How To Experience Alishan In Taiwan In 2 Days
Taiwan boasts a multitude of national parks, but none more famous to catch the sunrise than Alishan’s National Scenic Area. Home to the Tsou Taiwanese aborigines, during Japanese occupation, the park’s famous Forest Railway was built to transport timber down to the city. As logging decreased, timber was switched out for tourists and now, riding the train either to or from Alishan has become one of the most iconic railway journeys in the world.
Catching the sunrise
Everyone needs to witness the sunrise at least once in their lifetime and if you have yet to experience the magic, make Alishan your first place to do so. Averaging 2500 meters above sea level, Alishan is renowned for its sea of clouds, made just the more mystical alongside the changing colours of sunrise. Stay with the crowds at the great Zhushan viewing platform or walk a couple of minutes to Mt. Ogasawara for incredible sweeping views.
Sunrise viewing times are adjusted every day and tickets for the Sunrise train can be bought in advance or day of departure from the train station within Alishan National Park. Whichever you choose, prepare for an early rise and dress in adequate warm clothing. Regardless of the season, temperatures within the park are always 10°C lower than the cities below.
Alishan Hiking Trails
Although viewing Alishan’s sunrise may be the main reason to visit, don’t forget there’s still the rest of the national park to explore! From the sunrise viewing platforms, walk down to Zhaoping Station where you can stop for lunch and a much needed cup of coffee.
Next, head towards the Sisters Pond and take in the serenity of the aboriginal pavilion sitting peacefully in the middle. Here, people love to recount the story of two Tsou sisters who fell in love with the same man and sacrificed their lives to protect their sisterly bond. However, it has been revealed that this was just a fictional story, created to entice more people to visit the already picturesque area.
From here, it’s just a short walk to tour Alishan’s host of famous trees. Make sure your checklist includes the following; Xianglin Sacred Tree, Thousand Year Cypress, Elephant Trunk Tree and Three-Generation Tree. While it is a well-loved custom to give whimsical names to unusually shaped trees, it does serve to highlight the long history of the forest. Astounding in itself and also makes you wonder what changes the forest has seen over the centuries.
If you haven’t gotten your fill of ancient trees, the Giant Tree Boardwalk makes for a good half-hour stroll. Walk alongside trees that have lived a millennium and if you’re lucky, the mountain’s frequent rainfall and mist will seep in to create a truly atmospheric experience.
Alishan Forest Railway
Not to be mistaken for the Sunrise Rail, Alishan’s Forest Railway connects Chiayi to Fenqihu, a quaint village nestled in the mountain ranges of Alishan. Once leading straight into the park itself, due to typhoon damage, the Forest Railway now terminates at Fenqihu where you can catch a bus to the park entrance.
Whether you take the train going up the mountain or down, the ride is imbued with warm nostalgia as the carriages travel along wooden tracks and its interiors remain untouched by modern influences. It’s a beautiful 2-hour escape, taking you through the mountain’s gorgeously lush and diverse flora.
Purchase your tickets prior to your day of travel, either from the official website or at the Forest Rail Booth located in Chiayi Train Station.
Take a break at Fenqihu
More than just a transfer point for the Forest Railway, the mountain town of Fenqihu is home to many hidden delights, worthy of spending a couple of hours exploring. Check out the locomotive museum to learn more about the history of the Forest Rail, then walk its famous old street to refuel on local snacks and pick up souvenirs.
Historically a stop for workers going further up the mountain, Fenqihu has become famous for its deliciously filling lunchboxes. The original store sits underneath the town’s 7/11, but there many other contenders to rival in taste and quality. Choose from a deep-fried pork chop or braised chicken drumstick to go alongside the fluffy rice and selection of mountain vegetables.
With a handful of hiking trails in the area, it’s worth giving yourself ample time to explore the town’s surroundings. Notably, Fenqihu’s bamboo forest is an incredible hidden gem and is arguably much more impressive than Kyoto’s famous bamboo grove. Step off the trail at any time and head back to Fenqihu station, but allocate plenty of time to enjoy and snap the perfect photo.
