, non-slip shoes or hiking boots.
Rain protection: Alishan is often misty or drizzly, so a light rain jacket or poncho is smart.
Warm at night/sunrise: It gets cold, even in summer, especially if you’re going for the Zhushan sunrise.
What to buy in Alishan?
Special Souvenir Gifts: Fenqifu rice crackers, Turmeric, Tea Seed Oil, Brown Sugar, and Wild Boar Handicrafts
Where to buy Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Tickets?
1. Onboard purchasing of tickets with coins.
2. Contactless payments: EasyCard, iPass, iCash.
3. Mobile payments (QR code): EasyWallet, LINE Pay Money (iPass Mobile Wallet), iCash Pay.
4.Presale Ticket Reservation (Please use the Family FamiPort kiosk or the online FamiTicket ticketing system)
(1) Tickets can be purchased 31 days in advance (excluding the day of travel) at FamiPort kiosk or on the FamiTicket website (e.g.: Tickets can be purchased after 00:00 a.m. on 3/1 for your planned trip on 4/1).
(2) For the outbound journey, you can reserve seats from the “Departure Station – TRA Chiayi Railway Station/THSR Chiayi Station” to all subsequent stations after Longmei (e.g., Chiayi-Longmei, Xiding, Shizhuo, Fenqihu, Shizicun, and Alishan)
(3) For the return journey, you can reserve seats from the “Departure Station – Alishan Bus Station” to all subsequent stations after Longmei (e.g., Alishan-Longmei, Chukou, Dingliu, TRA Chiayi Railway Station/THSR Chiayi Station).
(4) Presale seat reservations, whether for the outbound or return journey, are limited to boarding from the “Departure Station.” Seats at intermediate stations will not be reserved if not boarded from the Departure Station.
(5) Tickets booked through FamiTicket website must be picked up at the Family Mart on the day of travel at the latest by entering the order number. Please allow sufficient time for picking up the ticket and waiting for the bus.
(6) Refund Procedure: For pre-purchased Alishan Line tickets through FamilyMart (FamiPort) or online through FamiTicket that need to be refunded due to unforeseen circumstances, the ticket, name, phone number, and a copy of the bank passbook cover must be sent by registered mail to “3F, No. 61, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., Taipei City 104” (Recipient: FamiTicket) before the day of travel (or the following day in case of force majeure events). Alternatively, you can avail a FamilyMart kiosk machine and then proceed to the counter for a refund (a 10% handling fee applies to all refunds).
(7) Refund procedure: Tickets – Transportation – Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Ticket Refund – Confirm and agree to Terms&Conditions – Enter the refund recipient’s phone number – Scan the ticket barcode or enter it manually – Confirm – Print the refund slip. Present the “Refund Slip” and “Ticket” together at the counter to complete the refund process.
(8) For the convenience of passengers who are unable to take the scheduled bus after purchasing the tickets, they can queue up with their ticket voucher to take other bus schedule within the same day.
(9) If you have any questions or inquiries regarding the use of FamiPort kiosk machines, please call the customer service hotline at 0800-071-999.
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle