Trip Moments Recommendations
Alishan in the Mist
Alishan, a large national park in Taiwan, offers several nature trails for hiking. The highlights of visiting Alishan include:
1) Ancient pine forests that are thousands of years old, giving a sense of nature's immense power.
2) Watching the sunrise early in the morning amidst light fog and green mountain peaks.
3) Alishan Forest Railway, a romantic train route that resumed full service in July 2024.
Travel Information:
1) Take the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi Station to Alishan Station.
2) Alternatively, take a bus from Chiayi city, which takes about 2:30 hours.
Tips:
1) Recommended hiking trails suitable for beginners with easy paths and short distances:
1.1) Shuishan Trail: This trail passes through the classic old railway route and leads to a thousand-year-old sacred tree.
1.2) Zhaoping Park: The starting point of popular hiking trails like Sister Ponds and large pine forests. This trail is easy as it consists of stairs throughout. Along the way, you will encounter uniquely shaped large trees.
1.3) Duigaoyue Station: Offers high vantage points for viewing and photo opportunities with the railway tracks. During our visit in late autumn, we encountered thick fog.
2) Sunrise Viewing Spot: MT. OGASAWARA VIEWING LOT is a popular spot for watching the sunrise. Traveling by train may be crowded, but you can avoid this by using the park's bus service.
🚂 Chaoping Station, Alishan Forest Railway
On our first day in Alishan, we followed the recommendation of our hotel receptionist and took the Alishan Forest Railway from Alishan Station to Chaoping Station (沼平車站). This station marks the starting point of the hiking trail that leads to Younger Sister Pond, Elder Sister Pond, the pig-shaped old stump, and Magnolia Garden. Along the way, we were fortunate enough to witness a passing themed train. The sight of the beautiful, old-fashioned train winding through the lush forest was breathtaking!
Music: Sweet Dreams
Musician: BatchBug
#travelvlog #100waysoftravel #chiayi #alishan #mountainview #tripblazers #mytripvlog #nature #nationalpark #forest #train #railway #scenicride #scenictrain #mountains
🚂 Alishan Train Station
Train enthusiasts will certainly not want to miss taking the iconic Alishan Forest Railway while visiting Alishan in Taiwan. The starting point of the forest railway is Alishan Train Station, a key transportation hub within the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. The station was originally built in 1914 during the Japanese colonial period for the transport of valuable timber, especially cypress and cedar, from the Alishan region. The railway was an engineering marvel at the time, designed to navigate the steep and rugged terrain of the Alishan Mountains. The station itself is a charming, rustic structure that blends into the natural surroundings. The views of the Alishan Forest Recreation Area from the station are spectacular.
#chinatrip #100WaysOfTravel #chiayi #alishan #bus #mountainview #tripblazers #mytripvlog #nature #nationalpark #forest #train #railway #scenicride #scenictrain #mountains
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Town Centre
Sitting at an elevation of about 2,000 meters, Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a natural park in Chiayi County, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient forests, and scenic train rides. We took a bus from Sun Moon Lake to the Alishan Transport Station, and from there, the entrance to the national park was just a short walk away. Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, with the cost for an adult foreigner being NT$300. We walked about 15 minutes from the entrance to our accommodation at Wankou Hotel. The town center of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is small and compact. On the way to our hotel, we passed the visitor center and car park. Most shops and restaurants are located around the town center.
#chinatrip #100WaysOfTravel #chiayi #alishan #bus #mountainview #tripblazers #mytripvlog #nature #nationalpark #forest
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Town Centre
Sitting at an elevation of about 2,000 meters, Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a natural park in Chiayi County, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient forests, and scenic train rides. We took a bus from Sun Moon Lake to the Alishan Transport Station, and from there, the entrance to the national park was just a short walk away. Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, with the cost for an adult foreigner being NT$300. We walked about 15 minutes from the entrance to our accommodation at Wankou Hotel. The town center of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is small and compact. On the way to our hotel, we passed the visitor center and car park. Most shops and restaurants are located around the town center.
Music: Birthday
Musician: LiQWYD
#chinatrip #100waysoftravel #chiayi #alishan #bus #mountainview #tripblazers #mytripvlog #nature #nationalpark #forest
🚂 Alishan Train Station
Train enthusiasts will certainly not want to miss taking the iconic Alishan Forest Railway while visiting Alishan. The starting point of the forest railway is Alishan Train Station, a key transportation hub within the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. The station was originally built in 1914 during the Japanese colonial period for the transport of valuable timber, especially cypress and cedar, from the Alishan region. The railway was an engineering marvel at the time, designed to navigate the steep and rugged terrain of the Alishan Mountains. The station itself is a charming, rustic structure that blends into the natural surroundings. The views of the Alishan Forest Recreation Area from the station are spectacular.
Music: Denim
Musician: EnjoyMusic
#chinatrip #100waysoftravel #chiayi #alishan #bus #mountainview #tripblazers #mytripvlog #nature #nationalpark #forest #train #railway #scenicride #scenictrain #mountains
🚂 Alishan Forest Railway to Chaoping Station
Train enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to ride the iconic Alishan Forest Railway when visiting Alishan, Taiwan. This historic narrow-gauge railway, built during the Japanese colonial period, was originally used to transport timber.
On our first day in Alishan, we followed our hotel receptionist's recommendation and took the Alishan Forest Railway from Alishan Station to Chaoping Station (沼平車站). Although the railway is a popular tourist attraction, the train was pleasantly uncrowded during our visit. The ride offers stunning scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests as it ascends to higher elevations.
Music: Sunny
Musician: LiQWYD
#forest #100waysoftravel #chiayi #alishan #bus #mountainview #tripblazers #mytripvlog #nature #nationalpark #forest #train #railway #scenicride #scenictrain #mountains
Naromafei Food Court 📍Alishan Forest Recreation Area
We had a quick lunch at the Naromafei Food Court (娜若瑪菲) near Alishan Train Station before catching the forest railway to Chaoping Station. The food court offers a variety of local Taiwanese and indigenous cuisine, often incorporating ingredients like wild vegetables, bamboo shoots, and local meats, giving visitors a chance to sample traditional mountain dishes. The name "Naromafei" is derived from the Tsou indigenous people, who have a strong cultural presence in the Alishan region.
📍Naromafei Food Court 娜若瑪菲 小商圈
Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, 38號
Music: Good time 02
Musician: Xuxiao
#eatlikealocal #100waysoftravel #chiayi #alishan #tripblazers #mytripvlog #nature #nationalpark #forest #foodcourt #localfood
Scenic Bus Journey from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan
The journey from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan by public transport can seem challenging, but luckily, I found a direct bus operated by Yuanlin Bus (員林客運), which departs daily at 8 AM from Sun Moon Lake. The trip took just over 3 hours, with two brief rest stops along the way. Be sure to email the bus operator in advance to reserve a seat, as availability is limited. The fare was TWD 336 per person.
It was a scenic and unforgettable ride through the mountains of central Taiwan. As we ascended the winding mountain roads, we were surrounded by lush greenery, dense forests, and towering trees. The scenery transitioned from subtropical vegetation near Sun Moon Lake to misty, high-altitude forests as we approached Alishan. Along the way, we passed bamboo groves, tea plantations, and patches of mist rising through the trees, creating a tranquil and almost mystical atmosphere.
Music: Birthday
Musician: LiQWYD
#backpacking #100waysoftravel #taiwan #sunmoonlake #alishan #bus #mountainview #tripblazers #mytripvlog #nature
Giant Tree Cluster Trail, Alishan
What better way to admire the beauty of Alishan Scenic Area in Taiwan than to explore the ancient forests on foot? We did not miss the chance to hike the Giant Tree Cluster Trail while we were in Alishan, Taiwan. The Giant Tree Cluster in is a stunning natural wonder. The giant trees are estimated to be over 1,000 to 2,000 years old, making them some of the oldest living things on Earth. The trees are primarily Taiwan cedars and cypress trees. The largest tree in the cluster is about 43 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of over 10 meters. The trees grew in a cluster due to the unique soil and climate conditions in Alishan, which allowed them to thrive and support each other over the centuries.
Music: Another Time
Musician: LiQWYD
#gohiking #taiwan #chiayi #alishan #forest #gianttreecluster #hiking #trail #tripblazers #mytripvlog #panorama #mountainview
Hiking from Zhaoping station, Alishan
What better way to admire the beauty of Alishan Scenic Area in Taiwan than to explore the ancient cypress forests on foot? Alishan is located in the mountainous region of Chiayi County and encompasses a vast area of forests, peaks, and valleys.
We took the Alishan Forest Railway to from Alishan station to Zhaoping station. From there we followed the hiking trail and passed by Younger Sister Pond, Elder Sister Pond, the pig-shaped old stump before reaching the Magnolia Garden. Unfortunately the magnolias were not in bloom during our visit. We then stopped by Xianglin Service Area for a rest before we continued our hike through the Giant tree cluster trail.
Music: Denim
Musician: EnjoyMusic
#gohiking #taiwan #chiayi #alishan #forest #zhaoping #hiking #trail #tripblazers #mytripvlog #pond #panorama #mountainview
Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout
Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout, also known as Mt. Ogasawara, is one of the best sites for viewing the sunrise, sunset, and stars in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. It can be reached by hiking the Zhushan Sunrise Trail which starts near to Zhaoping Station. Another easier way to reach there is by taking the Alishan Forest Railway to Zhushan Station. The train only operates in the morning before sunrise from Alishan train station and back within one hour after sunrise. From Zhushan station it will be a 600 m hike to the lookout point which is located 2488 m above the sea level. On a clear day, it is possible to have a close view of Tashan, Duigaoyue, and Wansui Mountain and Jianan Plains in the distance.
Music: Our Journey
Musician: Michael Ramir C.
#gohiking #taiwan #chiayi #alishan #forest #zhushan #xiaoliyuanshan #hiking #trail #tripblazers #mytripvlog #lookout #panorama #mountainview
Fenqihu Cedar Boardwalk Trail
The Fenqihu Cedar Boardwalk Trail is a scenic hiking trail located in Fenqihu, a railway town on the Alishan Forest Railway in Chiayi County, Taiwan. It's nestled in the mountains, surrounded by lush forests and picturesque landscapes.
The Fenqihu Cedar Boardwalk Trail is approximately 1.5 kilometers long. It's a relatively short but scenic hike, perfect for a leisurely stroll through the tranquil cedar forests of the Alishan area. The trail meanders through dense cedar forests, offering visitors a tranquil and immersive experience in nature. It's renowned for its ancient cedar trees and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Music: Penny Whistle
Musician: Jason Shaw
#gohiking #taiwan #chiayi #alishan #forest #fenqihu #boardwalk #hiking #trail #tripblazers #mytripvlog #cedar
The Gorgeous Alishan Nature Reserve
#wheretogo #alishan #taiwan
Alishan, Taiwan, is a mesmerizing destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Towering ancient cedar trees, often enveloped in mist, create an ethereal atmosphere.
The Alishan Forest Railway offers a nostalgic journey through lush landscapes. At sunrise, the sea of clouds from Alishan's vantage point is a sight to behold. Hiking trails lead to enchanting spots like Shouzhen Temple and Sister Ponds. Alishan's serene tea plantations produce some of Taiwan's finest teas. Immerse yourself in indigenous culture with visits to Tsou tribal villages.
Alishan's charm extends to its local cuisine, where you can savor unique mountain flavors. For a serene escape into nature and culture, Alishan is a must-visit destination.
Catching the Sunrise at Alishan
We have stayed around alishan so that we can catch the sunrise the next morning! Is very hard to get the accommodation nearby the sunrise area. I actually stayed an hour drive away so i got to wakeup really early cant real if is 3-4am and reach the train station before 6or 630am for the first train. So we had some breakfast at the 711. Everything was bloated inside due to high altitude and jt was super cold at night 1deg? Once is near boarding time of the train as you can see theres a long line q~.Everyone is there for the sunrise.. alighted at Zhushan station and walk to the observatory! Because we really wanted the elevated view we hike another 10mins up to the highest point! Breathtaking i would say haha cause is so tedious to hike up but the view was phenomenal! Everyone was on standby w their pro camera up there . The sea of cloud was so beautiful, everyone got to try this! But because the train departs around 730 or 745am it was a mad rush after sunrise to run down to catch the traindown to another area. I would highly recommend Alishan sunrise because it is so beautiful and amazing! There’s another alternative way to see the sunrise is you are not staying overnight, thar would be the overnight buses but because the route can be quite bumpy its gona be a tough one! Pick your route carefully but the view is def worth it !!#sunrise #alishan #taiwan
The early bird catches a stunning sunrise
Alishan mountain railway is a must see if you’re heading to Taiwan, a fascinating glimpse into japans economic exploitation during the occupation.
Built over 100 years ago the mountain railway was used to support the logging and export of logs from this ancient forest. You can explore the forests on guided tours or take your chance and follow the paths.
There are some amazing towns and villages along the route with great food options, secluded temples and stunning views.
If you are an early starter you can take the first trains around 5:30AM to the top of the mountain to see the sunrise, an unforgettable moment.
Taking the train back down to the base station you wind around sheer drop cliffs and snake through huge valleys, definitely a memorable journey.
There is so much history in the train sets, tours and villages that you’re bound to leave knowing so much more about this magical place #alishan #taiwan #history #transport
🛤️ Magnificent Sunset at Alishan 🌅
I managed to experience the breathtaking sights of both sunset and sunrise at Alishan. But let me tell you, the sunset at Erwanping is more beautiful than words can describe. As the sun started its descent, the sky transformed into a masterpiece of vibrant hues, painting the horizon in a stunning array of colors against the backdrop of Erwanping's scenic beauty. It was pure magic.
We also took the opportunity to take a leisurely walk along the railway track at Erwanping for some incredible forest bathing right before the sunset. The railway track will be in operation starting next year. So if you still have the chance to take a walk there, you wouldn’t want to miss it!
While the sunrise at Alishan is undoubtedly breathtaking, there's a unique charm to witnessing the sunset at Erwanping. So, make sure to time your visit right, grab your walking shoes, and prepare for a truly unforgettable experience of watching the magnificent sunset.
#taiwan #alishan #Erwanping #sunset
🍵 6 Walking Trails at Shizhuo, Alishan 🍃
I recently had the opportunity to explore the Shizhuo trails at Alishan, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. The trails wind through lush forests, past towering bamboo groves, and over cascading waterfalls. The views from the top of the trails are simply stunning, and I felt like I was on top of the world.
I started my hike at the Shizhuo Visitor Center, and I followed the Shizhuo Trail No. 1. This trail is a moderate 5-kilometer loop that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Alishan. The trail passes by several tea plantations, bamboo forests, and waterfalls. I also saw a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and butterflies.
One of the highlights of the hike was the Tea Trail. This trail winds through a series of tea plantations, and you can learn about the different types of tea that are grown in Alishan. I also stopped at a teahouse along the trail, and I had a delicious cup of Alishan tea.
Another highlight of the hike was the Sakura Trail. This trail is a short 1-kilometer loop that takes you through a beautiful sakura grove. The sakura trees were still not in full bloom when I visited.
I finished my hike at the Shizhuo Visitor Center, and I was exhausted but happy. I had experienced some of the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan, and I had learned a lot about the local culture. I would definitely recommend the Shizhuo trails to anyone who is looking for a challenging but rewarding hike.
Here are some tips for hiking the Shizhuo trails:
* The best time to hike the Shizhuo trails is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
* Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are few places to buy food or drinks along the trails.
* Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for hiking.
* Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for wildlife.
* Respect the environment and leave no trace.
I hope you have the chance to experience the Shizhuo trails at Alishan for yourself!
#taiwan #alishan #chiayi
Riding the historical Alishan Forest Railway
For all fans of 🚂 train travel! You can hop on the historical Alishan Forest Railway that moves through the dense forest of Alishan.
During the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, Alishan Forest Railway was built to facilitate the transportation of resources like cypress wood from the mountain ranges.
Nowadays, we are lucky to still enjoy the rides on this historical train from Chiayi train station up the mountainous region to Fenqihu station or Shizilu station. Visitors can continue the journey to Alishan Forest Recreation Area by buses.
Within the recreation area, there are 3 tourist trains that bring trekkers to different parts of the forest.
#createwithtrip #naturewonders #railway #train #taiwan #alishan #forestbathing
Alishan’s Cherry Blossom (Taiwan)
Leaving Alishan after just a day feels like finishing a book in one sitting – utterly satisfying yet leaves you yearning for more chapters 🥹🌸🚂🌳⛰️
#Alishan #taiwan
Chiayi year-end moment
this is the landmark in #Chiayi station where you can buy your tickets and wait for the bus going to #Alishan Forest. #taiwan #alishan #chiayi #travel #naturalwonders #familytravel
Getting There - train or bus feom Taipei or Kaohsiung
Attractions - Alishan Forest, Hinoki Village
Hotels - An Lan Jie
Food & Restaurants - Wenhua Night Market, Silly Master
Shopping - Wenhua Night Market
Great experience at Alishan Forest Railway. Train rides + beer!
A must visit place if time permits to travel to Chiayi.
The scenery here is beautiful. Train rides are slow and calm with voice explanation on the sceneries. It is a good place to visit with kids. Some climbings and walkings are required, so it might be a bit taxing for elderly. Can feel the oxygen got thinner as the train goes up to Zhao Ping. Must try the limited version beer that is only available here. Overall, it's a chill, half day trip with good scenery.
#alishanforestrailway #alishan #alishanchiayi
Stunning Alishan✨
Alishan is the highlight in our unlisted and underrated country that we visit recently - Taiwan.
Took us 4 hours (1.5hrs by HSR and 2.5hrs by bus) to reach here from Taipei main city.
The weather so nice and cold.
#Taipei #Alishan #awesomepic #besttravelexperience
Alishan Forest
The Best tourist spot here in Taiwan!
#alishan #awesomepic
Alishan, T
Alishan, Taiwan.
The National park in the middle of Taiwan.
It's far away from Sun Moon Lake around 4 hrs by taken bus. The highlight is to wake up early in the morning and take a train up to the peak for seeing the sunrise. 😊 #alishan #taiwan #wintergetaway
#wintergetaway
#taiwan #s
#taiwan #sakura at #zhuqi Tea Township at the foot of #alishan.
#inspiration
#happynewyear
We enjoyed
We enjoyed our #hike with our Taiwanese friends at #alishan National Forest Recreation Area. It is located in Alishan Township, Chiayi, covering an area of 1400 hectares with the main tourism spot locating at about 2,200 meters high above sea leve #taiwan
#mountains
#unforgetabletrip
#happynewyear
Zhaoping c
Zhaoping cheery blossom Park in #alishan #taiwan
#inspiration
#mountains
#happynewyear
Great suns
Great sunset at #alishan #chiayi and it is not a single mountain, but a range on #taiwan's spine, averaging 2,500 meters in height and with the highest peak Datashan (大塔山) reaching 2,663 meters.
#unforgetabletrip
#sunset
#happynewyear