alishan travel package

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Alishan Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Alishan. We've got 11 adventures going to Alishan, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the largest number of tour departures.

11 Alishan tour packages with 12 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Private 3-Day Tour to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan

Such a magical experience! Our driver was really friendly as well as our guide, with great recommendations for local-fare for the time away from the tour. Mr. Chang made sure to introduce us to a special Taiwanese tea ceremony since the museum from the tour did not have such an exhibit. He was also really friendly with the locals that made our group feel really welcomed to the environment. He expertly lead the way through the Alishan terrain and knew the best places to take photos. He not only kept up with but outpaced an entire flock of 20-somethings!

• In-depth Cultural
• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

5-day Classic Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake & Alishan (Private)

We had an excellent time. Alex was very knowledgable on the sites we visited and took us for some great street food. Alishan sunrise was beautiful we were very lucky with the sun rise. My mom and I enjoyed this trip very much!

3-day Taiwan History and Nature Premium Private Tour

Customized Private Taiwan Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Intl. Flights Included

Taiwan Tea Culture & Monastic Life

We really enjoyed our vacation in Taiwan with Moskito Adventures. The tour was excellently organized. We saw a lot and the hikes in the Taroko Gorge and the bike tours were our personal highlights. Our guide was very caring and always made sure we were comfortable. Thank you very much, dear Chris ???? We will definitely book again, as Korea is still on our list. Best regards Jonathan and Petra

• Flights included

Ilha Formosa - Between Confucius and Jade Mountain

3-day Classic Taiwan History and Nature Private Tour

• Coach / Bus

Around Taiwan 8 day Private Tour (Premium)

Thanks to our excellent knowledgable guide, the itinerary was well put and we have a great time and learned a lot about Taiwan. Overall we would highly recommended this tour to other travellers.

Around Taiwan 8 Day Private Tour (Classic)

The 8-day private tour of Taiwan was everything we were hoping for and more... This was largely due to our guide Ken who was truly excellent, Easy to converse with, flexible as to starting hours and itinerary, very informative and super helpful in dealing with non-english speakers, e.g. in hotels, restaurants etc.

• Sightseeing

5-Day Premium Sun Moon Lake and Alishan Private Tour from Taipei

8-Day Premium Private Tour to Southern Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake and Alishan

• Taiwan Travel Guide

ALISHAN, TAIWAN: TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

It was supposed to be my birthday trip. Years ago, when I was planning a backpacking trip around Taiwan, I made sure that my birthday would coincide with the Alishan stop. As a guy who would totally trade a week on the beach even with just a day in the highlands, I’m always on the lookout for quaint mountain resort villages. Unfortunately, an injury cut that trip short, leaving Alishan an unticked box on my Asian bucket list.

When our team decided to cover Taiwan to create a series of travel guides this year, it came as no surprise to my teammates that I assigned myself the one place that has eluded me all these years — Alishan.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING ALISHAN

The name Alishan refers to a lot of things. If you look at the topographical map of Taiwan, you’ll find a cluster of mountain ranges sprawling from north to south and occupying the central and eastern regions of the island. A section of this feature’s western edge is the Alishan Mountain Range , much of which makes up the nature reserve called Alishan National Scenic Area .

The Alishan National Scenic Area is composed mainly of the northern half of Alishan Township along with a few other townships in Chiayi County including Zhuqi, Meishan, and Fanlu. Within the covered region of Alishan Township is a forest park called the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area , which is perhaps the most popular attraction within the scenic area.

Confusing? Don’t worry, in this post, when we say Alishan per se, we’re referring only to the recreation area, unless otherwise stated.

The nearest major city is Chiayi City , which makes it the most usual jumpoff point to Alishan. Because of its elevation, Alishan enjoys a climate that is more temperate than tropical. It’s a favorite getaway even among locals who wish to cool down and relax a little.

Essential Information:

• Language: Mandarin Chinese, but Taiwanese Min-nan is also spoken. Many street signs are bilingual: written in Chinese characters with English translations.
• Time Zone: UTC+8 (Taiwan National Standard Time). Taiwan is in the same time zone as the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia; an hour behind Japan; and an hour ahead of Jakarta.
• Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$, TWD). NT$ 100 is around USD 3.4, EUR 2.9, SGD 4.66, PHP 166.3 (as of August 2020).
• Modes of Payment: Most establishments prefer cash payment, but many of them also accept credit card transactions.

WHERE TO STAY IN ALISHAN

Best area to stay in alishan.

The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area spans 1400 hectares, but the best place to stay is definitely the main tourist hub , the area in front of the forest railway station (near the gate). From here, restaurants, shops, convenience stores, the train station, the bus station and information center are all within touching distance.

Lodging options in Alishan are quite limited. But down the hill is the Hotel Area , where you’ll find the highest concentration of accommodations including the following hotels:

• Alishan Shermuh Hotel
• Yingshan Hotel
• Wunsun Hotel
• Kaofeng Hotel
• Chingshan Villa
• Gaushanching Hotel
• Hofong Villa
• Wankou Hotel
• Dafong Hotel
• Dengshan Hotel
• Maria Hotel

Outside the main tourist area, you can also find other hotels. One of these is the Alishan House, perhaps the most well-known property in the area. If you’re after a more luxurious experience or celebrating a special occasion, this is something to consider. It’s a bit detached, but it offers transfers to and from the station.

Top Hotels in Alishan

Here are the top properties on Agoda, as scored by their customers.

• Alishan House. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Alishan Shermuh Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Chinshan Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Wun Sun Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ali-Shan Kaofeng Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Things to Consider Before Booking Hotels

• Hotels in Alishan are generally much more expensive than in other parts of Taiwan most likely because of the limited options.
• The Hotel Area (at the main tourist hub) is situated downhill from the train station , so climbing back up can be a challenge if you’re not that fit. What we did: on our last day, we checked out early and deposited our bags in a locker at the train station before touring so we won’t need to go down and up again just to check out.
• Some hotels don’t have elevators , so make sure you express your preference for a lower level.
• Some hotels offer free transfers and sell sunrise tickets. Coordinate with hotel management before your trip.
• Check in time is usually between 3pm and 4pm.
• Most hotels offer free breakfast, served at a partner restaurant at the central area, a bit far from the actual hotel building. Breakfast time is usually between 7am to 9am.

POCKET WIFI RENTAL & LOCAL SIM

You can make your life easier during your trip by staying connected to the Internet. You have two options: rent a pocket wifi or purchase a local data SIM.

Pocket Wifi Rental is more convenient because you just need to connect to the device, which can accommodate up to 5 devices at once. Klook’s wifi rental service also provides unlimited 4G data with no decelaration to 3G.

You can also buy a 4G SIM Card that will give you unlimited data without worrying about roaming costs. This SIM card is from Chunghwa Telecom, the biggest telco in Taiwan. Available in 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, or 30-day validity.

Available units are limited so it’s best to reserve online. Whatever you choose, you can pick it up at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport, Kaohsiung Airport or Taichung Airport when you arrive.

HOW TO GET TO ALISHAN

Because Taiwan is a small island with an efficient transportation network, it’s easy to get to Alishan from any of the major airports — Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, and Taichung International Airport.

From any of these airports, all you need to do is make your way to the nearest TRA or THSR Station to catch a train to Chiayi City .

If Alishan is just a side trip, you can also easily reach Alishan from Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung. Just proceed to the a TRA or THSR Station and board a train to Chiayi City.

We’ll create a separate, more detailed post about getting to Chiayi from other parts of Taiwan.

Chiayi to Alishan

The best way to reach Alishan is by taking the train from Chiayi City. It’s not the fastest option, but this route will allow you to experience the Alishan Express , a vintage train widely regarded as one of the wonders of Alishan.

Alishan Express departs from Chiayi TRA Station (TRA, not THSR). If you’re arriving at THSR, you can simply catch a shuttle bus from Chiayi THSR Station to TRA Station.

Note that, as of now, Alishan Express doesn’t go directly to Alishan because the far end of the rails were damaged by typhoons and have yet to be repaired. Hence, you need to transfer to a bus when you reach Fenqihu Station .

Here’s how to get to Alishan from Chiayi.

• Book a train ticket to Fenqihu Station online. Fare: TWD 384, adult; TWD 192, child. Alishan Express makes only one trip on weekdays (scheduled at 9am) and two on weekends and holidays (9am and 9:30am), which means limited seats. It’s best to reserve online. We have a step-by-step guide here: How to book Alishan train tickets online!
• Claim your reserved tickets at Chiayi TRA Station. Note that it’s TRA Station, NOT THSR. Find the Alishan Express ticket window in front of the station, present your reservation number and the passport you used to book, and get your train tickets.
• Board the train. The platform is located at the far end of the first platform (if you’re facing the rails), past the Police Station. Travel time: 2 hours, 21 minutes.
• Alight at Fenqihu Station. You’ll arrive at around 11:30am, in time for lunch. While waiting for the bus, you can try Fenqihu’s well-known bento boxes. Several restaurants offer this meal, but the most popular is served by Fenchihu Hotel (Price: NT$ 160-180).
• Catch the bus to Alishan. The bus stop is on the other side of the railway (not on the side of the station and old street). There are only three buses scheduled at 11:30am, 12:50pm, 2:00pm. Travel time: 1 hour. Fare: NT$ TWD 98 (adult), TWD 49 (concession, child).
• Pay the entrance fee. At the Alishan Bus Terminal building, where you will be dropped off, find the ticket machines. Admission rate is NT$ 150.
• Drop by Alishan Train Station. Once you have the ticket, enter the park through the massive gate. Around 200 meters from the gate is the Alishan Train Station, where you can purchase tickets for tomorrow’s sunrise train journey.

If you’re staying at the Hotel Area, you can simply walk. From the train station, cross the road and go down the staircase. Cross the parking lot and you’ll find a small alley with another flight of stairs. Climb down and you’ll reach the Hotel Area.

If your hotel offers free transfer, you may be picked up here at the train station.

If you need more information about how to Alishan, we have a step-by-step guide here: CHIAYI TO ALISHAN!

HOW TO GET AROUND ALISHAN

Before that, let me explain something quickly. Within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area are four main areas:

• Main tourist hub , the area surrounding Alishan Train Station and directly after the primary gate. This is where most hotels, restaurants and shops are located.
• Chushan , also spelled Zhushan, where you can catch the famous Alishan sunrise.
• Chaoping , also spelled Zhaoping, where you’ll find the Zhaoping Park (Cherry Blossoms trail) and the Sister Pond.
• Sacred Tree area, which is scribbled with walking trails that will lead you to the Shouzhen Temple, the Shun Bao Fu De Temple, the Three Generations Tree, the Big Tree, and of course, the Sacred Tree.

All these areas are connected by the scenic Alishan Forest Railway , with Alishan Station as the central point. You can simply ride the train to get from one station to another. Fare to and from Chaoping, Sacred Tree or Alishan Station is NT$ 100. Fare to or from Chushan is NT$ 150.

However, the more recommended option is by hiking. Every train stations is only 30 minutes to 1 hour on foot from the next station. The walking trails will take you to the points of interest in the area. It’s an easy hike, if you have no issues physically.

This map is a simplified illustration of the journeys, whether by train or by foot.

Our recommended route is this: First, take the train from Alishan to Chushan to catch the sunrise (since it may be too dark or too cold for an early morning walk). After dawn, they hop back into the train to Chaoping Station and walk all the way to Sacred Tree Station, stopping at key attractions along the way. Then, they catch another train back to Alishan.

THINGS TO DO IN ALISHAN

Chushan sunrise.

Perhaps the most popular attraction in Alishan. Hundreds of people watch the day break from a viewing platform in Chushan. It’s easy to be mesmerized by the first light of day seeping through the mountains above a sea of clouds.

Skipping hotel breakfast? You can grab a quick bite from the lane of food stalls at the viewing area. Local favorites like tea eggs to western staples like French toast are available.

How to get to Chushan: At Alishan Station, take the train to Chushan Station. One-way fare: NT$ 150 (adult), NT$ 75 (concession).

IMPORTANT! Purchase a ticket the afternoon before (1pm to 4:30pm). Because the sunrise time varies every day, the departure time of the Chushan train changes with it too. The final schedule is posted at the station and is shared with hotel receptions in the late afternoon. You can simply ask your hotel’s reception staff for the departure time and arrange a wakeup call for good measure.

On the day of sunrise viewing, wake up early and proceed to the Alishan Station. The train can get packed so to make sure you get seated, arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time.

Chaoping Trails

After sunrise viewing, head back to the station and catch the train to Chaoping. Upon exiting the station, you’ll be greeted by the Chaoping Park , next to the plum garden. From here, you can take one of the many walking trails that cut across the area including the following:

• Chaoping Skywalk Trail
• Alishan Sakura Trail (cherry blossoms!), if your timing is right
• Poetry Trail

But most visitors follow the main forest trail that leads to the Sacred Tree . Along the way, you’ll be passing by the Sister Pond , the Magnolia Garden, the Alishan Shouzhen Temple, and other picturesque spots.

How to get to Chaoping: From Chushan Station or Alishan Station, take the train to Chaoping Station. Fare from Chushan is NT$ 150, from Alishan NT$100.

Sacred Tree Trails and Boardwalks

Another place that is perfect for a leisurely walk in the forest is the Sacred Tree area, named after a giant red cypress tree that has been revered by the Tsou people. At over 50 meters, it was the tallest tree in the area for the longest time. However, in 1998, a lighting strike burned it, pushing the Forestry Bureau to lay it on the ground.

In 2007, the authorities launched a voting campaign about which tree should be hailed the next sacred tree. The giant tree that received the most votes is now called Alishan Sianglin Sacred Tree.

Aside from the Sacred Tree, several curious attractions are scattered along various hiking trails and boardwalks like the following:

• Three-generation tree
• Shun Bao Fu De Temple
• Scented Wood Bridge
• Elephant Trunk Tree
• Pagoda of the Tree Spirit
• Shenyi Bridge

How to get here to the Sacred Tree: The nearest station is Sacred Tree Station. From Alishan, fare is NT$ 100.

Other Places to Visit in Alishan

We’ll create a more detailed post about this soon. In the meantime, here’s a list of other attractions you might want to check out.

• Alishan Shouzhen Temple , which stands in between Chaoping and Sacred Tree areas. At 2150 meters, it is the highest temple in Taiwan. It was built as protection for lumbermen from bad fortune in the forest.
• Ciyun Temple , an ideal spot for watching sea of clouds and sunset. Close to Sacred Tree Station.
• Alishan Museum , built in 1935 and renovated in 2007, it showcases the forests, culture, and history of Alishan.

For more details about the activities above and more options, visit this dedicated page: THINGS TO DO IN ALISHAN!

SAMPLE ALISHAN ITINERARY

Below is a sample overnight Alishan itinerary with budget breakdown. Because Alishan is often just a side trip for visitors touring other parts of Taiwan — Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung — I’ll start this itinerary from the arrival at Chiayi TRA Train Station . How you get there is up to you, but make sure you reach Chiayi before 8:30 am in time for the 9am Alishan Express train.

This way, you can easily insert this side trip itinerary to your grander Taiwan itinerary.

Please note that the actual sunrise and sunset times vary according to the date of your visit. The itinerary below is just an example to serve as your guide. Feel free to make necessary adjustments to match the actual sunset and sunrise schedules when you visit, your bigger Taiwan plan, and your preferences.

Prices below are in New Taiwan dollars (NT$, TWD).

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL 08:00 am – Arrival at Chiayi TRA Station 08:15 am – Get Alishan Express tickets, $384 09:00 am – Board Alishan Express 11:21 am – Arrival at Fenqihu Station 11:40 am – Bento box lunch, $180 12:10 am – Walk around old street 12:50 am – Board bus to Alishan 02:00 pm – Buy Alishan entrance ticket, $150 02:30 pm – Buy Chushan train ticket, $150 02:40 pm – Walk to hotel 03:00 pm – Hotel checkin, freshen up 05:00 pm – Walk around, chill 06:00 pm – Watch sunset (time varies) 06:30 pm – Dinner, $200 08:00 pm – Back to hotel, sleep

DAY 2 – SUNRISE & FOREST TRAILS 04:00 am – Wake up call, early check out 04:30 am – Queue at train station 05:00 am – Train to Chushan 05:50 am – Chushan Sunrise (actual time varies) 07:00 am – Quick breakfast, $100 07:20 am – Train to Chaoping, $150 08:00 am – Start trek to Sacred Tree, explore 11:50 am – Sacred tree train to Alishan, $100 12:00 nn – Lunch, $200 01:40 pm – Direct bus to Chiayi, $240 03:40 pm – Arrival in Chiayi, catch train to your next city

If you follow the above itinerary, prepare to shell out at least NT$ 1900 (USD 64.6, EUR 55, SGD 88.8, PHP 3160) excluding accommodations.

To cover possible miscellaneous expenses, possible price movements, and other costs we might have missed, add plenty of allowance so you don’t run short of cash while you’re there.

MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Build your itinerary according to the sunrise time. The sunrise is the biggest and most popular Alishan wonder, so it would be a shame to miss it.
• Consider skipping hotel breakfast. Hotels in Alishan offer free breakfast, served from 7am-9am. Many guests return to the tourist hub for breakfast after watching the sunrise and then head back to Chaoping or Sacred Tree to hike. Because I also treat time as currency, I decided to skip breakfast and go straight to the forest trails after sunrise. The forest feels more magical and less crowded in the early morning than towards noon. Also, I’m not a breakfast person so skipping it is natural for me. But if you are, you can grab a quick bite at one of the stalls at the sunrise viewing deck.
• Tight food budget? Visit 7-Eleven for cheap meals. We spotted two 7-Eleven stores in the area and they have ready-to-eat and microwavable items that are affordable and filling. But if you’re pretty loaded with cash, go ahead and dine at one of the restaurants!
• Check the weather before the trip. Most of the attractions in Alishan are in the great outdoors. Best to be prepared for the rain or the cold.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALISHAN

How to book alishan express train tickets.

We created a separate step-by-step guide right here: HOW TO BOOK TRAIN TO ALISHAN!

Are there lockers at Chiayi Station?

YES, you can find it next to the Family Mart convenience store. Rate is TWD 50 per 3 hours .

If you have heavy luggage but you’re only staying overnight in Alishan, you might want to consider leaving your bags at the Baggage Room at the leftmost end of the terminal (if you’re facing the rails). Fee is TWD 70 per bag per 24 hours .

But make sure that it’ll be open when it’s time to claim your bags. Operating hours are from 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm . Otherwise, you may use the more expensive lockers, tucked near Family Mart.

Are there lockers at Fenqihu Station?

YES. There are 48 lockers available at Fenqihu Station.

Rate is TWD 50 per 3 hours .

Are there lockers at Alishan Station?

Yes, you’ll find them on the upper floor facing the platforms.

Rate is TWD 50 per 3 hours . Make sure you have coins.

Should I tip in Taiwan?

Tipping is not expected in Alishan or Taiwan in general. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill.

Is Alishan safe for tourists?

Yes, it is generally safe in Alishan. But as in any other destination, be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Make sure you’re prepared for the cold or the rain. And don’t leave the designated walking trails!

Memorize these local service numbers in case of emergency:

Police : 110 Ambulance :　119

What power plug type is used in Alishan?

110V, 60Hz. Type A sockets are most common. Plugs have two flat pins.

2020 • 8 • 12

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Hi Vinz and Yosh, may I know the link from Taichung to Chiayi station pls? Did you ride thsr or tra? What is the estimate travel time too. Thanks!

Hi Val! Take TRA so you won’t need to switch stations sa Chiayi. We have more detailed instructions here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/chiayi-to-alishan-train-bus/

Thanks for sharing this. It’s very useful.

Hello. Just got confused on the part where after blarding bus in fenqihu… we can then catch a bus to alishan. Is that free?

Also once in alishan, if i want to buy train ticket only for the sacred tree is that a 2 way ticket? How do i go back to alishan main entrance?

Hi Aileen, nope, bus from Fenqihu to Alishan is around NTD 100.

If I remember correctly, train ticket to Sacred Tree Stn is one-way. You’ll need to purchase another ticket to get back.

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Alishan Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to Taiwan’s Scenic Mountains

Discover alishan’s hidden treasures: an unforgettable journey.

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A Travel Guide to the Natural Wonders of Alishan, Taiwan

Table of Contents

Alishan is a mountainous region in Taiwan that is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and cultural significance. The region boasts a wide range of natural wonders, such as towering peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors to Alishan can explore numerous hiking trails, admire the stunning views from the mountaintops, and learn about the unique traditions and customs of the local indigenous people.

One of the most popular attractions in Alishan is the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that winds its way through the mountains and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The railway was built by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan and has since become a beloved symbol of the region’s history and heritage. Other must-see sights in Alishan include the Sacred Tree, a towering red cypress that is over 2,000 years old, and the Alishan National Scenic Area, which encompasses over 140 square kilometers of pristine wilderness.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Alishan is a destination that is sure to delight and inspire. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and endless opportunities for adventure, Alishan is a place that truly has something for everyone.

Getting to Alishan

There are several ways to get to Alishan, depending on where you are coming from.

From Taipei

The most convenient way to get to Alishan from Taipei is by taking the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Chiayi Station, which takes about 90 minutes. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to Alishan, which takes about 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Taipei Main Station to Chiayi Station, which takes about 3-4 hours, then take a bus or taxi to Alishan.

From Taichung

If you are coming from Taichung, you can take a train or a bus to Chiayi Station, then take a bus or taxi to Alishan. The train ride takes about 2-3 hours, while the bus ride takes about 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Taichung to Alishan, which takes about 4-5 hours.

From Kaohsiung

From Kaohsiung, you can take a train or a bus to Chiayi Station, then take a bus or taxi to Alishan. The train ride takes about 1-2 hours, while the bus takes about 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Kaohsiung to Alishan, which takes about 4-5 hours.

From Tainan

If you are coming from Tainan, you can take a train or a bus to Chiayi Station, then take a bus or taxi to Alishan. The train ride takes about 1-2 hours, while the bus ride takes about 2-3 hours.

The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) and bus companies provide regular services to and from Alishan, so transportation should not be a major issue. Additionally, the Alishan Express is a popular train that runs through the mountainous region, offering a scenic and unique way to reach Alishan.

Exploring Alishan

Alishan is a mountainous region in central Taiwan that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. Here are some of the top spots to explore in Alishan:

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, a 140-square-kilometer expanse of lush forests and rolling mountains. Explore the winding trails, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and admire the stunning scenery.

Journey through the Tsou aboriginal villages, renowned for their tea production, and ride the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge train that passes through high-altitude forests. Don’t forget to stroll along the Giant Tree Plank Trail boardwalk, where you can marvel at the ancient cypress trees, including the fallen Alishan Sacred Tree. A visit to this incredible area is an absolute must!

Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan, a 415 square kilometer (41,500 ha) wonderland of mountain wilderness, four villages, waterfalls, high-altitude tea plantations, and a multitude of hiking trails, is a popular destination for tourists and mountain climbers. It is a major landmark of Taiwan, renowned for its production of high mountain tea and wasabi, and the Alishan National Scenic Area is a must-see for its spectacular sea of clouds, sunrises, and sunsets.

The Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that winds through the forest, offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Visitors should not miss the awe-inspiring sight of the sunrises, sunsets, and sea of clouds in the area between Alishan and Yüshan, the railway station, and the sacred trees.

Ciyun Temple

Visiting Ciyun Temple, formerly known as Alishan Temple, can be a truly magical experience. Built in 1919 by the Japanese, this Buddhist temple was constructed in an area they felt was full of spiritual energy.

As the sun sets, you can witness the stunning sight of the sea of clouds and the beautiful sunset glow that radiates from the sky. Inside the temple, you can find the 1000-year-old Karmuni Buddha statue, made of bronze on the outside and gold sand on the inside. The temple is also the starting point for the trail leading to Shenben, which is worth exploring in the evening.

The afterglow of the sunset, the golden sea of clouds, and the flying waves make for a captivating view. Don’t forget to take a look at the tall and handsome Taiwan cedar tree next to Ciyun Temple, which is a special product of Taiwan and a rarity among the trees in the country.

Alishan Sacred Tree Relics

Discover the ancient wonder of the Sacred Tree of Alishan, a giant red cypress tree over 3,000 years old that was discovered in 1906. With a circumference of 25 meters and a height of 50 meters, this sacred tree is a symbol of cultural heritage to the local indigenous people. Take a stroll around the tree and learn about its history and significance.

Sadly, it was struck by lightning twice in the 1950s and dumped on the railway in 1997. However, the authorities arranged to bring the tree back to nature, planting red cypress saplings on the spot to honor its spirit and symbolize the eternal life of the Sacred Tree of Alishan. Visit the ruins of the tree at the Shenmu station of the small forest train and experience the spiritual symbol of Alishan for yourself.

Hiking Trails

Alishan is also home to a network of hiking trails offering various difficulty levels and scenic views. Visitors can choose from short walks to longer hikes that take them through the forest, along mountain ridges, and to scenic viewpoints. Some popular hiking trails include the Tashan Trail, the Zhushan Trail, and the Shermuh Trail.

Experiencing Alishan

Alishan is a place that offers a unique experience to travelers. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Alishan.

Tea Plantations

Alishan is famous for its tea plantations. Visitors can take a tour of the plantations and learn about the tea-making process. The tea grown in Alishan is known for its high quality and unique flavor. Many tea shops in the area offer tastings and sell tea leaves to take home.

Cherry Blossoms

In the spring, Alishan is covered in beautiful cherry blossoms. Visitors can take a stroll through the cherry blossom gardens and enjoy the stunning scenery. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom from late March to early April.

Sunrise and Sunset

One of the most popular activities in Alishan is watching the sunrise and sunset. The sunrise at Alishan is especially beautiful, with the sun rising above the sea of clouds. Visitors can take a train to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise or sunset. It is recommended to arrive early to get a good spot.

Local Cuisine

Alishan is known for its local cuisine. Visitors can try traditional dishes such as Alishan chicken, bamboo rice, and mountain vegetables. Many coffee shops in the area serve locally grown coffee.

Accommodation in Alishan

When it comes to finding a place to stay in Alishan, there are several options to choose from. Below are some of the most popular accommodations in the area.

Alishan House

Check Rates and Availability.

Perched atop the majestic Alishan Forest Recreation Area in Chiayi County, Taiwan, Alishan House is a luxurious hotel that promises to provide guests with a stay of unparalleled comfort and convenience. Set 2,200 meters above sea level, visitors to this majestic location can marvel at the stunning natural sceneries, high-mountain tea plantations, and breathtaking cherry blossoms all around.

With its prime location in the heart of Alishan, the hotel is within walking distance of many popular attractions, and its rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Guests can also enjoy a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and spa. Alishan House is the perfect place to experience the beauty and culture of this unique area.

Shermuh Hotel

Stay at Alishan Shermuh Int’ Tourist Hotel and be immersed in the beauty of the Alishan National Park. Just steps away from the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and a short drive from Mount Ali, this hotel offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy a comfortable stay with well-equipped rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and spa. Explore the nearby Shouzhen Temple and Zhaoping Park, both within easy reach of the hotel.

Kaofeng Hotel

Immerse yourself in nature at Kaofeng Hotel, a budget-friendly option located in the Alishan National Scenic Area. Just 7 minutes from Alishan train station and 18 km from Lulin Observatory, the elegant building offers guests comfortable, unfussy rooms with wood floors, flat-screen TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Upgrade to a room with a fireplace for a truly cozy experience.

Enjoy a range of amenities, including a Chinese breakfast buffet in the restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic mountain views. Make the most of your stay in Alishan with easy access to many popular attractions.

Wankou Hotel

Wankou Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a comfortable and affordable getaway in the beautiful Alishan National Scenic Area. Located just 6 minutes’ walk from the Alishan station for Forest Railway rides and 2 km from Mount Daito, this mid-range hotel offers spacious and well-appointed rooms with wood-clad walls, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and even balconies with stunning mountain views.

Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast. Make your stay in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area an unforgettable one at the Wankou Hotel.

Dafong Hotel

Dafong Hotel is a popular choice for visitors to Alishan. The hotel is located in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and offers guests stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and spa.

Chinshan Hotel

Located just a 7-minute stroll from Alishan Station, Chinshan Hotel is the perfect budget-friendly option for visitors to the Alishan National Scenic Area. From the hotel’s red brick facade, guests can explore the area’s stunning attractions, including the Lulin Observatory, which is 18 km away. Inside, the cozy rooms boast all the necessary amenities, such as cable TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

For larger groups, one room can accommodate up to 8 people, and all rooms come with a range of comforts, including sitting areas, short-legged tables, and floor cushions. Plus, the hotel also boasts a restaurant for guests to enjoy.

Nearby Attractions

Alishan is a wonderful place to visit, but there are also many nearby attractions that are worth exploring. Here are a few of the most popular destinations:

Fenqihu is a small village located near Alishan that is known for its traditional architecture and delicious food. Visitors can take a ride on the historic Fenqihu Railway, which winds through the mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The village is also home to several tea plantations, where visitors can learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the local brews.

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is a picturesque lake in central Taiwan, about a two-hour drive from Alishan. The lake is surrounded by lush green mountains and is a popular spot for boating, hiking, and cycling. Visitors can also explore the nearby temples and pagodas or take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views.

Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is a stunning natural wonder located on the east coast of Taiwan, about a four-hour drive from Alishan. The gorge is known for its steep cliffs, rushing rivers, and crystal-clear waterfalls. Visitors can explore the many hiking trails that wind through the gorge or take a guided tour to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, is the highest peak in Taiwan and is located about a three-hour drive from Alishan. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, who come to tackle the challenging trails and enjoy the stunning views from the summit. Visitors can also explore the nearby hot springs and soak in the healing waters.

Practical Information

Best time to visit.

The best time to visit Alishan is during the autumn months of September to November, when the weather is cool and dry, and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Spring is also a popular time to visit when the cherry blossoms bloom in March and April. However, be aware that this is peak tourist season, and the crowds can be overwhelming.

Weather and Climate

Alishan has a subtropical climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. Winters are cool and damp, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C. The best time to visit Alishan is during the autumn months of September to November when the weather is cool and dry.

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but many Taiwanese people also speak English. In Alishan, most signs and announcements are in both Mandarin and English, so communication should not be a problem for English-speaking visitors.

The currency used in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Visitors can exchange their currency at banks, hotels, and airports. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities but may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas. It is advisable to carry cash when traveling to Alishan.

Travel Tips

Traveling to Alishan can be an exciting and memorable experience. Here are some useful travel tips to help make your trip even more enjoyable:

• Plan your itinerary ahead of time : Alishan has a lot to offer, and it’s important to plan your itinerary ahead of time to make the most of your trip. Consider visiting popular attractions like the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Tashan Trail, and Jiemei (Sister) Ponds.
• Travel as a team : If you’re traveling in a group, consider renting a shuttle bus or purchasing a tour package to make transportation and logistics easier.
• Know your gate : If you’re taking the train to Alishan, make sure you know which gate to enter at the train station. The Alishan Forest Railway has two gates: the Main Gate and the North Gate.
• Watch Alishan on YouTube : Before your trip, consider watching videos of Alishan on YouTube to get a better idea of what to expect. You can find videos of the Alishan Forest Railway, the sunrise, and more.
• Choose your lodging carefully : There are many lodging options in Alishan Township, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Consider staying in the highlands for a more peaceful and scenic experience.
• Prepare for downhill hiking : If you plan on hiking downhill from Alishan, make sure you’re prepared with sturdy shoes and plenty of water. The downhill hike can be steep and challenging.
• Respect the forest park : Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is a protected area, so it’s important to respect the environment and follow park rules. Don’t litter, stay on designated trails, and avoid damaging plants or wildlife.
• Learn some Taiwanese Min-nan : Taiwanese Min-nan is the local language in Alishan, so learning a few basic phrases can be helpful and respectful. Consider learning how to say hello, thank you, and excuse me.

Alishan is located in a remote area, so it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for your trip. By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience in one of Taiwan’s most beautiful mountain ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top attractions to see in alishan.

Alishan is known for its scenic beauty, and there are many attractions to see. The most popular attraction is the Alishan Forest Railway, which takes visitors on a scenic ride through the mountains. Other popular attractions include the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, the Sacred Tree, and the Alishan Sunrise. Visitors can also hike through the mountains and explore the tea plantations.

How do I get from Taipei to Alishan?

The easiest way to get to Alishan from Taipei is by taking a train to Chiayi and then transferring to the Alishan Forest Railway. The train ride from Taipei to Chiayi takes around two hours, and the Alishan Forest Railway ride takes around 3.5 hours. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus from Taipei to Alishan, which takes around 5-6 hours.

What is the best time of year to visit Alishan?

The best time to visit Alishan is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. In the spring, visitors can see the cherry blossoms in bloom, and in the fall, the mountains are covered in a blanket of red and gold leaves. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy.

What are some recommended accommodations in Alishan?

There are many accommodations in Alishan, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular options include the Alishan House, the Alishan Tea Homestay, and the Alishan Shermuh Hotel. Visitors can also stay in nearby towns like Chiayi and Fenqihu.

How many days should I plan to spend in Alishan?

Visitors should plan to spend at least one or two days in Alishan to see the main attractions and enjoy the scenery. However, those who want to hike and explore the area more thoroughly may want to plan for three or four days.

What is the best way to get around Alishan?

The best way to get around Alishan is by foot or by taking the Alishan Forest Railway. Visitors can also rent bicycles or scooters to explore the area. However, it is important to note that the roads in Alishan can be steep and winding, so inexperienced riders may want to take caution.

Alishan Travel and Tour Packages

Want more updates about other Places to Visit in Alishan? Like, Follow, and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com  on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram , and Pinterest , and Team out Of Town  on YouTube  for more Alishan Travel Spots.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Alishan, Taiwan: A Super Detailed 2024 Guide

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Alishan (阿里山 or Mt. Ali) in Chiayi county is one of Taiwan’s top attractions and one of its most famous mountain resorts, along with Qingjing Farm . Many visitors try to include Alishan on their Taiwan itinerary , but it usually turns out to be the most complicated part of their trip, especially getting there. That’s why I’ve written this separate guide to how to get to Alishan .

The Alishan National Scenic Area in Chiayi County, Central Taiwan is renowned for its misty forests, sunrises over a sea of clouds, views of Yushan (Taiwan’s tallest mountain), the small gauge Alishan Forest Railway, and cherry blossom viewing. The greater Alishan region is also known for firefly viewing, and hiking through bamboo forest and tea plantations, where Taiwan’s most famous tea, Alishan High Mountain tea , is grown.

Below I’ll introduce all the best things to do in Alishan, including interesting stops on the Alishan Forest Railway, tea farms you can slight at, amazing hikes, the best sunset and sunrise spots, where to stay in Alishan, and what to eat in Alishan. I’ll also provide an Alishan itinerary to help you experience the best of this awesome destination in the most efficient way.

I love Alishan region, especially the off-the-beaten-track corners of the area, and I’ve been there half a dozen times in my 15 or so years or living and traveling around Taiwan.

Alishan can even be done as a day trip from Taipei , though I don’t recommend doing this. Also read about how I visited Alishan with my two young kids !

Planning a Taiwan trip ? Use Klook to get discounted rates on transportation, activities, entrance fees and more. I highly recommend it! Sign up here and you’ll get NT$100 off your first booking.

Table of Contents

Best Alishan Tours

As I mentioned above, getting to Alishan can be quite complicated, and it’s one of the most common questions I help travelers with in my Taiwan Travel Planning group .

If you want to forget about all the logistics, including figuring out the bus and train times, and stress about missing them, then I recommend the following Alishan tours.

Discover Alishan Tour : A guided day trip from Kaohsiung or Chiayi Alishan Day Tour : Another day tour option from Taichung, Chiayi, or Kaohsiung Alishan Day tour from Taichung : Visit as a long day trip from Central Taiwan Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, and Cingjing Farm Tour : A 3-day tour that includes other famous Taiwan places

What Makes Alishan So Special?

Alishan was originally the hunting grounds of the Tsou (Zou or 鄒) tribe, who still live in villages in the area, especially east of Shizhuo.

Alishan has been Taiwan’s most popular mountain resort by visitor numbers for nearly a century. Along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge , it is one of the country’s most famous scenic attractions. Located in Chiayi County and bordering Nantou County, almost exactly in the middle of Taiwan, Alishan is actually a collection of peaks averaging 2500m that overlook the massif of Yushan (Jade Mountain) , Taiwan and Northeast Asia’s highest mountain.

The area was original settled by aboriginals. In 1912, the Japanese opened the Alishan Forest Railway to log cypress trees in the area, but eventually logging decreased and tourists flooded in. Riding the small gauge train up from Chiayi (it currently only goes half way to Alishan; see my Alishan transportation guide ), and between the various scenic areas of the park, is one of the great joys of visiting Alishan.  

Due to its altitude, Alishan is always about 10 degrees cooler than the main cities in Taiwan, making it a great respite from the heat. Its alpine forests feature giant Taiwanese red cypresses, many of which are 2000+ years old.

The forests on Alishan are regularly shrouded in mist , producing mystical scenes reminiscent of classical Chinese paintings, one of the reasons the park is so popular among visiting Chinese and Asian tourists.

Besides the many interesting things to do in Alishan, another big draw is the fact that Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea , the most famous tea in a country that produces some of the world’s best oolong teas , is grown around Alishan.

However, most tourists pass right through the tea growing area without even realizing it. Most Alishan tea is grown not in Alishan National Scenic Area, but around Shizhuo (Shizhao) village further down the mountain.

Alishan has its own app! Alipedia contains info about Alishan weather, sunrise time and location, flower blooming status, buses, and more. But like many Taiwanese apps and websites the English can be confusing. Learn more in my guide to the best apps for Taiwan .

Seeing Cherry Blossoms at Alishan

One of the most incredible times to visit Alishan is when the cherry blossoms are blooming (see my Taiwan cherry blossom guide ). Due to the altitude, this happens very late in the season, usually Ma rch and April (depending on that year’s weather), and marks the end of the cherry blossom season in Taiwan.

If you are hoping to see the cherry blossoms in Alishan at this time, you’ll have to book your hotel far, far in advance, as all the hotels always sell out, or you may just need to visit Alishan as a day trip if you can’t get a room. Even when it’s not cherry blossom season, Alishan doesn’t have many hotels, so it’s always important to book well in advance. Travelers often report that they can’t find any rooms in Alishan. Book you Alishan hotel here !

The best spot to see cherry blossoms at Alishan, where the above photo was taken, is called Cherry Blossom Railway Trail (櫻花鐵道) on GoogleMaps. I’ll explain exactly how to get to it by train or on foot in the below guide.

For more information on visiting Alishan in different seasons, see the “best time to visit Alishan” section at the end of this article. You can also see my Alishan hotel recommendations toward the end of the article.

Maps of Alishan

Wrapping your head around the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, how to get there, stopovers on the way there, hiking trails, and different train lines can be quite difficult. That’s why I’ve designed the above Alishan map. This map should answer a lot of questions and includes several of the spots I’ll be discussing in the below article.

For the detailed transportation times and info, you’ll want to head over to my guide to getting to Alishan. Also, the below interactive GoogleMaps Alishan map shows all the locations I’ll mention in this article.

Suggested Alishan Itinerary

If you don’t have much time, or perhaps you couldn’t get a hotel in Alishan, you might want to visit Alishan as a day trip. It’s surely possible, but you won’t be able to see sunrise, and you’ll want to leave early so you don’t miss the last bus back down the mountain.

If you’re going on a day trip to Alishan, then I also recommend taking the bus the whole way there and back. The bus is faster than the train. Don’t worry, you can still ride the Alishan Forest Railway sections inside the park after you get there.

Alishan Day Trip Schedule

If you go there in a single day, I recommend this schedule:

• Board one of the earliest buses to Alishan. Traveling time is two hours. See bus times here .
• When you arrive at Alishan Bus Station, walk to Alishan Train Station (5 minutes, slightly uphill). You’ll need to pay the Alishan entrance fee on the way. The entrance is TWD 300 per adult, or only 150 if you show the receipt for your bus ride to Alishan (and for students). If you’re hungry, eat lunch in the tourist village.
• Ride the train to Chaoping (Zhaoping) station. From there, the famous walking route through the misty forest begins.
• From Chaoping station, follow the walking route to Shouzhen Temple and Shenmu (Sacred Tree) Station. You can do more hikes around there if you want.
• Take the train from Shenmu station back to Alishan Station.
• Explore the Alishan tourist village if you didn’t before.
• Walk back to Alishan Bus Station and take the bus back to Chiayi (last bus departs 5:10 p.m.)

I will give more information about all the above points further below in this article.

Alishan Two Days Schedule

Two days (one night) is my recommended time for seeing Alishan. It’s actually enough! Try to get there early in the afternoon so you can do a little hiking before the sun goes down, and see the sunset. Wake up super early for the sunrise, then you still have several more hours to hike before checking out. If you’re going to Sun Moon Lake next, there’s only one bus per day, but it conveniently leaves at 1 PM.

• Arrive at Alishan in the early afternoon. If you’re coming from Sun Moon Lake, the bus leaves at 8 AM and arrives and 11 AM. If you’re coming from Chiayi, consider stopping at Fenqihu on the way (see more about that below).
• When you arrive in Alishan, have lunch/check into hotel.
• Do one of the hikes around Alishan (see below), watch the sunset (also see below), explore the tourist village, and/or eat dinner. After dinner, consider going on a Stargazing tour (also see below).
• Next morning, wake super early and hike (details below) or ride the train to see the sunrise.
• Walk from sunrise viewpoint back down to Chaoping station. Do the famous walking trail to Shouzhen Temple and Shenmu Station. Ride the train back to Alishan tourist village.
• Check out of hotel and take the bus back to Chiayi (stopping in Shizhuo or Fenqihu if you want), or bus to Sun Moon Lake (1 PM).

Alishan Three Days Schedule

If you want to spend longer in the area and see more than just the tourist bits, I recommend spending three days (two nights) in the area. Then you can spend a night in Fenqihu and/or Shizhuo on the way to Alishan, where you can hike through bamboo forests or sleep at an Alishan tea farm.

• On Day 1, ride the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi to Fenqihu and check into Fenqihu Hotel or others in town. Go for a hike on one of the trails around town through bamboo forests and see fireflies just after sunset.
• Alternatively, take a bus from Chiayi to Shizhuo (Shizhao), or take the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi to Fenqihu. Then take a bus to Shizhuo and spend the night on one of its tea farms. The hosts will pick you up from Shizhuo bus stop or Fenqihu Railway Station if you arrange it in advance. Or stay in one of the hotels closer to the highway in Shizhuo, which have good sunset views.
• On Day 2 and 3, follow the “Alishan two day schedule” above.

Again, I’ll further explain all of these places and steps below!

Spend a Night in Chiayi First?

All of these Alishan itineraries require you to start in Chiayi. This city is the main access point to Alishan but also has some great local food and a few cool things to do . If you’re coming from somewhere else in Taiwan and arriving late in Chiayi, it may be a good idea to spend one night in Chiayi first so that you can get one of the earliest buses or trains to Alishan the next morning.

We had a good stay at Chiayi King Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), a modern, 3-star (but near budget priced) hotel near the Chiayi train sation. 

Other options include Hotel Discover ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), which has great reviews and is super close to the train station and Yongxing Inn ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), a basic but very cheap hotel also near the train station, while good hostel options nearby include Petite Hostel ( see prices / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) and Light Hostel ( read reviews / see prices ).

If you happen to be in Chiayi, also consider making a trip to the unique mud hot spring nearby in Tainan!

Places to Visit on the Way to Alishan

If you have more time, you can consider stopping for a few hours (or even overnight!) on the way to Alishan. Eryanping, Fenqihu, and Shizhuo are three excellent options. They feature a variety of hikes, tea farms, and scenic views. These spots are very much off-the-beaten track. Little English will be spoken, but if you go the extra mile, these are some of my favorite places in all of Taiwan!

These three places are NOT in Alishan Forest Recreation Area. But because they are on the way to Alishan, and because Alishan tea is grown around them, some people consider them part of the greater Alishan area. You may also find that some of their hotels have ‘Alishan’ in their name.

But don’t be confused and think that these places are in the famous Alishan tourist area.

Option 1: Eryanping Trail (Xiding)

The first notable stop on the way up to Alishan is Eryanping Trail (二延平山步道) and Tea Mist trail (茶霧之道) in Xiding area. This trail is famous for its incredible views of tea farms. The small network of trails (think lots of stairs!) to several lookout platforms with dramatic views is about 1-2 kilometers in total, but it’s a steep uphill walk! It is one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in the greater Alishan area.

The trails pass through tea plantations where you can sometimes tea leaves being picked. It’s gorgeous at anytime of day, but especially at sunrise or sunset, when you can even sometimes see the famous sea of clouds that the Alishan region is famous for (see photo above).

If you have a very small car or scooter, you can drive all the way up to the lookout point. The lookout platforms is here and GoogleMaps will get you there.

To experience Eryanping for sunrise and/or sunset, you’ll need to spend the night nearby. SunSweet Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ), which is a five-minute walk along the highway from the start of Tea Mist Trail. For dinner, the hotel can recommend some small restaurants in the area. Breakfast is served in the hotel. Tea lovers will also find that the hotel offers traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony, and there are many tea farms in the area.

A short walk or drive south of the Eryanping trail entrance is yet another lookout, called Xiding Lookout Platform (隙頂觀景臺), where lots of cars stop to take in the view. If you have your own vehicle (or don’t mind a 45-minute walk), 游芭絲鄒宴餐廳-YUPASU is a Tsou tribe aboriginal restaurant with a view that one reader highly recommended.

The best stop to get off the bus at for Eryanping Trail is Anding (鞍頂). The best stop for SunSweet Hotel and Tea MIst Trail and is the next one, Lincuo (林厝). The traveling time by bus from Chiayi is 1 hr 10 minutes, and it’s about 10 minutes before Shizhuo, and/or 50 minutes before Alishan.

Option 2: Fenqihu and Bamboo Forest

The tiny mountain village of Fenqihu (奮起湖, sometimes spelled Fenchihu) is a small Hakka village and was for years the terminal station of the Alishan Forest Railway line from Chiayi, since the final section from Fenqihu to Alishan was destroyed in a typhoon in 2009. That means everyone taking the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi has to get off in Fenqihu and ride a bus the rest of the way to Alishan (note: the train now goes to two more stops after Fenqihu, and in summer 2024, the section to Alishan is supposed to reopen).

Starting a few years ago, the train now goes to two more stops after Fenqihu: Duolin and Shizilu. You can continue to those two stations and get the same bus to Alishan. But Fenqihu is still the most interesting place, so I still recommend getting off there.

Besides taking the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi to get there, you can also reach Fenqihu by bus. However, only some of the Chiayi to Alishan buses stop in Fenqihu. In order to do so, they have to make a 10-minute from the main highway, from the village of Shizhuo (see next entry).

Even if you aren’t sleeping in Fenqihu, I suggest take a stroll through the village, eating a famous lunchbox, and maybe even going for a short hike around town. To see the bamboo forests around Fenqihu, try the hiking the start of the amazing Fenrui Historic Trail (奮瑞古道) , which starts at the edge of town.

I like this relaxed little town so much that I’ve actually made a trip to the area just to stay here with friends after we hiked the equally amazing Ruitai Historic Trail (瑞太古道 ).

Please note that this hike is quite remote and difficult to get to, so I don’t recommend it unless you are more familiar with traveling in Taiwan and have extra time for it (you really need a whole day to reach it and hike it, and there are only a few buses per day to the starting point). If you want to try, get in touch with me in my group and I’ll share some info. For the average traveler, I recommend the Fenrui Trail (mentioned above).

Fenqihu is really a cute little town. When you first arrive at the station, you can take a picture beside the Alishan Forest Railway cars usually parked there. There’s also a small train museum (see pic below).

Fenqihu is also one of a handful of places in Taiwan famous for their lunchboxes, inspired by Japanese bento boxes when the Japanese built all these train lines around Taiwan. You will see them being sold from train-shaped stalls as soon as you get off the train, and probably masses of Taiwanese people and tourists sitting around eating them.

We bought our Fenqihu lunchbox from the original famous spot, Fenqihu Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), which also happened to be the hotel where we stayed that night. My favorite part of the hotel was probably the super cute little wooden bathtubs in the hotel bathrooms!

This hotel also offers a free firefly watching tour right after sunset. This is where we had our best firefly experience in Taiwan. You can see fireflies on many other small trails in the region, but Fenqihu is the easiest one by far to access. The firefly season is around March to June.

The most famous lunchboxes in all of Taiwan are those sold at Fulong Beach Train Station in New Taipei City . Chishang in Taitung is also famous for theirs!

If you’re like me and don’t eat meat, then you might want to go for this delicious stewed slab of tofu stuffed with delicious things, which I find at one of the food stalls on Fenqihu Old Street.

Option 3: Shizhuo Tea Farms

Everybody knows that Taiwan’s most famous tea, Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea , comes from the Alishan area. But few people know about Shizhuo (石棹, also spelled Shizhao), a picturesque tea village on highway up to Alishan, or a 10-minute drive south from Fenqihu Train Station, where much of the “Alishan” tea comes from.

This can really cause some confusion, as some travelers even book hotels in Shizhuo that have “Alishan” in their name, without realizing they are actually a whole hour’s drive away from Alishan scenic area!

Still Shizhuo is a stunning area, and staying on a tea farm there was one of my favorite experiences in Taiwan. It is very much off-the-beaten-track, so you won’t find much info about it online (besides here and my brand new guide to Shizhuo !)

Virtually every bus from Chiayi to Alishan passes through Shizhuo on the way. There are a few hotels right along the highway around Shizhuo (see my recommendations below). They are convenient because the bus to Alishan passes by them, and some of them are even run by tea farms.

If you’d something more remote, there are also some gorgeous tea farms on the mountainside above town, heading in the direction of Fenqihu. A few you could walk to from the Shizhuo bus stop, but for ones that are further up (and the most beautiful!) the owners will usually be willing to pick you up from Fenqihu train station or Shizhuo bus station.

The mountainside where there farms are located also has a network of hiking trails between the farms, with names like Mist Trail, Sunset Trail, Tea Trail, Cloud Trail, and Sakura Trail. Here’s a map showing the hiking trails, which you can compare with GoogleMaps to get a pretty good idea of where the trails begin.

At least one of these trails can be found here on AllTrails , to give you an idea about walking times (budget about 30 min for Cloud trail, or 1 hour for tea Trail).

If you are interested in Taiwanese tea (I happen to be very much so; see here for my in depth introduction to tea in Taiwan ), this place will be a heaven for you.

We spent the night at Cuiti B&B (see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), the guesthouse in the photo below. It’s located near the number 5 on the above map. It’s one of the more remote and difficult-to-reach ones, but it was so beautiful.

The farm itself was so gorgeous that we didn’t have to journey far from our room to enjoy amazing panoramas over tea fields, or we could just enjoy them from our bedroom window. We also did part of the Cloud Trail and visited a few other tea farms nearby.

The owner was kind of enough to pick us up from Fenqihu, take my kids and I on a walk though some of his tea fields where workers were picking tealeaves, and drive us to the bus stop in Shizhuo the next day.

Staying on this tea farm, drinking tea with the farmer, seeing the sunset over the plantation, and hiking through the tea fields was one of my best Taiwan experiences to date.

Be aware that they don’t speak much (or any) English, and you should bring your own food to cook as there are no restaurants nearby. Breakfast is included.

There are several other similar options in Shizhuo area. Note that none of them are really close to any bus stop. You’ll need to walk anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes to any of these hotels, sometimes steeply uphill. For longer ones, most offer pick up from Shizhuo bus stop or Fenqihu train station if you ask.

Longyun Leisure Farm ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) is anothe remote one overlooking an incredible terraced tea field (see photo at top of this section) and is connected to the Cloud Trail. It is the closest to Fenqihu (and also includes free pickup), but furthest from the Shizhuo bus stop on the highway.

Other similar options to where we stayed include Chia Yuen Homestay ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) next door to our guesthouse, Alishan B&B Yunmingi ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) near the Sunset Trail.

Closest to the Mist Trail, highway, and Shizhuo bus stop (bus still a steep walk up) are Siangting B&B ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) and Green Incense Homestay ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ).

If you want to stay in a hotel that is along the highway to Alishan, and closer to Shizhuo bus stop for getting to Chiayo and Alishan, then I recommend Alishan Hinoki B&B (see on Booking / Agoda ), which is run by a tea farming family and can even give you a quick look at their tea factory and farm.

Green Incense Homestay (see on Booking / Agoda ) is another great choice on a tea farm and just off the highway not too far from Shizhuo bus stop. Even the views from the rooms are excellent.

If those are full, you can try SuWaNa (see on Booking / Agoda ), which is 15 minutes walk east of town, or Alishan Tea Homestay (see on Booking / Agoda ), which is 15 minutes walk south of town. There isn’t much around these hotels, but they each have a bus stop closer to them than the one in Shizhuo.

Depending on where exactly you are staying in Shizhuo, you can see some really beautiful sunsets (most hotels) or sunrises (fewer spots) around there. It’s best to ask your hotel for the best spots.

If your hotel doesn’t have a tea farm, you can still see many tea farms even from the highway, or by going on some of the beautiful hikes that I mentioned above. You can also buy tea from many tea shops in town, many of which are run directly by the tea farms. 阿里山珠露茶-林園製茶 Lin Yuan Tea Factory even offers tours of their tea farm – it’s best to call ahead for a tour, but you may be able to join one if yuou just show up.

Alishan National Scenic Area

What most people refer to as “Alishan” is the collection of tourist facilities, short railway lines, and hiking trails on the northern tip of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. This is where the vast majority of visitors experience Alishan, and it is the most famous and popular of Taiwan’s many mountain resorts and forest recreation areas.

Arriving and Getting to Hotels or Hiking Trails

If coming by bus from Chiayi (or trainto Fenqihu + bus to Alishan), you will arrive at the Alishan Bus Station (阿里山轉運站). The bus station is connected to a 7-11 just before the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Official Entrance Gate (阿里山國家森林遊樂區入口售票亭 on GoogleMaps), where you pay the park entrance fee.

From the bus station, it is a 5-minute walk uphill to Alishan Train Station , where you can buy a ticket and board one of three small train lines of the Alishan Forest Railway (more on that below).

During this walk, you will pass through the Alishan Entrance Gate . There, you will need to pay the Alishan National Scenic Area entrance fee of TWD 300 (or 150 per if you show your bus ticket or student ID card), plus 100 parking fee if you arrive by car.

At the top of the hill, the train station will be on your right. On the left, if you go down the stairs, you’ll be in the main tourist village.

There you’ll find several souvenir shops, teashops, restaurants, Alishan Visitor’s Center (which has excellent English maps available), and a post office with ATM. One cool thing to point out is that the 7-11 at the top of the tourist village is the highest 7-11 in all of Taiwan!

Almost all of Alishan’s hotels are located on a road behind the tourist village. There’s a set of stairs at the back of the parking lot going down to it. Only two other hotels, Alishan House and Alishan Gou Hotel, are located elsewhere in the park, closer to the hiking trails (more on that below).

Alishan Train vs Electric Shuttle Bus

The best and coolest way to reach the hiking areas of Alishan are to take one of the three small train lines. All three depart from Alishan Station. The Chushan Line goes to the sunrise viewpoint. Most people take the Choping Line to the cherry blossoms viewing area and Sister Ponds Trail. From Sister Ponds, most popular walk to Shouzhen Temple and Shenmu (Sacred tree) station, which is the third line, and ride it back to Alishan.

See my transportation guide for all the train times. You can book these trains online , but it isn’t necessary. You can also just buy a ticket at the platform when you arrive. Only the early morning sunrise train is very busy. You can book your sunrise train online, or at Alishan station in the afternoon (1:30 to 4:30 PM) one day before, or 30 min before train departs on the morning of the sunrise.

There is also a new Alishan E-bus (Alishan Electric Shuttle Bus). The bus is a little faster than the train, but not as cool as the train. Just like the train, the shuttle bus has three lines.

You can board the shuttle bus at the bus stop near Alishan train station ( exact location here ), or you can board it as Alishan Visitor’s Center. The Chushan line goes to Chushan (just like the train), the sunrise viewpoint, but only in the daytime, not for sunrise, because there are some hiking trails and viewpoints up there. The Chaoping line goes just Chaoping station, also just like the train.

But the Xiangling bus line is different than the train. It can’t go to Shenmu train station, because that one has no road access. So the Xianglin bus line goes to Shouzhen Temple, which is near Shenmu station.

All of these transportation options are definitely confusing. I recommend that you just take the train instead.

The Main Alishan Walking Trail: Sister Ponds

The main walking trail in Alishan starts at Chaoping Station. It is called Sister Ponds Trail .

Before you start the hike, if you are visiting in spring (late March to early April), you will want to see the cherry blossoms near Chaoping Station. The place to see them is marked “櫻花鐵道” (cherry blossom train line) and Plum Garden on GoogleMaps. This is where people take photos of the red Alishan trains driving past cherry blossoms. Note that if you don’t want to take the train, you can actually walk from Alishan tourist village to here and Chaoping Station in about 20 minutes.

Sister Ponds trail features beautiful misty forests and huge trees. Even though it’s the most popular and busiest trail, it’s very beautiful, so I recommend it to all visitors. If you prefer to follow maps, the whole route can be walked on foot (with no trains or buses) by following this AllTrails Map .

From Chaoping Station, follow the path beside the train tracks past Alishan Gou Hotel to the start of the Sister Ponds Trail.

The easiest walk would be to only walk this trail and go back to Chaoping Station (around 30 minutes). However, most people follow the trail all the way to Shouzhen Temple and Shenmu Station, then take the train from Shenmu back to Alishan.

It’s a good idea to get a map from Alishan Visitor’s Center before setting out. The trails are quite easy to follow, but some visitors still get a little disoriented or lost. In total, it will take about 2 hours to walk from Chaoping to Shenmu. You could do it in 1 hour if you go fast, or 3 hours if you go slow and also walk the Giant Tree Trail around Shenmu station.

After passing the two pretty ponds, the trail goes through Magnolia Garden (木蘭園), where you can see more flowert blossoms in spring.

The trail then reaches Shouzhen Temple (阿里山受鎮宮), where there is a collection of food and souvenir stalls. Some great snacks on offer include tea eggs (yummier than the ones at 7-Eleven!), sausages, stewed tofu, steamed yams, and drinks with jelly balls made from saturated seeds of mountain plants.

If you want to call it quits here, you can walk back to the tourist village along the car road (20 min). You can also ride the E-bus from Shouzhen temple back to Alishan Visitor’s Center. Otherwise, continue hiking to Shenmu station, which isn’t too far from here.

From Shouzhen Temple, there are two options to connect to another circuit of trails around Shenmu train station , which has no vehicle access. From the middle of all the food vendors, there’s a staircase leading to a trail called Giant Tree Trail (巨木群棧道). The loop trail features several enormous trees, the oldest of which is marked Alishan No.28 Giant Tree on GoogleMaps and is some 2300 years old.

The other option is to cross the “Boat Shaped Bridge” on the main road near Shouzhen Temple to reach the same trails.

At the bottom end of circuit, there is an amazing sunset spot , which is called “ Ciyun Temple Scenery ” and located here on GoogleMaps . If you are lucky, it is even possible to see the sea of clouds from there at sunset time!

The location of this spot is confusing, because people often say that Ciyun Temple is the sunset spot, and this location on GoogleMaps is even called “Ciyun Temple Scenery”. However, it’s not actually at Ciyun Temple! To find the sunset viewing platform, you’ll first need to reach the small Alishan Museum (阿里山博物館), which is near Ciyun Temple and is marked on GoogleMaps. From there, a narrow, paved road goes around to the sunset viewing platform.

Please beware that after the sun sets, it gets dark quickly, and you still need to find your way back. One reader reported getting lost on the trail after sunset (even with GoogleMaps), so make sure to get one of the hiking maps from the visitor’s center and/or familiarize yourself with the trail before sunset.

Alternatively, use an app such as the paid version of AllTrails, which will allow you to see your exact location and all the trails (much better than GoogleMaps), and as long as you download one of the nearby trails before you go there, it will work even without WiFi.

On the northern side of the circuit is Sacred Tree (Shenmu) station , where you can catch the small train back to Alishan Station.

If you’re starting your day by watching the sunrise (see next section), then I recommend hiking from Chushan (the sunrise viewpoint) down to Chaoping Station, then follow the walking route I described above. There are two ways to do it, which I will describe below.

If you see the sunrise around (for example) 7:00 a.m., you could easily hike down to Chaoping station by 8:00 a.m., and then to Shenmu by 9 or 10 a.m., and back to the tourist village by 10:30 or 11 a.m for hotel check out.

Best Places to See the Sunrise in Alishan

The classic viewpoint for the famous Alishan sunrise over a sea of clouds is the Chushan (Zhushan) Sunrise Observation Platform at Chushan Station (Zhushan Station/祝山車站, 2451m), where you can expect a mass of noisy people shivering in the dark for the sunrise.

Chushan Station Update: Afer being closed for a few years for renovations, Chushan finally reopened in late 2023. The new station is very beautiful ( see pics of it here !)

Please note that it is not guaranteed to see a good sunrise at Chushan, or to see anything at all. I’ve been 4 times in total, and only one was really good. Alishan is famously foggy/misty. Sometimes clouds roll in and cover the viewpoint, you can’t see more than 10 meters in front of you.

On a good day, though, you will be looking over a massive valley that fills with a sea of clouds far below you. Across the valley, you can see a wall of mountains, include Yushan, the tallest in Taiwan and Northeast Asia.

To get there, you can ride the Alishan Forest Railway from Alishan Station to the terminal Chushan station, with several departures before sunrise every morning (book your ticket online or at the station the day before (1 to 4:30) or on the day of sunrise, 30 min before departure). You can also walk there if you know the way (see more on that below).

If you want to watch the sunrise without the crowds , there are two options near Chushan. The first option is to walk down the car road 10 minutes to Duigaoyue Sunrise Platform (對高亭). This is an old sunrise viewing platform with an equally good view. It also served as a temporary platform for the masses when Chushan was under renovation. Trains no longer stop at it now that Chushan has reopened.

If you’re hiking up to Chushan, you would pass very close to Duigaoyue on the way. After hiking up through the forest from Chaoping Station, the trail meets the car road and you turn left onto the car road. At the point where the railway tracks cross over the road a few minutes later, you would follow the train tracks for a few minutes to the left (north) and you can’t miss it. See the next section for more info.

The second option for watching sunrise is Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout (小笠原山觀景台). This platform is just 10 minutes uphill on a trail from Chushan. This one is the highest of them all, so the view is great, but it might have a few more people than Duigaoyue.

On the walking trail between the lookout points, you can also enjoy traditional local teas at Mt. Ali Tea No. 35 (茶田35號), which is open from 4 AM to 1 PM daily. This is an experience I highly recommend after you watch the sunrise! The teahouse also has a shop in the tourist village beside Alishan train station.

Note that you aren’t allowed to drive up to Chushan . There’s no parking, and no vehicles are allowed except the e-bus and train, in order to prevent air pollution in the area.

How to Hike up to the Sunrise Viewpoint

You don’t have to crowd onto the train with hundreds of other people at 5 am (give or take) to get to the sunrise viewpoint. Many hotels offer a seat in a private car (NT250-300 per person), or you can walk up!

I’ve walked up in the dark, and it’s doable, but I would suggest that you at least find and maybe even walk up the trail the day before so that you don’t get lost the next morning in the dark.

Step one is to walk from your hotel along the car road to the trail head near Chaoping Station. The trail head is called Zhushan Sunrise trail (祝山觀日步道) on GoogleMaps. You’ll even pass the 24-hour 7-11 at the start of your walk, if you need coffee or breakfast. Budget 25 minutes to reach the trailhead.

From the trailhead, it’s a 20-minute uphill hike through the forest, all stairs. The trail will then connect to Zhushan Forest Rd., the main driving road up to Chushan sunrise viewpoint. As you follow the road up, after just a couple minutes, you’ll reach the point where the train tracks cross the road. If you want to go to Duigaoyue Sunrise Platform to watch the sunrise without crowds, turn left, walking along the train tracks for just a few minutes.

If you want to watch the sunrise from Chushan like everyone else, continue a few more minutes up the road. The total walking time from your hotel will be just under an hour. I would recommend a flashlight or headlamp for the dark forest section of the trail. It is quite dark.

Hiking from Sunrise Viewpoint to the Main Trails

After seeing the sunrise at Chushan, Xiaoliyuanshan, or Duigaoyue, I recommend walking back down, instead of packing onto the train like everyone else.

The most direct way is to take the Zhushan Sunrise Trail, which I just described above, in reverse. Follow the vehicle road down from Chushan. A few minutes after you pass the trail line over the road, and Duigaoyue, watch for the trail entrance into the forest on the right. The downhill trail will end near Chaoping station, from where you can access the main tourist trail to Shenmu station.

A second option is to physically walk on the train tracks from Duigaoyue all the way down to Chaoping station. As for whether this is technically allowed, I’m not totally sure, but we’ve done it twice and nobody said anything. Just watch for oncoming trains. You’ll hear them, and they don’t go very fast.

If you go this way, you won’t have to walk all the way back to Chaoping Station. Shortly before reaching it, there will be a side path that can put you directly onto the Sister Ponds trail, quite close to the ponds themselves.

Don’t Forget about the Sunset at Alishan!

With all the Alishan sunrise hype, a lot of people don’t realize you can also see gorgeous sunsets from Alishan. One decent spot is from Ciyun Temple near Shenmu station, with views of Datashan, the highest peak in Alishan. The sunset platform there is blocked by trees, but you walk walk higher up to the small cemetery beside the temple for a view of the sunset. You might even see a sea of clouds!

A more convenient option is from the 2nd or 3rd floors of the Alishan Train Station , or from the highway around the Entrance Gate to Alishan (marked 阿里山國家森林遊樂區入口售票亭 on GoogleMaps), just 5 minutes’ walk from the tourist village, where I shot the above photo at sunset!

If you’re willing to walk further for an even better spot, you get exit Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (bring your ticket for re-entry!) and walk 25 minutes to this sunset viewing spot on the highway here .

Yet another place you can see the sunset is Xiaoliyushan Lookout (小笠原山觀景台), one of the sunrise spots I described above. This is just a 5-10 minute walk from Chushan (Zhushan), the famous sunrise viewing spot. But Xiaoliyushan is actually higher that Chushan, so you can see both the sunrise and sunset from there.

And don’t worry about the dark – after sunset, you can just follow the car road (and/or Zhushan Sunrise Trail) to get back to Alishan tourist village. You could also stick around longer at Xiaoliyushan Lookout for stargazing (see next section).

Stargazing in Alishan

There is now a stargazing tour offered evening night at Alishan. The tour starts at the Alishan e-shuttle bus stop beside Alishan Visitor Center (阿里山旅客服務中心) in the main parking lot at Alishan tourist village. The guide only speaks Mandarin, but that shouldn’t stop you from going.

You can buy your ticket (TWD 300 per person) from 5:30 to 7 PM. They will take you to Chushan (the famous sunrise viewing spot) in the Alishan e-bus. From there, you will walk (10 min) up to Xiaoliyushan Lookout (小笠原山觀景台) for seeing the stars. You can’t see as many on nights with a bright moon.

If you want to go stargazing by yourself, simply follow the directions I gave above for walking to Chushan in the dark. If you’re driving, note that the Alishan National Scenic Area entrance gate is open 24 hours. You’ll still need to pay the park entrance fee, no matter what time you arrive.

However, you can’t drive up to Chushan or Xiaoliyushan. In an effort to prevent air pollution, they only allow the train or e-bus to go up there. So you’ll still need to park in the main tourist village parking lot and walk up or take the stargazing tour.

Other Hiking Trails in Alishan

It is relatively easy to escape the tourist crowds at Alishan. Besides the main tourist walking trail between Chaoping and Shenmu station, the following Alishan hiking trails are all within the Alishan National Scenic Area and can be accessed on foot from the tourist village.

Duigaoyue Trail (對高岳步道)

Duigaoyue Platform (which I described above as an alternative sunrise viewpoint) sits at the start of a two-hour return hike to Duigao Pavilion (2444m). This relatively easy trail follows the train tracks for some time, offering views similar to what can be seen from the sunrise viewpoints.

Learn more about this hike in this Mandarin blog and this one (use GoogleTranslate if necessary).

Mianyue Line Trail (眠月線)

Mianyue Line is a thrilling and mystical trail along an abandoned high mountain railway line. The trail includes an impressive 21 bridge crossings and 14 train tunnels.

Permits are needed for this trail and great care must be taken. Demand is high for the trail, so there’s a lottery system for applicants. The trail branches off from Duigaoyue trail (see above), or you can hike there by following the train like up from Sister Ponds Trail.

Parkbus Taiwan sometimes does trips to Mian Yue Line. They arrange the permits and other logistics. If you take a trip with them, you can use the code Spiritual10 to get a 10% discount.

Tashan Trail (Mount Daito/塔山步道)

Some very motivated individuals hike up this difficult, 4-hour return trail for sunrise. The platform (2663m) at the end offers epic views of Tashan (Dashan/塔山, the highest peak in the Alishan massif) and Yushan/Jade Mountain (the highest peak in Taiwan).

The trail begins at the Sister Ponds, follows the track train tracks going up, then veers north. There’s an AllTrails entry for the hike here .

Shuishan Trail (水山步道)

This easier 1 to 1.5 hour-return walk follows a railway line that once lead to Dongpu and is no longer used. The trail crosses over a wooden train bridge, and ends at enormous 2700-year-old Shuishan Giant Tree.

You can find the trail by looking for the spot where the old train line splits off from the Alishan to Zhaoping line a little south of Zhaoping. The trail head is marked 水山線步道 on GoogleMaps, and there’s an AllTrail entry for it here .

Pro tip : If you really want to get off-the-beaten-track in the greater Alishan region, try the Alishan Northwest Corridor , a tourist-free region featuring more gorgeous tea farms, bamboo forests, hiking trails, and waterfalls. There are very few buses providing access to the area, so having your own transportation is ideal.

Where to Stay in Alishan

Most of Alishan’s hotels are found on a curving road behind the tourist village parking lot. Most of these hotels are equally old and overpriced. Due to high demand and limited rooms, they often sell out.

In my opinion, the pick of the bunch right now is Shermuh Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / read reviews ). They recently renovated so it looks newer inside, and they even offer pick-up from the bus station if you ask. This will save you a 15-minute walk with your luggage.

Last time we went to Alishan, we chose Mei Li Ya ( see on Booking ) simply because it was the cheapest. It was as low quality as we expected, but on the plus side, they had electric heated blankets (would be nice in winter) and the guy at the desk was extremely helpful. He even lent us umbrellas and some sweaters for my kids because we had come totally unprepared.

Other options on the same road are Wankou Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) and Cing Shan Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) .

Besides the above options in Alishan tourist village, there are two more hotels deeper inside the park near Chaoping train station and the main hiking trails. These are Alishan Gou Hotel (see on Klook / Agoda / Tripadvisor ) and Alishan Hotel (Alishan House) ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ).

These two hotels have more beautiful natural surroundings and a great location but are further from 7-11 and the amenities in the tourist village. They both offer pickup from the bus station and serve food. I feel that Gou Hotel is the better of the two (it’s a little old but has nice views from the rooms), while Alishan House is preferred by large tour groups.

Where to Eat in Alishan

Most restaurants are found around the parking lot in the tourist village. Here you can find hot pot and several places serving fairly similar meals. The pick of the bunch seems to be 999 Restaurant (九九九餐廳) on the second floor, and nearly identical Xin Xingguang (新星光餐廳) next door.

Their large soups, mountain greens, noodles, and other local-style dishes are perfect after a long chilly day. I personally loved the cold tofu slices with delicious local wasabi and soy sauce. Fresh Alishan’s wasabi is more flavorful and less sinus-burning than wasabi  you might be used to from typical sushi shops.

For vegetarians, you’ll find the below two dishes in restaurants there, plus a few other vegetable and tofu dishes, but not a whole lot. Find out how to ask for vegetarian foods in Taiwan here .

A new addition is the covered arcade of local food stalls across the parking lot (search for 娜若瑪菲美食街 on GoogleMaps). Come here for cheap, local Taiwanese dishes –best if you’re on a budget or traveling alone.

Many of the hotels give breakfast vouchers for local style Taiwanese breakfasts served from very basic little restaurants in the tourist village. We were confused to find that our breakfast was served in a different restaurant on each day.

You can buy tea leaves in many shops in the tourist village, but one shop that stood out was Mt. Ali tea #35 (茶田35號) , with creative package designs that break away from the usual Alishan trains and sunrises motifs. You can usually taste tea brewed on the spot before buying. This teashop also operates a small tea house on the trail between Chushan (the famous sunrise lookout point) and Xiaoliyuanshan.  To more about local teas, read my guide to Alishan high mountain tea .

Alishan coffee is also grown on Alishan and sold in many of the shops, but I haven’t tried it. Let me know if you have, and what you thought!

When to Visit Alishan

As I mentioned above, Alishan is usually about 10 degrees colder than lower altitudes in Taiwan (see Alishan’s average monthly temperatures ). Therefore, in summer in Taiwan Alishan can be pleasantly warm but chilly at night, so you still need to bring proper clothing, especially for sunrise viewing.

Summer is also one of the most popular times, so it can be busiest and hotel prices are usually higher. Don’t travel to Alishan during (or shortly after) a typhoon or heavy rain, when landslides are common. And cherry blossoms season is probably the busiest time of year at Alishan, so good luck getting a hotel at that time! (see the Alishan cherry blossoms section at the top of the article for more info).

Like everywhere else in Taiwan, fall and spring are probably the best time to visit, but can get quite chilly at Alishan.

If you visit Alishan in winter in Taiwan , especially December , January , and February , you have the highest chance of seeing the “sea of clouds” phenomenon at sunrise, but it can be freezing, especially when you are standing and waiting for sunrise. I quite enjoyed my winter visit but I personally love cold weather.

There was no snow when I visited, but I saw some frost on the Alishan forest railway tracks in the early morning.

See more information about the weather and what to wear in each season in my guide to the best time to visit Taiwan .

Thank you if you read this far, and I hope you found everything here that you needed to know for visiting Alishan! I love answering your questions here or in my free Taiwan Travel Planning group , so please let me know below if I’ve missed anything or you found that any information was out of date. Enjoy your trip to Alishan!

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114 thoughts on “Alishan, Taiwan: A Super Detailed 2024 Guide”

After seeing the delicious food you ate in Alishan, it seriously made me miss Taiwan. Imho, Taiwanese food is effing amazing and I’m not ashamed to admit that I went 3 times… Just to eat everything. I would love to get away to Alishan so I can get away from the heat. The scenery honestly looks like something from a movie.

Hi Nick, I’m planning a trip to Taipei with my family and was thinking of going to Alishan when I found your blog. Do you think it would be possible for us to travel on the bus to Alishan with a folded wheel chair?

Hi Corinna, If you see my Alishan transportation guide (there are multiple links to it in this article), you will see that there are some Chiayi to Alishan buses that are even wheelchair accessible. For the others, I can’t say 100% for sure, but since there should be storage space for people’s luggage under the bus, then I would imagine they must be able to put a folded wheelchair as well. If you want to find out for sure, you can always call Taiwan’s 24-hour free tourist information hotline at 0800-011-765 and they should be able to find out for you!

Great info! With this, I’m planning to go to Alishan on January. We plan on staying in Tainan as it is much cheaper. Do you think it’s going to snow around January 24-26?

Also, here’s how we’d think our itinerary will be. Let me know what you think! 🙂

Day trip to Alishan

Tainan – Chiayi via TRA Alishan Forrest Train at 9AM (will try to book in advance) Get off at Fenchihu (explore around) Take the straight bus from Fenchihu – Alishan Alishan – Chiayi direct bus

Thanks so much!

Hi Nick! Going to Alishan with my friends and we’re a group of 4 on March 11. We’ll be coming from Taipei and will be in Alishan by 2pm. We plan to walk since I think it’s cherry blossoms season two two sisters pond, shouzhen temple then to ciyun temple to catch the sunset there. However, i’ve seen in some blogs that the more probable choice for sunset is near Alishan Museum. Do you happen to know where that is? Also, is it better to go there?

Another thing, since we are going to catch the sunset, and I’ve seen that no more Alishan trains run around 6pm, how to we get back to Chiayi for Chiayi to Taipei HSR?

Thanks so much and your blog was the best I’ve seen – and mind you – i’ve been researching about this for days!!!

Hi Riza, thanks for reading!

I don’t thinking I’ve been to Alishan Museum, but I checked on Google maps and it seems to be almost right beside Ciyun Temple, so it seems like that general area is a good place to catch the sunset!

There is no train from Chiayi to Alishan. Well, there is, but it only goes half way, from Chiayi to Fenqihu. After Fenqihu, you must take a bus for one hour to the top. Going back to the Chiayi HSR, the only option is to take the bus. The bus departure times from Alishan to Chiayi HSR are 10:10, 13:30, 14:40, 16:40. The last bus from Alishan to Chiayi TRA train station is only a little later (17:10), but then you need to travel from TRA to HSR station out of town, so it’s not really helpful. Basically, it’s not possible to see the sunset and also get back to Chiayi after, unless you book a private vehicle.

I hope that helps, and let me know if you have more questions!

Hi Nick, I will be staying at Chiayi for a night on 4 March. Is it possible for us to go for sunset or sunrise and where would be the best spot? Or could you suggest us an itenary, been searching but still confused. Read your blog, you’re someone with a kind heart for sharing…

Hi Eddy, If you are staying in Chiayi City for only one night, then there is not really anywhere nearby that is famous for sunsets or sunrises. Alishan is famous for this, but you must travel about 2-3 hours to reach Alishan, and there is no transportation after sunset. If you have more time, you could consider going up to Alishan!

FYI, your “secret sunrise spot” is currently closed by maintenance. There’s a two meter high metal wall currently. I stumbled there when hiking to the sunset platform in the afternoon.

Thanks for letting me know, Denis! I will update the article immediately.

Nick, I am a volunteer at the Mountain Ali Tea No. 35. I want to thank you for mentioning us in your article. We have so many different countries visit and they are happy with our teas. Thank you!

Hi Sophia, it’s my pleasure! I was happy to see this interesting store. It’s a good addition to the usual ones at Alishan.

Hello Nick Kembel! Thank you for this excellent blog post. Not only is the tea excellent quality, but the people working here are very helpful and friendly. There is a volunteer working here who wants me to thank you for her. If anyone comes to get tea from here, they’ll be lucky if they can meet Yoshie Iijima working at the store.

Hi Philip, Thanks for your comments! Are you talking about Mt. Ali tea #35? That’s great to hear they said thank you. I’ll need to stop in again and say hi to them next time I’m in Alishan! Enjoy your trip 🙂

Hi there, I love your post, so informative! Would you be able to share more details on how to hike up Alishan to see the sunrise? I have tried to look for more details on Alishan sunrise hike but the search results always bring me back to “take the train” haha. Would love to hike instead if possible!

Hi Vik, Did you see this part of my article: “I’ve walked up in the dark, and it’s doable, but I would suggest that you at least find and maybe even walk up the trail the day before so that you don’t get lost the next morning. First, walk to Zhaoping Station and locate the Zhushan footpath just south of the station. This 20-minute uphill stretch through the forest connects to the Zhushan Forest Rd., which then leads all the way up to Duigaoyue sunrise platform, or Zhushan. In total it takes less than an hour. A flashlight or headlamp is recommended.”

Hi Nick! Amazing posts about Taiwan with children. We are coming in three weeks time and love the sound of Alishan. We want to stay two nights there on 30th June and 1st July… I can’t seem to find any accommodation in that area – can you please help me? Am I looking in the wrong area? Could I email you a few questions?

Hi Sarah, thanks for your comment, and sure, please email me at [email protected] I may need a day or two to reply because I’m on the last night of a little trip to Korea right now!

Hi Nick, Planning a trip to Taiwan in December and have discovered your articles – amazing, so eye opening and informative! I’m just wondering how far in advance it is possible to book a night in a hotel in Alishan? I’m not traveling there until December as I say, and for the hotels listed here when I try to book them for my dates it says “sold out”, which I’m assuming means they aren’t available to book that far in advance yet as earlier dates are available.

Many thanks!

Hi Martha, Thanks for reading! I can’t imagine they would sell out so far in advance, especially for December, which is low season there. I don’t know that they have a time period for booking specifically at Alishan, but I’ve noticed that many hotels in other places typically don’t do more than around 6 months in advance. Have you tried experimenting with earlier dates? You may be able to figure out how far in advance you can book by doing that. Best of luck!

Planning a trip for January 2020 with my best gal pal and chanced upon your most lovely site… thank you SO MUCH for having added to the beauty of this world by sharing your knowledge and passion! The world needs more people like you who care and share! Hugs, stay safe and bon voyage!!

Ryan, thank you so much for your comment, and I’m really glad that you found some useful information and inspiration on my site. Happy travels!

Hi Nick, thanks for the detailed information about Alishan and Fenchihu. It was invaluable for planning our trip from the UK. My husband enjoys a good cup of coffee and decided to treat himself to a cup of Alishan Champion coffee today in Fenchihu. He said was very mellow and smooth. Not cheap at 200NTD but very enjoyable!

Thanks Wendy, that’s great to hear! 200 is indeed a little steep, but at least it was good 😉

Thank you for this guide. Very informative and helpful. I have been searching the Internet for a good information about Alishan since I will be traveling there on November. Your guide help me a lot and now I am more excited for my trip.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy your trip!

Hi Nick, Love your blog about Alishan. We are thinking about staying in Chingyi and want to hike the Ruitai Historic Trail. You have mentioned that we can take bus 7315, departing from Chiayi station at 9:20am to Ruili. We cannot read Chinese. If we ask the bus driver to drop us off at the Ruitai historic trail, would the driver understand where we want to go? Are the trail head and trail well marked and easy to find? Is there return bus from Taihe to Chingyi train or bus station? Thanks for your kind attention.

Hi David, and thanks a lot! When you say “Chingyi” you mean Chiayi right? I think the bus driver may not understand what you want, because the Chinese language is very specific; if you pronounce Ruili a little wrong, they won’t even understand. I think it’s best to show him the Chinese words of Ruili Ruitai Historic Trail entrance, which is 瑞里瑞太古道的路口. Then the bus will drop you off right at the entrance to the hike (because the village of Ruili is actually spread out along the road, with several stops). The entrance is clearly a trail entrance, but I don’t remember if it had English. It will be on the right side of the road (same side you get off the bus). I’ve hiked the trail twice before. Many years ago, I actually got a little lost because it wasn’t so well marked. A few years ago I went again with friends, and we had no such problem. The trail will actually have a choice toward the end to go to Taihe or Fenqihu. I would suggest going to Fenqihu, which has the Alishan train to Chiayi, and more bus connections back to Chiayi as well. It’s a more interesting town to take a look as well. You can see all the bus and train times for Fenqihu to Chiayi in my guide “How to get to Alishan”. I hope this helps!

Hi Nick! Do you have any details on the Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Village? Would it be possible to go here from Alishan Lauya Homestay via Line A or B? Thanks!

Hi there! After checking some blogs online, it seems like from your hotel, you can walk 25 minutes (or take any bus going downhill) to Shizhuo (石卓) station. From there, you can call Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Village (05-2562788) and they will come pick you up. According to GoogleMaps, you could even walk the whole way from your hotel to Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Village in 50 minutes. Since your hotel is not too far from Shizhuo, maybe they could even pick you up from your hotel if you ask them. I would suggest you ask your hotel to help you to call them after you check in. Hope this helps!

Hey there Nick, thanks for a good read!

We’re thinking about getting to both Alishan national scenic area and the Ruitai old trail in the same excursion from Chiyai, spending one or two nights somewhere on the way. Do you know if there are any connections between the two, or how one would achieve this in the optimal way. We do have our luggage with us, so it would be necessary to find somewhere to drop it off before exploring Alishan and Ruitai respectively.

Thanks for all help!

Hey Alex, For the Ruitai trail, the Ruili end of it is quite remote with few transportation connections and hotels. Therefore, it would make much more sense to go from the Taihe side and stay in Fenqihu. Fenqihu is on the train line, has frequent bus connections in either direction (to Alishan or to Chiayi), and more accommodation choices. So I would suggest from Chiayi you take the train or bus to Fenqihu, do your hike, then continue on the Alishan the next day. The only downside is that the Ruitai is a fairly long trail; I’ve only ever done it one way, and it was quite a walk (4-5 hours if memory serves me), so if you had it do it as a return walk, I’m not sure you’d be able to cover the entire thing there and back in one day. Not the end of the world, but something to consider. Hope this helps!

This is some great stuff Nick. You have become our authority on all things Taiwan. We can’t find many travel bloggers who have good info on Taiwan.

Thanks Ryan! My annoyance with the lack of available info while traveling around Taiwan is one of the reasons I started this site 🙂

Hi Nick! Thanks for all the great info, its been a huge help in my exploration of Taiwan so far. I just did Alishan today and loved it, and was able to grab a better map that they gave us at the gate. I took a quick photo of it to share with you (its a bit wrinkled from my pocket, but might help people get their bearings). Adding my email below, send me a note so I can reply with it if you like!

Thanks a lot Rob!

I just read your blog on A visit to Alishan and it’s truly mesmerizing though. We are planning to visit Alishan this weekend and intend to follow your blog. Good luck on your future write-ups.

Thanks Ram! Enjoy your trip, and let me know if you have any questions!

Hello! This guide is just amazing. It’s by far the best available in internet. Thanks for taking your time to write it. There is, however, a small change I think you need to make: if you are staying in SunSweet Hotel and taking bus 7322, you must get off at 隙頂 (Xiding) and walk 15min. This is the information I was able to gather from the bus route and from the hotel owner.

Anyways, great article!

Thank you so much for the kind feedback, Tomas, and the useful information. I’ll update that bus info in my article as soon as I get a chance!

Thank you for this incredibly helpful guide. My boyfriend and I are heading to Alishan next week. The hotels in the recreation area were sold out so we’re spending all four nights in Fenqihu. Our plan is to spend a day or two hiking the Ruili trail and seeing the tea plantations nearby and then going up to Alishan for the other two days. It appears that there is a bus from Fenqihu to Alishan recreation area at 11:30 am (which you have listed). However, the last bus that returns to Fenqihu from Alishan is at 2:30 pm, which is too early if we arrive at the recreation area around 12:30. I was wondering if have an idea of how difficult it would be for us to get a taxi in Alishan. Were there taxis around the visitors center area? Or do you think we would need to pre-book a taxi or private car to take us back to Fenqihu?

Hi Grace, your plan sounds great, even though you didn’t manage to get a room at Alishan. If you take a look at this page, you will find that there’s actually one more bus from Alishan to Fenqihu at 17:00 (it is marked “Fenqihu only): http://www.nickkembel.com/how-to-get-to-alishan/#Getting_from_Chiayi_to_Alishan But please confirm the bus time when you go, because these things can change. As for taxis, I’ve never noticed any taxis hanging out around Alishan, although I’ve never really looked for them, either. You might be able to find one, but I wouldn’t count on it. However, your hotel in Fenqihu may be able to arrange a driver for your if you need it. Once, I missed the last bus from Fenqihu to Chiayi, and the hotel in Fenqihu was able to find a driver for me.

Awesome. Thank you!

Hi, we have just visited Alishan and both the Tashan and Shuishan trails are closed at the moment. ☹️

Thank you for the update!

Hi thanks for the super detailed guide for Alishan. Because I’m on a budget, I want to take the night bus to Alishan so I can hike and see the sunrise. It only departs on Friday, have you done this before? My other question is which trails are open now to see the sunrise?

Yes, I took the night bus once years ago. At that time, there were more of them. I think there were two per night, and on more days than just Friday. I remember mine arrived a good couple hours before sunrise, so I had a little time to kill when I first arrived. At least 7-11 was open. Then I spent about an hour walking up to the viewpoint. If it’s your first time, that extra time could come in handy in case you have trouble finding the trail head. As far as I know, all the trails I describe in this article are presently open. Worst case scenario, even if the trail up to the viewpoint were closed, you can still take the train up, or walk up the vehicle road. Also keep in mind that it can be cold up there, even in summer. Hope this helps!

Hi Nick! Awesome site! Do you recommend any other companies that offer day trips to Alishan / Fenqihu bamboo forest trail from Taichung or Chiayi? I’m a solo traveler, so it’s hard to find companies that offer groups to join, and a private driver would probably be too expensive. I think Klook only shows one day-tour to Alishan only from Taichung. with no available times in February. I’m considering a tour company because I’m worried of getting stranded somewhere from lack of frequency of buses / trains if I attempt going alone. Is it too ambitious to check out the Alishan / Fenqihu bamboo forest trail in one day, departing and returning to Taichung or Chiayi? Thanks for the tips!

The bamboo hike that I mention in the article is really quite off the beaten track. I should probably edit the article to mention this. It is quite difficult to reach, and there are no tours that go there. Fenqihu is more accessible, as you can take the train or bus there, and from Fenqihu, there are so hiking trails close to the town where you can also see some bamboo forests. If traveling solo, I would recommend doing that. The deal on Klook called “Discover Alishan” , which includes Fenqihu stop too, also currently seems to have the option for pick up in Kaohsiung or Chiayi, if that’s better for you. Besides Klook, you can also try KKday, which seems to have more Alishan tour options than Klook does right now. Just copy paste this link: https://www.kkday.com/en/product/productlist?page=1&keyword=alishan&qs=alishan A day trip to Fenqihu and Alishan on your own is still feasible if you get an early start. Just bus directly up to Alishan. Then ride the shuttle bus or train to Chaoping station. Then hike from Chaoping to Shenmu station (this is the most common, popular hiking route, with most beautiful forest scenery). This only takes 1-2 hours. Then shutle bus from Shouzhen temple or train from Shenmu back to Alishan station. Bus to Fenqihu (see the bus times in my “getting to Alishan” article, I recently updated it). Then spend 1-2 hours in Fenqihu, including a short hike to see the bamboo forests around town. And finally, catch the bus or Alishan Forest Railway from Fenqihu back to Alishan (times also in my other article).

Thanks for the detailed post! Just one more questions. How often do the busses run between Fenqihu and Alishan, as well as in between Fenqihu and Chiayi?

Please see my other article “(2023) How to Get to Alishan from Taipei, Chiayi, Sun Moon Lake”. It has all the bus and train times for both directions

Thanks for the amazing detailed post! Is Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout accessible by car? Is it possible to stay in Shizhuo and drive to Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout for sunrise? Are cars allowed to stay in Alishan till sunset? Is the photo you took from the highway around the entrance gate to Alishan “阿里山國家森林遊樂區入口售票亭” on google map? Thank you!

You’re welcome! You cannot drive to Chushan. There is a road to go up there, but only the electric shuttle bus and train is allowed, to preserve the clean air up there, and because there is no parking space up there. You can only park in the main parking lot of Alishan tourist village or at your hotel. From there, you have to walk or take the train up. Alishan gate and tourist village is open 24 hours. For a car, you’ll just have to pay the daily fee. Yes, the photo I took was from a lookout pavilion on the highway, perhaps just a 1-2 minute walk from 阿里山國家森林遊樂區入口售票亭 (the Alishan entrance gate). I used a telephoto lens to take that mountain shot, so the mountains in the shot are a little far away.

Thank you for your very informative blog postings and promp Facebook Taiwan Travel Planning posts and replies to our queries.

Thank you for the epic post! Am planning a trip to Taiwan our kids (ages 5 and 7) this summer and this was incredibly helpful. Would you recommend 2 days in Alishan itself for kids that age? I don’t want to be rushed…but also don’t want the kids to be bored/whining. Am definitely planning on taking the train to Fenqihu!

When I took my kids, we spent night 1 on a tea farm in Shizhuo (they picked us up from Fenqihu train station), and night 2 in Alishan, and that was enough for us. Shizhuo was very quiet and we just did some walks through the tea farms around out hotel. Being in Shizhuo meant we could get to Alishan fairly early the next day, and have the better part of the day for doing the main walking trail there and riding the small trains. We didn’t do the sunrise (I felt getting up that early just wouldn’t be fun for the kids, plus it can be quite cold at the viewpoint). But we were up early enough to do a little more exploring with the kids in the morning before checking out. If you only made a brief stop in Fenqihu on the way, you’d have a later start at Alishan. You might only have a few hours to explore before sunset, and then a few more hours the next morning before checkout. You could go either way here…Adding a second night at Alishan would surely make it more rushed. But you may find that on that full day at Alishan, you’ll run out of things to do. There really isn’t much to do there besides hiking, but kids can only hike so far. The hotels there aren’t great, so they aren’t the best places to just hang out, either.

Hi Nick, Thank you for this great guide! I’m looking to stay in the Shizhuo area in mid-March to visit Alishan, since it’s the middle of cherry blossom season and it’s quite difficult to book something within Alishan proper! I’d like to see the sunrise from Zhushan and it seems like my two options are either to rent a car and drive up or hire a driver with a service like Tripool.

Renting a car would give me the most flexibility but I am concerned that parking at the Alishan train station for the sunrise journey is going to be difficult since it’s peak season. It also seems like many of the attractions like the Shizhuo trails and Fenqihu are in walking distance or accessible by bus, so the value of having a car is questionable. Do you have a recommendation one way or another for renting a car versus hiring a driver for the sunrise and relying on the bus system for everything else?

Thanks in advance!

I don’t have a perfect solution, but here are some things to consider. If you drive, you won’t be able to drive up to the sunrise viewpoint. So you’ll still need to park your car at Alishan train station, as you said, and either walk or take the Alishan train up there. However, the parking lot up there is huge and should be able to accommodate all the cars, even in peak season. So it’s still a not bad option. In Shizhuo, some hotels are easily accessible by public transport because they are right along the highway, but some are not, like the one I stayed at, because they are located on tea farms up on the mountain side above town. So having a car would be useful for certain hotels. One more thing: to see if getting a ride/driver is even a viable option, you need to inquire if it’s even possible. To get a ride for the sunrise only the driver would likely have to drive from the city (Chiayi) all the way up there to pick you up super early. Also, these drivers are point-to-point, so they won’t sit around and wait for you. So if they even have a driver willing to make this kind of trip, it might be quite pricey, due to the additional driving time to get to you and to get back to their city after. Some travelers even have trouble just finding a normal driver for the daytime for Chiayi/Alishan area. Finally, two more options you could consider: instead of Zhushan sunrise, you could watch the sunrise from a less popular place, like Eryanping, which is also beautiful. There are a few hotels are Eryanping, too, with significantly fewer tourists than Zhushan. Another option: there is a late night bus (Kuo Kuang company 1835) from Taipei to Alishan, Friday only, departing taipei at 8:45 pm (march to oct) or 9:45 (nov to feb). It takes about 6 hours. I’ve done this once before. Basically you sleep for a few hours on the bus, arrive at Alishan super early in the early morning, kill a few hours in the convenience store, then walk up to the sunrise point. Then you don’t need a hotel!

Hi Nick! Your blog is fantastic and helpful. I will be travelling to Alishan in less than 2 weeks, and wonder if it is a good idea to spend the first night at Fenqihu, then take a bus down to spend the second night at Eryanping, before taking a bus to Alishan. Is the bus ride to Alishan from Eryanping winding? Because you mentioned from another post that the bus ride from Fenihu to Alishan can cause many passengers to puke.

Also, will I be able to explore Shizhuo tea plantations if I don’t stay at any of the guesthouse there? Or would you instead recommend Shizhuo > Eryangping > Alishan ?

Hey Daniel, all the buses to Alishan will pass by Eryanping and Shizhuo (near Fenqihu) on the way to Alishan. A few buses also make the small detour to Fenqihu on the way. So not matter which way you go, you will still have to experience the winding drive. The worst part is the final hour, from Shizhuo to Alishan. The scenery around Eryanping and Shizhuo are similar. Both have tea farms, some walking trails with views, and some guesthouses. So you only need to choose one or the other. Also, Fenqihu is quite small and there isn’t so much to see and do there. Only a few shops and restaurants on the small old street, and some bamboo forests around town if you want to go hiking. I would suggest this. 1. Day 1 take the bus to Eryanping. Do some exploring, hiking. Day 2, wake up super early for sunrise, then catch a bus onward to Fenqihu. Spend a few hours in Fenqihu, have lunch there, then catch a bus onward to Alishan. Day 3: Sunrise at Alishan and more hiking there. Check out and take the bus from Alishan to Shitzulu, and ride train back to Chiayi.

Thanks for the reply Nick. I have already booked the hotels you recommended in your blog posts for Taichung and Alishan before this response. As for my trip, I am taking the Forest Railway from Chiayi to Fenqihu and staying a night there, and proceed to Alishan the next day. To avoid the winding drive as much as possible, I am exploring taking the Forest Railway from Fenqihu to Shizilu Station, and then taking bus #7329 or #7329A to Alishan. It’s about 15 mins ride according to Google Map. Do you think this detour can reduce the car sickness issue? Or is the last 15 min ride up Alishan so winding that it doesn’t matter?

Also I would like to ask about the The Fenrui Historical Trail (奮瑞古道). According to the link you gave, it’s a 7+km trail to Ruelli and Cat & Joe took 5 hours to do it two-way, since there is no transport from Ruelli. Do you know if it is possible to arrange transport (to Ruelli or pick-up from Ruelli) for this trail so that it can be done one-way instead?

Hi Daniel, I’ve replied to your question in the “taiwan travel planning” group on Facebook.

Hi Nick! Thanks for the detailed guide on Alishan. Similarly i am planning a trip to Alishan end of this month. I currently plan to stay 4 nights (1 – Alishan, 1 – Fenqihu, 2 – Shizhuo), is that too long? Is there any sunrise spots at Shizhuo or would staying nearer to Eryanping be better?

4 nights is a little long. Most people spend only spend 1 or 2 for the whole area. Maybe 3 maximum. But if you want to do a lot of hiking and really take it slow, then 4 is fine. Fenqihu is really tiny, like just one street. There isn’t much to do there. Most people just stop there for lunch. If you want to do a little hiking in the bamboo forest nearby, then a few hours is good enough. But if you want to hike longer, and have a quiet night in the village, then spending the night is fine. As for Shizhuo, same thing. It has some beautiful views and hikes, but one night is probably enough. I would suggest maybe you go to Fenqihu first, have lunch and do a little hiking, then spend the night in a hotel in Shizhuo (it’s only 10 min away). You can see the sunset from Shizhuo, but I’m not sure about sunrise. Maybe ask the hotel for suggestions. On Day 2, you can do some hiking in Shizhuo in the morning, check out from hotel, then proceed to Alishan in the afternoon. Then spend 2 nights in Alishan. Alishan has more hiking trails and things to see/do, so I feel it’s better to spend two nights there. So in total, you could reduce the trip to 3 hours and still see a lot in all these places. The Alishan sunrise is the most famous and easiest to get to. If you want to see the Eryanping one also, you’d have to stay in one of the hotels there. You could do this instead of Shizhuo, because the scenery around Shizhuo and Eryanping is very similar.

Thank you for such a detailed blog. really makes planning much easier. Took some pointers for your reply to draft a 4 day itinerary this June to Alishan area. I’m wondering if there is any place near Sun Moon Lake where we can leave our luggage for a short while, as we have to leave Chiayi/Alishan on Day 4 and head back to Taipei to catch our flight

D1: Touch down 1.40pm. Take HSR to Chiayi D2: Chiayi to fenqihu. Hike in bamboo forest then lunch. Fengqihu to Shizhuo and catch the sunset before spending the night D3: alishan day trip D4: travel to sun moon with luggage, then take HSR back to taipei to catch night flight

There is luggage storage at SML. The exact location is in the list here: https://owlocker.com/#/location

Planning going to Taiwan Oct.26 / you have any suggestion or comment where we should go on a week and tour guide take us go .Thank you

Please search the term “Taiwan itinerary” on my site and you will find my recommended 1 week itinerary for Taiwan!

Hi Nick! I love how thorough and detail your blog about Alishan. I was planning on driving to Alishan from Kaohsiung and stay in Alishan for 2 nights. I was wondering if we need a police permit to enter Alishan National park?

No you don’t need a permit, but there’s a small entrance fee when you enter the park. It’s not a national park, but a “national forest recreation area”. There’s only a few small hikes inside the area that need permits, but 99% of visitors don’t do these hikes.

Hi Nick, thanks so much for your blog, I probably read it like 5-10 times while planning an Alishan visit with my boyfriend and mom a couple of weeks ago! We had a smooth time and the cherry blossoms were beautiful.

Glad to hear you had a great trip!

Here’s the blog post about it if you’re interested https://wp.me/pesZ0H-6N

Hello Nick, really love your super detailed Alishan guide! it’s really helpful! I do have some question though. Me and my friends are planning to go to Alishan to watch the sunrise. We are planning on a day trip and will not stay overnight the day before nor the after. We are planning to use our friend’s car all the way from Taichung to Alishan. I noticed that it is not possible to take the car all the way up to the lookout point. However, we wish to go to the Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout. So, the only option is to park the car at Alishan Station and take the Zhaoping railway right? On the other hand, since we will not be staying overnight, we wouldn’t be able to buy the train tickets physically the day before. Therefore, we would like to buy the tickets online beforehand. I noticed the link that you had given on the post, but when I tried to buy it, there was no selection of the train and time. My question is, if we were to purchase the tickets online, will we be able to use it to take the train anytime as we please during the day? or if it’s not the case, may I ask for your recommendation regarding my situation? Thank you so much!

Yes, your only option will be to ride the Zhushan (not Zhaoping) sunrise train to the viewpoint or hike up there in the dark. Currently Zhushan station is under renovation, so you can only ride as far as Duigaoyue (hence it is currently called Duigaoyue line). There’s a sunrise viewing platform there, or you can walk 10 minutes uphill to Zhushan or another 10 minutes past Zhushan to Xiaoliyuanshan. It is not necessary to buy your tickets in advance for the sunrise train. The seats never sell out, as there are no seat numbers. You can just show up and buy them around 30 min before the departure. The departure time changes every day due to changing sunrise time. To find tomorrow’s time, you can download the Alipedia app. It is updated daily at 4:30 PM for the next days train time. Be care driving up to Alishan in the dark, as the road is very winding, and sometimes foggy, which could be dangerous.

Hi Nick, This is a fantastic and highly detailed resource. Well done. I really like the level of detail you go into. My family is doing a two week road trip in September and we would like to do the Fenrui Historic Trail you mention and as seen in the walkmyworld post where we first discovered it. We are spending one night in Chiayi and have a rental car so thought we might park at Fenqihu and then grab a taxi to Ruili and walk one way back to our car. We do a lot of hiking so no problem there. Do you know if taxis are easy to get in Fenqihu and what taxi companies exist there? By the way I notice you also spend time in Canada. Did you ever do the Larch Valley Trail at Moraine Lake also summarised on the walkmyworld site which we did last year. That was also amazing? Cheers.

Hey Simon, thanks a lot! It would be very unlikely to find a taxi in Fenqihu. This is a remote, tiny, one-street village up in the mountains. I once missed the last bus from there and had to ask a hotel to call a driver for me, and then wait quite a while for it to come. Your plan would work if you can find the ride, though. You can try the Tripool website for this. They offer point-to-point trips around Taiwan. I haven’t done Larch Valley (yet!) but I’ve done Pocaterra Ridge (another famous larch hike, in Kananaskis) during larch seasons, and it was fantastic!

Hi Nick, Many thanks for such a great guide, really appreciated. I am planning to hike YuShan: as I would be arriving from Taipei, I am planning to spend a night in the Alishan area. Which place in Alishan would you say is more convenient in order to reach Tanaka trailhead (i.e., nearest to public transport to Tanaka)? I guess I would need to get the bus: are there other options?

Thanks Geggio

As far as I know, only bus 6739 from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake is passing by Yushan National Park entrance. Currently it is only going once per day (departing Alishan 1 PM) and the bus is in high demand because lots of travelers are doing that route, so you’ll want to line up a little early (I don’t think advance reservation is possible). I’m not aware of any other options besides driving yourself. Any hotel in Alishan tourist area will do, such as Shermuh, Wankou, etc. They are all older, overpriced hotels, so none really stand out. But you need to book early as they frequently sell out due to limited rooms.

Thanks for this super helpful post! I was thinking of taking the earliest bus to Xiping in the morning and hiking Eryanping Trail and exploring the area a bit before getting back on the bus to take a later morning bus to Alishan. Will I have trouble getting back on the 7332 from Xiping? Thanks!

Should be no problem! You can use GoogleMaps for the times, but always go to the stop a little early. You can also see how long your bus takes to get to that stop for timing when the later buses will pass by.

Thank you so much! Should I buy one ticket to Alishan and get off or buy two tickets – one to Xiping from Chiayi and one from Chiayi to Alishan?

You can just swipe your EasyCard for riding these buses – swipe when you board, and again when you get off. It is possible to buy tickets for these buses from the FamiPort machine in an FamilyMart in Taiwan. However, the machine only sells a ticket from Chiayi all the way to Alishan. It’s not possible to pre-purchase a partial ticket. But I’ve only ever heard of these buses selling out at peak times like long weekends, lunar new year, or especially cherry blossom season, so if you’re not traveling during these times, just swiping EasyCard should be fine!

Thanks for sharing such an insightful information! I am planning to take the Alishan Forest Railway and stop by Fenqihu / Shizhuo to explore a few hours before heading to Alishan. As I will be staying a night in Alishan, do you know if there is any places to store my luggage for that few hours ?

Also, would you recommend going to Fenqihu or Shizhuo? Saw that there’s a few hiking trails around Shizhuo but for Fenqihu its only a tiny area with nothing much to explore.

Yes, there are luggage lockers at Fenqihu train station. If you are taking the train up, then visiting Fenqihu will be easier because that’s where the train stops. The main thing to do there is have lunch on the cute little old street. There is some delicious food including famous bento boxes. There is also a small train museum and a really cool bamboo forest hike starting beside town (all described in this article). Fenqihu is basically a tourist town, but it is cute. Shizhuo is less convenient to visit, but also less touristy. Probably you won’t see anyone there. First, you would have to take a bus from Fenqihu to there. It’s only 10 minutes, but the buses are not frequent. Shizhuo is also less easy to visit. It’s not really a town. It’s more like an area. Along the highway, there are just some shops selling tea. To enjoy the hikes there, you will need more time. You will have to walk uphill from the highway just to reach the hike trailheads. Those hikes are through tea farms and they are quite beautiful. You can find them as Mist trail, Trail of Tea, and Sakura Trail on GoogleMaps. If you decide to go there, then after you do the hike, walk back down to the bus stop on the highway. If you only want to visit Shizhuo and not Fenqihu, it’s actually more convenient to take the bus there instead of the train. Every bus from Chiayi to Alishan passes by Shizhuo, but only a few make the small detour to Fenqihu.

> There, you will need to pay the Alishan National Scenic Area entrance fee of TWD 3000 (or 150 per if you show your bus ticket or student ID card),

Ooops, I think you meant 300 not 3000, haha.

Thanks so much, I’ll fix it!

Hi, the entrance fee for Alishan of NTD 300 is good for 1 or 2 days? Let’s say I plan to visit Alishan for a 2-day itinerary. Does that mean I have to purchase entrance tickets twice? Thank you!

The entrance ticket is valid for one entrance, so after you pay it, you can stay there as long as you want and you won’t have to pay it again the next day.

Hello Nick,

We are planning our Taiwan trip right now. Besides Alishan we also want to go to Sun-Moon-Lake. Now we are not sure which direction is better (especially with the Alishan train). Is it better to go Chiayi-Fenchihu-Alishan-Sun-Moon-Lake-Taichung or the other way around and go down the Mountain by train to Chiayi.

Thank you so much for your help. Regards Franziska

Either one of these works, but the main difference is the bus time between SML and Alishan. If you go SML to Alishan, the bus leaves at 8 AM and gets to Alishan at 11 AM. This is quite an early start from SML. So you need to make sure you have at least one full day for visiting SML before that. From Alishan to SML, the bus leaves Alishan at 1 PM and arrives at SML at 4 PM. This gives you a whole morning at Alishan before you depart, which is great, but gives you no time to actually see SML once you get there, so you should stay a full day, and possibly one more night at SML after.

Hi Nick! Thank you so much for your awesome blog its been quite helpful! I’m traveling to Taiwan next week but can’t seem to find any hotels to stay in Alishan Forest Area. Seems like if I stay at Fengqihu/Shizuo area, to catch the sunrise at Duigaoyue without renting a car would be quite challenging? May I know if I would be missing out much if I catch the sunrise at Eryanping instead of Duigaoyue i.e. could I still see the sea of clouds?

Since I can’t get a hotel at Alishan Forest Area should I book 2 nights at Fengqihu area so that I can catch the sunrise at Eryanping before spending one whole day at Alishan and come back to Fengqihu before heading back to Taipei? Or would it be better still to try get a hotel in Alishan area?

It would be very difficult to catch the sunrise at Duigaoyue if you’re staying in Fenqihu or Shizhuo. You’d have to find someone willing to drive you to Alishan in the middle of the night, then you’d have to hike or take the train up to the sunrise viewpoint. The sunrise at Eryanping is a very good alternative though. Just heads up that from Shizhuo or Fenqihu, you’d also need to drive there (around 15-20 minutes) then hike up to the viewpoint. The best option would be to stay in one of the couple hotels that are close to the Eryanping Trailhead, like SunSweet, then you can just walk up directly from your hotel.

Thanks so much for your quick reply Nick! I’m also looking at taking the Alishan Forest Railway train from Fenqihu back to Chiayi, although it seems the other direction is the popular route, do you know if the train route towards Chiayi is using the same path so it should still be as scenic as the morning ride towards Fenqihu?

Yes, the train ride going down will be the same way and the same scenery. Personally, I find that if I ride it in one direction, that’s enough for me, and for the other way, I’ll just take the bus the whole way, which is faster, cheaper, and don’t need to reserve.

Hi Nick, this is super useful! Do you know of any hikes and sunrise / sunset lookouts in Alishan or Fenchihu that would be do-able with a 4-year-old and a 11-month-old either in a stroller or a carrier? So either paved or short?

Fenqihu is a very tiny village kind of surrounded by hills, so there’s no sunset or sunrise lookout points there. If you stay in the nearby village of Shizhao, where many tea farms are located, you can enjoy a nice sunset from some of the accommodations, right from their rooftop or balcony. In Alishan, I’ve mentioned a couple spots in this article where you can easily watch the sunset: from the 2F of Alishan train station or from the viewpoint on the highway next to the park’s entrance gate, where you have to buy a park ticket to enter. As for sunrise, I personally didn’t consider to wake my kids up at such an early hour, but if you plan to, the easiest thing would be to take the morning sunrise train to Duigaoyue. The sunrise viewing platform is right outside the station, so very little walking is required.

Finding conflicting info online–I’ve heard that pre-purchasing ticket is better for Chiayi bus to Alishan to guarantee a seat (otherwise if it’s full, some people have to sit on the walkway) but some say it’s first-come first-serve and can be paid with EasyCard. So those with tickets actually get boarded first regardless?

But also it says here (link) that you can only pre-purchase ticket on the day of travel, so I suppose those who elect to pay with with EasyCard instead of getting the ticket at the 7-Eleven in front of the bus stop do not have guaranteed seats?

But then I see on Klook ( https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/50411-alishan-round-trip-ticket-alishan-national-forest-recreation-area-ticket/ ) you can purchase a packge deal and it lets you purchase far in advance than the supposed same-day pre-purchasing requirement…

P.S. We will actually be going from Taichung HSR to Chiayi HSR station and then board the first bus from there for Shizhuo to spend the day there. Since Shizhuo only requires 3-4 hours of hiking and there’s not much to do there, I’m thinking we can depart at 11:00 or even at the last departure at 13:10 for a 12:25/14:34 arrival respectively. That way we can spend time the morning at either Taichung or Chiayi, neither of which we get a proper visit for (we arrive in the evening at Taichung from Hehuanshan via bus–not sure how that works yet regarding transfer but here’s the schedule: http://www.ntbus.com.tw/cj-m.html , http://www.ntbus.com.tw/cjfm.html ). So thinking if there are any recommended stays and attractions/food near Taichung HSR station for that evening and the next morning before heading to Chiayi HSR Station for Shizhuo.

Much appreciated.

Hi George, so there are a few gaps in my knowledge here, but one thing I can say is that the only time I’ve ever heard of anyone not getting on the bus to Alishan because they didn’t have a ticket was during the cherry blossom season (March to early April), which is the busiest time of the year for Alishan. For the rest of the year, and in my personal experience, it’s always possible to get on. I can’t confirm the info that you can only buy a ticket on the day of travel. I would wager a guess that this is not true. if you plan to take the bus from Chiayi HSR to Shizhuo or Alishan outside of cherry blossoms season (or Lunar New Year or any other long weekend in taiwan), I would be VERY surprised if there was such a huge line at the HSR station bus stop that not everyone could get on the bus. First bus from Chiayi HSR to Shizhuo/Alishan is 9:30 AM. So I’m not sure what you mean about an 11 AM departure. You’d arrive at Shizhuo at 10:30 or 11. So if you plan to hike for 3-4 hours, you’ll need to be very careful not to miss the last bus from Shizhuo to Alishan. I’m also confused abotu what you mean by spending time in Taichung or Chiayi in the morning first. If you’re planning to do several hours of hiking at Shizhuo AND make it to Alishan that day, I highly suggest you go with this first bus (9:30) as I mentioned above and do go any later than that. And there is nothing to do around most HSR stations in Taiwan, including Taichung HSR station. These stations are like airports, located kind of in the middle of nowhere outside the city centers. Only stay by one if you really have to.

Thank you Nick! Such a detailed information on Alishan. We are planing a trip there next year. Thank you again!

Thank you Nick Quick question – if one comes with a car. can we get into the part with the car? can we drive between the sites in the park or would need to get the train?

If you arrive at Alishan by car, you are only allowed to park at the main tourist village or your hotel (all the hotels are next to the lot), all just inside the park entrance gate. From there, you have to hike, ride the electric shuttle bus, or ride the three small lines of the Alishan Forest Railway to the various scenic areas in the park, including the sunrise viewpoint. Now cars are allowed to any of those spots. However, you can drive anywhere outside the park, like the villages of Xiding (Eryanping Trail), Shizhuo, and Fenqihu, which I’ve introduced in this article. These villages are considered part of the “greater Alishan area” but are not inside the park. You can even drive right to the sunrise viewpoint on Eryanping trail.

Wow. Very detailed information. Thank you for this. It would be my first time traveling to Alishan this coming mid March. I cant book hotel around Alishan Visitor Centre. Could it is peak season.

Would you recommend to stay somewhere nearby as an alternative such as Zhuqi Township or Fenqihu?

Mid March is cherry blossom season so it will be crazy busy and the hotels at Alishan are probably already sold out. You can still try though. If you can’t get a hotel at Alishan, then yes, you can try staying in some areas like Shizhuo, Fenqihu, or Xiding (please see my website Taiwan Obsessed for my guided to those places). Those places are great too but very different than Alishan. They are mostly about hiking in tea plantations, bamboo forests, rural scenery, and not very touristy like Alishan. They also have sunrise/sunset options, but if you stay at them, it won’t be possible to see the sunrise at Alishan.

Thank you so much for the reply. I booked a hostel @ Fenqihu for 1 night near the station. Would be better to stay 2 nights instead? Sure will check your site.

The village is very small and not much to do. 1-2 hours is enough to walk the old street, and around 4 hours if you want to hike Ruitai Historic Trail. After that, you will run out of things to do, so I think 1 night is enough. If you want to use it as a base for exploring other places like Shizhuo and Alishan, then sure, 2 nights, but check the bus times carefully because there are not so many buses to/from Fenqihu.

I am planning a trip to Taichung and want to include Alishan in the itinerary. Tentatively speaking, it’s a 6-day trip. Was trying to list out some spots including the 921Earthquake museum and Wufeng Nonghui Jiuzhuang. Looking at the rainbow village or the eye clinic might not be in our bucket list. And thinking of touring around the county for 3 days with food and sites and adding Alishan together. Would it be a bit too far between the two locations? And normally people do it with Taipei and Alishan together, instead? Appreciate your professional recommendations.

This hugely depends on how you plan to travel around – driving or by public transportation? I suggest you make a daily itinerary and then see how it all fits together. There are so many different possible ways you can plan this. But 6 days is definitely enough for visiting Taipei, Taichung, and Alishan.

Hey Nick, do you think we could fit Fenqihu/Shizhuo into a day trip to Alishan? We’ll be staying overnight at Chiayi to start our journey early.

Yes, you certainly could if you start early. You could do a loop of the main walking trails at Alishan, as I describe in this article, in aboit 3 hours. Shizhuo would be a little easier because all the Chiayi to Alishan buses pass through it, while only a few make the detour to Fenqihu. But you could still make either work if you time it well. Suggest you use my Alishan bus time table on taiwanobsessed to find all the times.

Thanks for the guide! I managed to make it to Alishan with your help. Here are some other helpful hints in an effort to give back: (1) On the Famiticket site, they still have a note from 2020 there! It kind of made me wonder when I saw it! (2) Chrome did not work but Safari did when I was paying by credit card. (3) the Alishan buses listed seem a little different than what’s in your guide. I wound up taking what was listed as an 11:55 am bus, but a woman there told me it is the 12:10 pm, they just want people to show up early (4) For purposes of catching the sunset, walking back is the only option because the last train run is before 16:00.

Thanks so much for your feedback! As for the 2020 note, yes, websites in Taiwan are so bad for updating them. Good to know about the browsers, I’m sure that will help others. As for the bus times, someone else recently pointed that out too, and I just updated my article to explain this information, with screenshots of all the times. 11:55 is the time the bus starts at Daya stop. And 12:10 is the time it reaches Chiayi train station (where almost everyone gets on). It’s so annoying they did that, because on the FamilyMart site, some of the times they show are from Daya and some are from the train station. But I’ve added screenshots to show all the accurate times for each departure.

Hello Nick, thank you for your very complet article.

I booked 2 nights in Shizhuo in order to enjoy the tea farms at sunrise or sunset. I will come from Sun Moon Lake, but I think I missed something. There are buses going from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan, but are they also going to Shizhuo? Or I may need to do a bus transfert somewhere to take a bus from Alishan to Chiayi (which stops at Shizhuo)? I’m a bit lost on that point. If I want to connect directly from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan area and avoid the hassle of transfert, wouldn’t be better to stay at Fenqihu instead of Shizhuo? Thank you!

Buses go directly from SML to Alishan, only one per day, departing at 8 AM. That does not pass Shizhuo. And then many buses go from Chiayi city to Alishan every day, passing Shizhuo on the way. Please see the transportation section of my other website taiwanobsessed for articles about how to book all those buses, times, etc. You can also see the bus routes by using GoogleMaps directions, filter for “bus” and “no transfers”

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• Travel tips

2-Day Solo Alishan Itinerary for Exploring Alishan, Taiwan

While there are many things to do in Alishan, Taiwan, it is possible to see everything in Alishan in two days. All you have to do is follow my comprehensive 2-day solo Alishan itinerary, and you can see all the best attractions effectively and efficiently.

Since the 1970s, the Alishan mountains have become a major tourist attraction. Alishan National Forest Recreation Area , or Alishan National Scenic Area , was one of the three main logging areas where the Alishan Forest Railway was built for transporting lumber. 

Today, Alishan in Taiwan has a conservation area with over 1,400 hectares of forest with many historical remains throughout the park.

Alishan is known for its  five wonders : sunrise, forest, cloud sea, forest railway,  and sunset glow . So if you want to do some serious hiking, see thousand-year-old trees, and watch the famous Alishan sunrise, then you must visit Alishan in Taiwan. 

Table of Contents

Before you start your solo Alishan itinerary

Before you plan your Alishan trip, take a look at my post on all the best tips for travelling to Taiwan . I included a lot of information, including getting a Taiwan SIM card , transportation around the country and more.

And before I dive into my Alishan itinerary, I want to share a few quick tips about going to Alishan Taiwan:

• There are many trails in Alishan ; some are hilly , and some have stairs . But you don’t need to be an advanced hiker to trek any of these trails.
• The bus ride from Chiayi to Alishan in windy for the last hour . If you have motion sickness, it might not be a pleasant ride. Take an over-the-counter anti-nausea medicine like Gravol.
• When you disembark the bus from Chiayi to Alishan, the bus driver will give you a piece of paper . Don’t throw it away because it gives you a discount on the entrance fee .
• There are several food options in Alishan in Taiwan; several restaurants serve hot pot and sharing plates.
• If you don’t like any of the restaurant options, there is a 7-Eleven . The convenience store is great for snacks and meals.
• Bring enough cash for two days . I don’t remember seeing any ATMs, but maybe there is one in 7-Eleven. You will need cash for the entrance fee, food, a train ticket to see the sunrise, bus fare, and any souvenirs you want to bring home.
• When you leave Alishan , you can return to Chiayi or Sun Moon Lake .

What to bring for your Alishan trip

Alishan Forest Recreation Area is in the Yushan Mountain range, with an elevation of 2,200+ above sea level . The average daytime temperature is between 15-25°C during summer and 5-15°C during winter .

And it is quite common to get a bit of rain in the mountains. Alishan weather changes quickly as you may get sunshine in the morning, light drizzling in the afternoon, to heavy fog in the late afternoon. At least, that is how I experienced Alishan in October.

The best way to dress is to wear layers while hiking through Alishan. And also, be prepared for cooler temperatures if you travel during winter.

Here is a list of items that you should bring for hiking in Alishan:

• Long sleeve shirt
• Thermal long-sleeve shirt
• Hiking pants
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes
• Thick hiking socks
• Hat for sun protection
• Water bottle
• Small backpack for day hikes
• Camera (or smartphone)

How to get to Alishan Taiwan

Alishan is located in Central Taiwan . Whether you are going from Taipei , Taichung , Tainan , or Kaohsiung , it will require several modes of transportation to Alishan.

But first, you need to travel to Chiayi , the gateway city to Alishan. Chiayi has many buses and trains going to Alishan.

At a minimum , stay overnight in Chiayi and start your journey to Alishan the next morning . But if you have a few days to spare, definitely add Chiayi to your travel itinerary, as there are many things to do in Chiayi .

From Taichung to Chiayi

In Taichung, take the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train since it is the more straightforward route because both Taichung HSR Station and Chiayi HSR Station are outside the respective cities.

• Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cost: NT$224
• Time: from 1 hour 50 minutes
• Cost: NT$144
• Check Taichung Station to Chiayi Station train schedule and cost

From Taipei to Chiayi

The easiest way to travel from Taipei to Chiayi is to take a direct local express TRA train to Chiayi.

• Chu-Kuang Express , Tze-Chiang Limited Express or Puyuma
• Time: from 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: NT$461+
• Check Taipei Station to Chiayi Station train schedule and cost

Once you are in Chiayi, take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus #7322 from Chiayi Station to Alishan Bus Terminal.

From Chiayi to Alishan

• Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus #7322
• Cost: from NT$240 (can use EasyCard or iPass and half price for certain buses during the promotion period)

For more information on bus schedules and train travel from Chiayi to Alishan, see my post dedicated to transportation options from Chiayi to Alishan .

How to get around Alishan Taiwan

There are a few ways to get around Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.

I loved exploring Alishan on foot . It is a lot of walking, and many Alishan trails are uphill or have stairs. But it is worth your energy and effort. And it is possible to explore the entire park on foot in two days .

Alishan Forest Railway

The Alishan Forest Railway has a dedicated train line with three stops:  Sacred Tree Station , Chaoping Station and Zhushan Station . You can see many things at each train station so that you can plan your day around the activities near each stop. It costs NT$150 for a one-way ticket.

For this itinerary, I suggest taking the train from Alishan Station to Zhushan Station on the second morning of my two-day Alishan itinerary to watch the sunrise.

Tourist minibus

There are four tourist minibus stops around the park. You can purchase the tickets at the bus stand. But this mode of transportation is not required for this itinerary.

Where to stay in Alishan Taiwan

There are not a lot of choices for accommodations in Alishan. It is one of the most challenging places to find reasonable accommodation at an affordable price in Taiwan. Budget accommodation does not seem to exist in Alishan, and mid-range hotels have very basic rooms and amenities .

If you are only doing a day trip to Alishan, figuring out where to stay in Alishan is not an issue.

However, if you are following my Alishan itinerary and want to watch the famous Alishan sunrise, I highly recommend staying at one of the hotels in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area .

Alishan hotels

• Check prices & reviews: Agoda

Alishan Airbnb accommodation

There is  no Airbnb accommodation within Alishan Forest Recreation Area . And if you follow my 2-day Taiwan Alishan itinerary, you should stay within the park.

However, if you must stay at an Airbnb, the closest Airbnb accommodations are around Shizhao , where the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus #7322 stops en route to Alishan. Check the bus schedules to and from Alishan Forest Recreation Area if you want to stay there.

Alishan travel guide: Things to do in Alishan Taiwan

There are many things to do in Alishan Taiwan, and it might seem confusing what you should see first, where to start, etc.

With my efficient solo hiking itinerary, you can see everything in Alishan in 2 days. My how-to Alishan guide will show you exactly what you will see and how you can see everything most efficiently and economically.

Alishan Taiwan Map: What to do in Alishan in 2 days

All the Alishan attractions are pinned in the interactive map below. You can find more information about each attraction by clicking on the individual pin.

Day 1 of self-guided Alishan Itinerary (red pins)

1. start bright and early from chiayi.

The best way to start your Alishan journey in Taiwan is to stay overnight in Chiayi and leave Chiayi first thing in the morning . Chiayi is the closest city to Alishan and has plenty of transportation options to Alishan. There are many things to do in Chiayi , so if possible, stay an extra day if possible.

The easiest way to get to Alishan from Chiayi is by taking the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus #7322 . Take a look at my detailed post on how to take the bus from Chiayi to Alishan . You can catch the bus in front of Chiayi Station (pictured below).

The bus ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes . Take the 8:05 am bus at Chiayi Station , where you will arrive at Alishan Bus Terminal at 10:30 am . If you are an early bird, take the 6:05 am or 7:10 am bus to have more time in Alishan.

When you arrive at Alishan Bus Terminal, the bus driver will give you a piece of paper as you disembark. It is a discount for the entrance fee for Alishan Forest Recreation Area. The regular entrance fee is NT$300, and with the discount, you only pay NT$150 .

2. Drop off your bags at your accommodation in Alishan

Since you will be staying overnight in Alishan and you don’t need to hike around with all your belongings, drop them off at the hotel you booked ahead of time.

It is best to book accommodation before you arrive at Alishan as it is a popular tourist destination.

Once you arrive at the Alishan Bus Terminal, walk towards the entrance gate and pay your entrance fee .

Follow the road until you see several buildings on the left. This is the retail and restaurant area . Most restaurants , souvenir shops , 7-Eleven , and Alishan Visitor Centre  are here.

And the majority of the hotels are just to the east of the Alishan Visitor Centre, including Gau Shan Ching Hotel (where I stayed) and the new Alishan Shermuh Hotel . Alishan House is about a 10-minute walk into Alishan Forest Recreation Area. 

3. Pick up a handy Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Brochure at the Alishan Visitor Centre

After you drop off your bags, return to the Alishan Visitor Centre and pick up the brochure (pictured below). The pamphlet is very informative, has all the info on all the best things to do in Alishan, and has a very accurate map of the area.

Besides following my Alishan itinerary, the brochure map is also a great resource for visiting Alishan National Forest Recreational Area. I am thoroughly surprised by how accurate the information is in the brochure. All the attractions, sites, approximate distances, and times are pretty accurate.

Don’t worry about not speaking Mandarin. The staff at the Alishan Visitor Centre is very helpful, and they speak perfect English.

4 & 5. Walk to the entrance of Tashan Trail and hike up to Tashan Peak Observatory

The weather in Alishan is quite weird. It is clear and bright in the morning and slowly gets foggy in the early afternoon. As the afternoon approaches, the sky is quite foggy and grey. So it is best to do the most difficult hikes first to see the views.

From the park entrance, walk towards  Chaoping Station along the Forest Trail  towards the entrance of  Tashan Trail.

The trail is 3.5km long and will take about 2 hours to descend the mountain .

Tashan Mountain comprises several odd-shaped rocks and several platforms along the way . At the Tashan Peak Observatory , you can see Jade Mountain, the Central Mountain Range, and Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.

Remember to bring water and snacks with you.

6. See the Jiemei (Sister) Ponds along the Pond-shore Boardwalk

Follow the trail to see the Jiemei ( Sister) Ponds , composed of a larger Elder Sister Pond and a smaller Younger Sister Pond , where nearby mountain streams fill both ponds.

There are two pavilions in the centre of the Elder Sister Pond, where you can rest and enjoy the quiet surrounding. And the Younger Sister Pond is full in the summer and pretty low during winter. The pond nourishes the soil and provides water for animals, plants and microorganisms.

The Pond-shore Boardwalk goes around both ponds, where you can see the ponds from different angles. The entire path is about 186 meters long.

7. Visit the Alishan Shouzhen Temple

Follow the trail until you reach the Alishan Shouzhen Temple .

As the largest temple in Alishan and also the highest in altitude, Alishan Shouzhen Temple was built to bless and protect the people who are part of the logging industry. Logging was a big part of Alishan back in the day, but it is now a conservation area where the old cypress trees are honoured and protected.

There are also a few vendors selling souvenirs and snacks. This is a good time to fuel up if you are hungry.

8. Try Alishan Oolong Tea at the 50s Coffee Shop at Alishan House

After the long hike up Tashan Trail and meandering through the park, you might welcome a short coffee or tea break.

Visit the 50’s Coffee Shop , which is part of Alishan House  and order the famous Alishan Oolong tea and pastry if you are feeling famished.

The Alishan tea comes in a kettle, and you can have more hot water if you wish.

The tea and cake are not cheap, though. I believe the raindrop cake is NT$60, and the Oolong tea is NT$120. But the 1950’s ambiance, heated interiors, and the use of the clean bathroom are well worth the money.

9, 10 & 11. See King Cherry, Elephant Tree Trunk and Three Generation Tree

After a well-deserved break, follow the trail and find King Cherry trees . Alishan Forest Recreational Area has some of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing. There are over 19,000 cherry trees, most of which are Yoshino cherry trees, similar to the ones in Japan. During the Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival , thousands of visitors come to see the gorgeous pink flowers. It is truly the best time to visit Alishan!

Continue on the path and find many sacred tree relics in Alishan, including the  Elephant Tree Trunk . It is an old cypress tree stump that looks like an elephant trunk, hence the name.

Then you will see the  Three Generation Tree , where three generations of cypress trees grow on top of one another. The tree keeps on growing despite weather conditions and other disruptions.

12, 13, 14, 15 & 16. See the Pagoda of the Tree Spirit, Xianglin Giant Tree, Alishan Museum and Ciyun Temple Scenery

Next, you will see a small pagoda which is the Alishan Shrine Ruins. Soon after is a monument in the cypress forest. The Pagoda of the Tree Spirit is a monument devoted to sacred trees. The base comprises a series of concentric circles where each of the six layers represents 500 years of growth.

Follow the Giant Trees Boardwalks and see all the thousand-year-old cypress in the Alishan Forest, including Xianglin Sacred Tree , a 2,300-year-old cypress.

If it is open, pop into  Alishan Museum  to see historical artifacts, models and old photographs of the Alishan Forest Railway.

And if you are visiting Alishan on a clear day, you can see the sea clouds at the Ciyun Temple Scenery . And in the late afternoon, you can see the sunset with Tashan in the background.

17 & 18. Follow the Giant Tree Plank Trail to see Shunyi Waterfall and No. 28 Giant Tree

Keep following the path, pass the Sacred Tree Station , and you will see Shunyi Waterfall.  Compared to everything else in Alishan, the waterfall is nice but not particularly impressive.

Continue on the Giant Tree Plank Trail and see some of the oldest Taiwanese red cypresses in the park. There are at least 36 giant trees in the area, including  No. 28 Giant Tree , which is  43.5 meters tall, 13.1 meters in circumference and over 2000 years old . It is one of the biggest trees in the giant tree forest.

19. Stop by Alishan Station to check the departure time for the sunrise train and buy ticket from vending machine

Before dinner, stop by the Alishan Station and check the departure time for the sunrise train .

Since sunrise differs daily, the information is updated daily at the train station. And the departure time for the sunrise train is based on the estimated sunrise time . Typically, the departure time for the sunrise train is around 5am.

The office for buying the Alishan Forest Railway ticket is open between 1pm and 4pm. But if you follow my two-day Alishan itinerary, you can buy a ticket from the vending machine any time on day 1 or buy the train ticket the next morning . It is not a big deal to buy it the following morning as there are usually plenty of tickets. An hour before departure, go to the train station to secure a ticket.

20 & 21. Have dinner at the food centre or 7-Eleven

Most of the restaurants in Alishan are hotpot style or sharing plates, which are meant for bigger groups of travellers. I didn’t find any exciting options for solo travellers.

But there is a food center just south of the Alishan Visitor Centre . Several food vendors line the hallway of the food center selling local Taiwanese food .

Based on the clientele, I would assume that most people eating there works at the park (they wore uniforms).

Nonetheless, some food stalls have English menus. Plus, it is really affordable to eat there. A bowl of beef noodles costs about NT$90.

You can always eat at 7-Eleven in the retail and restaurant area if you don’t see anything you like. Eating at a convenience store sounds weird, but Taiwanese 7-Eleven’s have excellent food ! I had microwaved xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at 7-11, which was so delicious!

Day 2 of self-guided Alishan Itinerary (purple pins)

1. wake up early to catch the sunrise train at alishan station.

The best Aliahsn itinerary includes seeing the famous Alishan sunrise! This means the second day of your Alishan trip will start super early.

Your hotel will give you a morning call and give you an ample amount of time to get ready. So grab your warm clothes and camera (smartphone) and go to Alishan Station.

If you haven’t already, purchase a ticket from the booth on the main floor of Alishan Station. The sunrise train ticket costs NT$150 (one way). Make sure to bring cash.

Then wait for the sunrise train on the platform, where the train will take you directly to Zhushan Station .

2 & 3. Walk up Mount Ogasawara Viewing Lot and wait to see the famous Alishan sunrise

Once you arrive at Zhusan Station , there is a platform where you can watch the sunrise called Zhushan Sunrise Observation Deck . There are also food vendors selling tea eggs and warm drinks in case you want an early breakfast while waiting for the sunrise.

But you should walk up to Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout (previously called Mount Ogasawara Viewing Lot) to watch the sunrise instead. The hike is easy, and it only takes 10 minutes.

Standing at 2,488 meters above sea level , Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout is the best spot to watch the sunrise at Alishan . The 360-degree platform lets visitors see the cloud sea and sunrise over Jade Mountain in Yushan National Park. And it is also an excellent spot for watching the sunset and stargazing.

4, 5 & 6. Walk downhill to Duegaoyue Trail Head and continue on Duegaoyue Trail to Duegaoyue Pavillion

After you capture many gorgeous photos of the famous Alishan sunrise, follow the paved road and walk down the mountain.

Walk past  Zhushan Station , and follow the main road until a sign for Duegaoyue Trail Head .

The Duegaoyue Sunrise Platform is on the right, another great platform for viewing the sunrise. Continue on the Duegaoyue Trail , walking partly on the railway. It doesn’t seem like it is the right way, but it is.

Part of the trail will lead you up a flight of stairs. You will walk up the hill, back down and up again until you reach  Duegaoyue Pavillion . The journey is 1.7km and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.

Then backtrack the entire way until you see  Duegaoyue Trail Head .

7 & 8. Follow the Shuishan Trail and see the Giant Tree of Shuishan

From Duegaoyue Trail Head , follow the road until you see Z hushan Sunrise Trail  on the right. Then descend the paved path.

At the end of the Zhushan Sunrise Trail, many signs are pointing to see the giant trees of Shuishan .

Follow the sign and walk along the old railroad tracks of the Zhongzhi Line of the Alishan Forest Railway . The railway is closed and is part of the Shuishan Trail to the giant trees.

You will pass the Truss Bridge , which will take you directly to the platforms built around the Giant Tree of Shuishan . The 2700-year-old tree is a Formosan red cypress tree, and there are many giant trees in Alishan due to abundant rainfall.

9. Walk on the elevated pathways of Cherry Blossom Trail

Walk all the way back from the Shuishan Giant Tree on Shuishan Trail and make your way to Cherry Blossom Trail.

It is a series of elevated pathways where you are high above the ground. It is another hot spot to see cherry blossom during the springtime (March to April). Because the pathways are elevated, you can appreciate the unobstructed views of the park filled with pink cherry blossom flowers.

But even if you are not visiting during the cherry blossom season, the pathways are an excellent way to see the park from another perspective.

10. Return to Chiayi or go to Sun Moon Lake or Taipei

My solo two-day Alishan itinerary includes many attractions and all the best things to do in Alishan. I hope you enjoyed my suggested route and enjoyed your journey.

And it is time to think of your next destination for your journey in Taiwan. So pick up your bags at your hotel and go to the Alishan Bus Terminal.

The only way to leave Alishan is by public bus at the Alishan Bus Terminal (unless you are part of a tour or have any other transportation arranged beforehand).

The same bus from Chiayi to Alishan can take you back to Chiayi . And there are many buses throughout the day. Pay by cash or use your EasyCard or iPass.

Or, if you want to continue to another destination, there is one bus going from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake at 1pm and it costs NT$336 . You can purchase your ticket on the day of travel at the 7-Eleven at the Alishan Bus Terminal or purchase two months in advanced. Call the Suili Station at 049-2770041 or email them at [email protected].

And there is a bus going to Taipei on Saturdays and Sundays only . The bus leaves Alishan at 11:30 am and costs NT$690 .

For more information on the bus schedules and destinations after Alishan, check out my post by clicking here .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ms travel solo (@mstravelsolo)

Are you going to follow my Alishan itinerary and travel guide?

I want to create a complete Alishan travel guide for solo travellers because I had a tough time planning my solo trip to Alishan. There are so many things to do in Alishan, and I wasn’t sure if hiking Alishan on my own was even possible.

But after spending a few days in Alishan and repeating a few hiking trails, I created this 2-day Alishan itinerary that allows any solo traveller to hike all the Alishan trails efficiently and economically while moving at your own pace.

If you still have doubts about going to Alishan alone, there are 1-day to 3-day tours to Alishan from Chiayi . Tours take away all the headaches for planning and etc. But you won’t have the freedom of hiking the park on your own.

I hope this post convinced you that Alishan is worth visiting and it is possible to travel solo to Alishan. Let me know in the comments if this Alishan travel guide is helpful to you.

Thank you for reading my Alishan Taiwan itinerary

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Taiwan:

Introduction to Taiwan

• Things to know before visiting Taiwan  
• How and where to buy a Taiwan prepaid SIM card
• How to spend 3 weeks in Taiwan  
• 22 must-eat food in Taiwan  
• Top 10 must-try Taiwan 7-11 Food

Southern Taiwan posts

• 17 Best things to do in Chiayi Taiwan
• How to travel from Chiayi to Alishan
• Things to do in Tainan as a solo traveller  
• 23 Things to do alone in Kaohsiung  
• 3 Best night markets in Kaohsiung
• Kenting Travel Guide: things to do

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Yilan Food Guide: Where and What to Eat in Yilan Taiwan

How to get to Jiufen from Taipei: 3 ways to Jiufen Taiwan

Taichung Itinerary: See the best Taichung attractions in 1 day

29 comments.

Hi, I enjoyed your write-up. May I know if it is safe to hike? Will there be lots of hikers along the trails that you have suggested?

Hi there, thank you so much! I felt safe hiking in Alishan. There were times I didn’t see anyone for a while but I still felt safe especially the longer treks further away from the centre. But in the trails near the train station, there were many people around. Hope this helps! 🙂

I’ll be visiting Taiwan as a solo traveler in Feb 2020. I’m planning to visit Alishan during my stay. Would it be okay to DIY this trip if one does not speak or read Mandarin?

Hi Nica! Happy to hear that you’re going to Taiwan solo! I DIY’d my whole trip and I don’t speak mandarin. The hotel people speak enough English and even the bus driver was able to help me. Bring warm clothes though – it is cooler in the mountains! Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi, thank you so much for posting in detail. I enjoyed reading your write-up. Hopefully your itinerary would be useful for my trip this month to Taiwan. Cheers!

Hi Debora, thank you very much for your kind message. I was a bit confused about all the places to visit in Alishan before my trip. But it all made sense when I was there. Hope the itinerary is useful and please give me any comments about it after your trip. Have fun in Alishan! 🙂

Becky Exploring

Hi Queenie, Searching for ideas for a trip to Taiwan and came across this article. I appreciate all the details you included in this post – it gave me some great ideas and I’m going to check out your other articles on Taiwan. Thanks!

Hi Becky, thanks so much! I tried to include as many details as possible because I had to figure everything out too. so why not share it? If you do go on your trip and have any other new info, please do let me know! 🙂

Hi Queenie thank you for the information. I am planning a trip in January 2021 to Fenchihu for probably a 3 night stay. I have been to Alishan recently, so might give it a miss. Do you have any tips for trekking around Fenchihu and a hotel nearby from where I can start my trekking, maybe about 3-4 hours a day for 3 days?

The rest of the time I just want to relax and will be happy not doing much.

I am a solo traveler.

Hi thanks for your comment! Alishan is a wonderful spot for solo traveller! I haven’t been to Fenqihu but Nick Kembel has some good insights and suggestions for Fenqihu. Take a look at this post: https://www.nickkembel.com/alishan-taiwan-sunrise hope that helps!

Jessica Hetherington

This is such a fantastic and in-depth insight into Alishan! The best I have come across on other blogs 🙂 Going to read the rest of your Taiwan articles. Love from England.

Hi Jessica! I’m so happy you found it and hopefully it will provide a good base for planning your trip to Alishan. It is a fantastic spot even if you are not with a group (and I actually prefer to visit Alishan on my own and not have any time constraints). I hope you enjoy my other Taiwan articles as well. Hope you are well, Jessica!

Fantastic and informative post, Quennie. May I ask about the sunrise viewing platform in Mt. Ogasawara? I tried to “google maps” it and couldn’t find it. Is it easily signposted to get walking the 10′ there from Zhushan train station? Is it really advisable to skip some crowds? (I’m going to Alishan for 2 night tomorrow, so hoping to not have too many crowds anyway being weekdays!)

thanks a lot, Iván

Hi Ivan, I just checked and its odd – googlemaps removed “Mt Ogasawara” and replaced it with “Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout”. If you search that, it is the platform where you can watch the sunrise. not sure why there is a name change between the time that i went and now but thanks for pointing it out to me. I will update my post to reflect that. Hope you enjoy your trip to Alishan and thanks for your comment! 🙂

Thanks Queenie for details itinerary…. I always wanted to plan and visit Alishan National Park, would you think flight landing in Kaoshiung better or taipei better ?

Hi Jovi, here are the 4 options:

1) Taipei to Alishan (high speed train, regular train, bus) * High speed train from Taipei HSR Station to Chiayi HSR Station (1hr27mins) * Train from Chiayi HSR to Chiayi Station (37mins) * Bus 7322 from Chiayi Station to Alishan (2hr)

2) Taipei to Alishan (regular train, bus) * Train from Taipei Station to Chiayi Station (3hr33) * Bus 7322 from Chiayi Station to Alishan (2hr)

3) Taipei to Alishan (direct bus) * Kuo Kuang Bus 1835 from Taipei to Alishan (Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am only; 6hr10mins)

4) Kaohsiung to Alishan (regular train, bus) * Train from Kaohsiung Station to Chiayi Station (1hr23mins) * Bus 7322 from Chiayi Station to Alishan (2hr)

Out of these 4 options, I would fly to Kaohsiung and go to Alishan from there because the travel time to Alishan is shortest.

Going from Taipei would take longer. Plus, if you decide to take the direct bus, it takes 6 hours and limits you on Saturday and Sunday only and you will arrive in late afternoon. But if you take the high speed train, it isn’t that much longer than the Kaohsiung option.

Anyway I hope explained this clearly. Hopefully this can help you make your decision 🙂

Hi Queenie,

Thanks for such an informative post! I am planning to follow your 2-day itinerary to the tee. I was hoping you can shed a light on your timing down the mountain after watching the sunrise on day 2? My next destination will be Taipei and i was wondering if I’ll make it in time to catch the bus down to Chiayi followed by train to Taipei. Thanks

Hi Esther, Aw I hope you will have lots of fun hiking Alishan. There seems to be a bus from Alishan to Chiayi Station (bus 7322) every hour after 1pm. I don’t think you’ll have a problem getting on one of those buses. FYI – Bus 7322 goes to Chiayi Station. it’s not the same as Chiayi HSR Station which is further away. Hope this helps, Esther!! have a good time in Alishan and Taipei!

Hi Queenie!

This is very useful! It will be my first solo trip overseas and am definitely interested to check out Alishan! Just wondering how light do you usually travel? With all the trains and bus rides, I would think it will be a hassle to travel with a luggage.

Hi Denise, I’m excited for your upcoming solo trip. It’ll be so much fun! I travel really light and always travel with a backpack. I’ve been travelling this way for many years because I see the benefits of travelling with less especially with all the different transportation modes, walking up stairs at subway, etc. I wrote a series of minimalist travelling posts about packing less than 7kg, travel wardrobe, toiletries, etc. Maybe it’ll give you some inspiration on travelling with a backpack? Let me know if you have any more specific questions about packing – it’s kind of a favourite topic of mine! Have a good trip and thank you for your comment 🙂

Hi, we will be coming from Shizhao, do a day trip to Alishan. then head to Chiayi. How would you tweak this 2-day itinerary to one (besides skipping sunset/sunrise of course) considering we only have roughly 4h 50 mins (or 5h 30 minutes if we skip a morning visit to Fenqihu–not all buses stop at Fenqihu) there assuming earliest bus departure from Shizhao and latest departure from Alishan at 5:10pm? We should have load up and eat a lunchbox at Fenqihu to beforehand reduce downtime.

It would be nice to ride the Forest Railway at Alishan for one of the segments given we elect to take the shuttle bus for faster transport from Chiayi to Shizhao, but due to limited time at Alishan not sure if this would be possible without skipping over notable attractions. We can certainly hike Tashan Trail or part of it it’s still up on the list of priorities.

Much appreciated.

Actually it might be smarter to leave Tashan Trail last to cover typical attractions and remainder for Tashan Trail before leaving Alishan. If that’s the case go clockwise (it seems most people start from Zhaoping and go counterclockwise), begin at Alishan Station and depart for Shenmu Station -> Alishan Sacred Tree -> if clear day, Ciyun Temple Scenery -> Giant Tree Plank Trail -> begin clockwise for the rest of the trip but make detour for Elephant Trunk Tree and Three-generation Tree -> Shouzhen Temple (or skip) -> Sister Ponds -> Tashan Trail for the remainder of our time here (if we have more than 2 hours remaining it should be safe to complete this without worry) and depart by 5:10pm. There will be no cherry blossoms in October so probably those trails can be skipped, hopefully I haven’t missed anything else.

Hi James, Looks like you have a very full and fun itinerary! Many people visit Alishan for the day so it is totally possible to see all the highlights. I like the plan you came up with. I would do the same and skip Duegaoyue Trail and Shuishan Trail. And leave Tashan Trail at the end of the day and see how much time you have to explore. Perhaps you can bring the lunchbox from Fenqihu or snacks from 7-11 in Alishan so you can have a snack somewhere in the park? There are food stalls near Shouzhen Temple but not a lot of selection. Sounds like this will be a wonderful trip! Have a great time in Alishan and other parts of Taiwan!

Any advise on where / when to get one-way bus tickets for Bus Kuo Kuang #1835 (from Alishan to Taipei)? Perhaps from the Alishan Transport Station?

Can’t seem to find much info on this service, other than Google Maps. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

Hi Mark, I would imagine ticket is available at Alishan transport station and Taipei bus station. I tried to look for the route online but the Taiwanbus (dot) tw website has glitches and their app doesn’t work on my android phone (try it if you have iPhone). I’ve taken long-distance buses before and always had to get a ticket before getting on the bus. And when I was in Alishan, I bought my bus ticket to Sun Moon Lake at Alishan transport station/7-11 before getting on the bus. And when I was in Jiaoxi in Yilan County, I bought the bus ticket at the terminal before getting on the bus to Taipei. Sorry I don’t have any direct answers but hope this helps.

Hi Queenie, I would like to thank you for sharing your itinerary. I followed most of all your informations and it was very useful. Regarding the train ticket for the sunrise it is possible to take it in the vending machine at the end of the day for the day after so it may help for those who are fearing to miss the sunrise.

Hi Valery, I’m happy that you’re able to follow part of the itinerary. And also thank you so much for letting me know about the vending machine. I guess they have made changes and upgraded their system. It’s so good to know and I’ll update my post to reflect this info. Thanks again!

Hi Queenie, thanks for your for sharing your alishan itinerary. If I have a 2 day trip to Alishan, is the entry ticket valid for 2 days or do I have to buy a new ticket for the second day?

Hi Andy, The ticket should be valid – I was at the park for 3 days and didn’t have to pay extra but I did stay at a hotel in the park. Unless they changed it from a couple of years ago, you should be good with one ticket. Enjoy hiking in Alishan!

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