Chiayi | Taiwan Alishan Forestry Railway × Alishan New Eight Scenic Spots | 2-Day Tour

Chiayi, located in southern Taiwan, once prospered during the Japanese colonial era due to its timber trade and distribution, making it one of Taiwan's four largest cities. This two-day, one-night journey will allow visitors to experience Asia's highest narrow-gauge mountain railway: the Alishan Forest Railway's main and branch lines. From Chiayi Station, 30 meters above sea level, to Zhushan Station (not yet fully open), at 2,451 meters, visitors will admire the changing forest landscapes and the beautiful scenery of the mountains, valleys, and other forests along the way.

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll along two sections of the Giant Tree Trail in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, passing by 36 thousand-year-old red cypress trees, one of the oldest and most vibrant cypresses in the Alishan area. The next morning, take the branch line to Zhushan Station and ascend the steps to the Ogasawara Observation Deck for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Alishan sunrise!

Accommodation | Alishan National Forest Recreation Area |
#Hotel: Alishan Pavilion or similar in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Please book based on actual availability.
#Room Type: The website price is for a double room.
#Number of Guests: 2 adults.
#Triple/Quadruple Rooms will incur an additional fee (no room combination).

- Fees | Taiwan Alishan Forestry Railway × Alishan New Eight Scenic Spots Two-Day Tour |
#Infants under 2 years old: Insurance and administrative fees only.
#Children 2-6 years old: Do not occupy a bed, but include meals, parking, activities, and insurance.
#Children 7 years and older: Expected adult rates.

- Scenic Highlights |
▲ Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Alishan is one of Taiwan's five major mountain ranges. However, the name "Alishan" refers to the entire mountainous area, not just one mountain. This area has been home to abundant red cypress and Taiwan cypress since ancient times. From 1912 until the late 1960s, it was Taiwan's largest forest. Today, the recreation area boasts two giant tree trails, where visitors can admire the 36 remaining giant red cypress trees, reminiscing about the grandeur and sacredness of the sacred forests of the past.

▲ Alishan Forest Railway
Constructed during the peak of global railway technology, the Alishan Forest Railway utilizes four major railway construction methods on a single track. It is Taiwan's first nationally designated important cultural landscape and bears witness to a century of development in Taiwan's forestry. Departing from Chiayi, the gently swaying route offers a glimpse into the diverse flora of the tropical, warm, and temperate forest zones. Unique sections, such as the spiral section (Dulishan Station) and the horseshoe-shaped curve section (Shuisheliao Station), add to the unique charm of this railway journey.

▲ Alishan's New Eight Scenic Spots

The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area boasts numerous attractions. In addition to the well-known "Five Wonders of Alishan"—the railway, forest, sea of clouds, sunrise, and sunset—the Forestry Bureau has also highlighted eight scenic spots within the area: Tashan Rock, Ogasawara Mountain, Shuishan Giant Tree, Xianglin Arch Bridge, No. 28 Giant Tree, Ciyun Viewpoint, Shenyi Waterfall, and the Alishan Sacred Tree Ruins. Visitors are encouraged to slow down and discover the unique charm of each of these eight scenic spots.

▲ Ogasawara Viewpoint

The Ogasawara Viewpoint is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise over Alishan. The expansive, unobstructed view allows you to witness the fiery red sun rising over the mountains, as well as take in Taiwan's three major mountain ranges: the Central Mountain Range, the Yushan Mountain Range, and the Alishan Mountain Range. You'll even have a clear view of Yushan Peak, Taiwan's highest peak.