Alishan Forest & Fenchihu Firefly Viewing & Sunrise Train 3-Day Tour | Recommended In-Depth Slow Travel

A perfect choice for an in-depth and leisurely tour of Alishan and Fenchihu. Recommended three-day itineraries include: the Alishan Forest Phytoncide - Water Mountain Giant Trees, a ride on the Zhushan Line train to catch the Alishan sunrise, Fenchihu Old Street, and a railway bento. Even better, Fenchihu offers a chance to glimpse fireflies year-round at night. This flexible, semi-independent Alishan-Fenchihu tour eliminates the pressure of group travel and allows you to enjoy the world-class beauty of Alishan at your own pace.

- Seasonal Limited -

▲ Alishan Cherry Blossom Season (March-April)
Alishan's cherry blossoms are a must-see in Taiwan. Enjoy a wide variety of cherry blossoms, including the renowned Yoshino and Thousand Island cherry blossoms (Tangshi cherry). The cherry blossom forest in front of the Alishan Hotel is ablaze with falling petals, the Zhushan Trail entrance offers a cherry blossom tunnel, and the cherry blossom railway at Zhaoping Station complements the cherry blossoms beautifully. The Alishan Forest Park boasts precious natural resources, allowing you to explore and protect the natural ecosystem beyond cherry blossom viewing. These include sacred trees, spider orchids, and more, making for a truly enriching and rewarding experience!

▲ Alishan Firefly Viewing Season (April to June each year)
Fireflies dot the mountains and valleys like stars, reflecting the stars in the sky. Walking among them feels like walking on a star-studded avenue of light. Alishan's fireflies are not only numerous, but also boast 23 species, representing approximately one-third of Taiwan's total. For the most romantic and surprising encounter with fireflies, Alishan is the place to be.

▲ Fenchihu Fireflies (Year-Round)
Fenchihu boasts a year-round firefly season. Many people believe fireflies only appear in spring and autumn, but little do they know that during the cold winter nights in the mountains, Taiwan's unique winter firefly family is at its most active. Hundreds, even thousands, dance across the sky, creating a spectacular spectacle resembling fireflies. Step into a sea of fireflies, a dazzling sea of light, and experience the magical romance of dancing with the fireflies. The best time to view fireflies in Fenchihu is between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, but avoid rainy season, heavy fog, and cold snaps, as these can affect the fireflies' glow and flight.

- Attractions-

▲ Fenchihu, Alishan

Fenchihu Station, the century-old Tudigong Temple, the Azu-class locomotive depot, and the Square Bamboo Forest are all located around Fenchihu Old Street. Don't miss the Fenchihu bento, train cakes, grass cakes, iron eggs, Fenchihu specialty tofu, and aiyu (a type of agar-agar) within Fenchihu Old Street.

▲ Catch the sunrise at Alishan from Zhushan Sunrise Tower

Before dawn, head to Alishan Station to board Taiwan's highest train line, the Zhushan Line, to watch the sunrise at Alishan (approximately 25 minutes).

Zhushan Station is Taiwan's highest train station and a renowned spot for viewing the sunrise and sea of clouds. A native Taiwanese train, it makes you feel like you're in the clouds, a true photographer's paradise. (Train departure times vary seasonally.)

▲ Shuishan Giant Tree Trail
This scenic trail, reminiscent of a fairyland, stretches approximately 1.6 kilometers. The entrance is a five-minute walk from Zhaoping Station. Recently renovated, it's relatively untouched, creating a tranquil and ethereal experience. The trail's name, "Shuishan Giant Tree," stems from the 2,700-year-old sacred red cypress tree at its terminus. (The round trip takes approximately 1.5 hours.)

▲ Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Trail
The alpine botanical garden, the highest landmark in Alishan, offers a unique and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. In conjunction with the six-star Ogasawara Observatory, you can take in panoramic views of Taiwan's three major mountain ranges: the Central Mountain Range, the Yushan Mountain Range, and the Alishan Mountain Range. You can even clearly see the main peak of Yushan, Taiwan's highest peak, and even see the "Yushan Thistle," a plant featured on the 1,000-yuan bill. (The round trip takes about 2.5 hours)