Nestled in the mountains of Taiwan, Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is a breathtaking natural wonder that draws visitors worldwide. This magnificent destination is renowned for its lush forests, stunning vistas, and unique cultural heritage. Making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, or both.
One of the most striking features of Alishan is its vast forest, which covers an area of over 1400 hectares. This forest is home to various plant and animal species. Including towering trees, exotic birds, and elusive wildlife such as the Formosan black bear. Visitors to Alishan can explore the forest on foot by taking one of the many hiking trails that wind through the landscape. Some of the most popular trails include the Sacred Tree Trail. The Shuishan Giant Tree Trail and the Sisters Ponds Trail offer a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty. In addition to its natural splendor, Alishan is also known for its rich cultural heritage.
History
Indigenous people have inhabited the area for thousands of years. And visitors can learn about their traditional way of life by visiting the Alishan Indigenous Culture Center. The center features exhibits on indigenous art, music, customs, and traditional handicrafts such as weaving and woodcarving. Visitors can also attend cultural performances and participate in workshops to learn more about the local culture.
Another highlight of Alishan is its famous sunrise and sunset views. Visitors can take the Alishan Forest Railway, which is over a century old. To the top of the mountain to witness the stunning views of the sun rising or setting over the surrounding mountains. The railway also passes through scenic spots such as the Giant Trees Plank Trail and the Zhaoping Park. Making it a popular attraction in its own right.
Finally, visitors to Alishan can also indulge in local delicacies such as Alishan oolong tea. Which is grown in the area’s high-altitude tea plantations. The tea is known for its fragrant aroma and smooth taste and is a must-try for any tea lover. Additionally, visitors can sample other local specialties such as Alishan wild vegetables. Mountain pork, and bamboo shoots, are grown in the area’s rich soil and clean air.
When you get to the Forest Recreation Area, you have many options, and unsurprisingly enough, the majority involve nice leisurely walks through the forest. There are numerous trails, and trying as many as possible is advisable. None are too difficult, and all are equally spectacular.
Here are some must-dos for your trip:
- Take the sunrise viewing train – Every afternoon, they will announce the time for the sunrise the next day, and the tickets for the viewing train are like gold dust. You must buy them the afternoon before, which is where many tourists go wrong. They expect to walk out of their hotel and see a sunrise; however, for the real sunrise experience you see in all those photos, you’ll have to get the viewing train to Chushan. If you want to make it, go to bed early!
- Check out the Sisters Ponds – The legend goes that the ponds are named after two sisters of the Tsou tribe. They both fell in love with the same man and in their grief, threw themselves into the ponds.
- Visit the Sacred Tree – Guarded by the Tsou tribe for generations; the Sacred Tree is a red cypress that is said to be over 3,000 years old. Unfortunately, it fell naturally in 1998 but was never touched so you can see this giant tree on its side in the middle of the forest. It’s a little sad, but at least it fell naturally, and 3,000 years was a pretty good inning.
- Send a wooden postcard – One of the quirkier things to do in the scenic area is to send a wooden postcard from the local post office. They’re quite cool and make a wonderful souvenir to send back home.
Admission fees
Tickets into Alishan National Forest Recreation Area are NT$300 for an adult, but this is reduced to NT$200 if you have a Taiwanese ID.
Transportation：
Nat’l Hwy 3 → Exit at the Zhongpu Interchange → Prov. Hwy 18Public：
- Take THSR to Chiayi Station and transfer Alishan Route A 7329 (from THSR Chiayi Station) or Alishan Route A 7329A (from THSR Chiayi Station) (via Fenqihu) to Alishan Bus Station stop.
- Take TRA to Chiayi Station and transfer Alishan Route B 7322C (from TRA Chiayi Station) or Alishan Route B 7322D (from TRA Chiayi Station) (via Fenqihu) to Alishan Bus Station stop.
- Take TRA to Chiayi Station and transfer Chaiyi County Bus 7322 or 7322A (via Fenqihu) to Alishan Bus Station stop.
Accessible Transportation
Public:
- Take THSR to Chiayi Station and transfer Alishan Route A 7329 (from THSR Chiayi Station) or Alishan Route A 7329A (from THSR Chiayi Station) (via Fenqihu) (Some buses are low-floor) to Alishan Bus Station stop.
- Take TRA to Chiayi Station and transfer Alishan Route B 7322C (from TRA Chiayi Station) or Alishan Route B 7322D (from TRA Chiayi Station) (via Fenqihu) (Some buses are low-floor) to Alishan Bus Station stop.
- Take TRA to Chiayi Station and transfer Chaiyi County Bus 7322 or 7322A (via Fenqihu) (Some buses are low-floor) to Alishan Bus Station stop.