Alishan is a breathtaking mountainous region in Chiayi County in central Taiwan. Along with Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake, it’s one of the top tourist spots on the island and definitely worth a visit on any Taiwan trip.
While the Alishan National Scenic Area covers a large area, the primary tourist area is the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area—a stunning alpine park spanning over 1,400 hectares and perched at almost 2,200 meters above sea level.
If you’re planning your first trip to this gorgeous mountain resort, you’re in for a real treat! The entire park is breathtaking and famous for misty forests filled with sacred trees, wonderful hiking trails, legendary sunrises, a charming historic railway, and the rich indigenous culture of the Tsou tribe.
Despite being one of the top places to visit in Taiwan, reaching Alishan is not that easy and requires quite a bit of planning. That’s why I’ve put together this handy guide. In it, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning the perfect trip to Alishan. I’ve included lots of tips, from what to expect and where to stay to the best times to visit and, of course, the very best things to do in Alishan!
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Before You Go to Alishan
Before you head out to this dreamy mountain resort, it’s important to know a few things. Alishan goes by a few different names, which can be confusing. But essentially, when people refer to “Alishan,” “Alishan Mountain,” “Alishan forest”, or “Alishan National Park,” they’re actually talking about the main tourist area known as the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area within the greater Alishan region.
While the park is absolutely stunning, getting there can be a pain as it’s located in the Alishan Mountian Range at an elevation of over 2000m. This means that travel times can be long and it really only makes sense to venture this far if you can stay overnight. Added to that, accommodation is limited and fills up quickly, so the biggest tip I can give you is to plan ahead!
If staying overnight is not an option and you’re only planning a day trip, your best bet is to join a guided tour or arrange your own transport.
How to Get There
The most straightforward way to get to Alishan is to use your own transportation. Rent a car or hire a private driver here. If that’s not possible, you’ll first need to get to Chiayi City, the main gateway to Alishan.
Chiayi is easily accessible from all major hubs in Taiwan by normal train (TRA) or high-speed rail (THSR). The high-speed train is the quickest option, but you should know it only runs along the west coast of Taiwan. [Grab a discounted high-speed rail ticket to/from TPE here].
Once you’re in Chiayi, you have several transport options available, including a cruise bus, public buses, and the historic Alishan Forest Railway. However, using public transport requires careful planning, and you’ll need to keep track of all your timings. To help you find the best route, I’ve written a detailed guide on how to get from Chiayi to Alishan. It’s jam-packed with info and includes all the bus and train schedules you’ll need to plan your trip.
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
The best place to stay is in Alishan is within the main tourist park. That way, you won’t have to bother coming up/down the mountain again if you want to spend more time exploring the area.
With that said, you should know that the accommodation options in the main tourist village are not the best. Most of the hotels are overpriced and quite run-down. And, since there are only a handful of them, rooms tend to fill up quickly. As a result, it’s best to book a room at least 3-4 weeks in advance. If you plan to visit during cherry blossom season or special holidays like Chinese New Year, book at least 4-6 months in advance.
Best Alishan hotels
- Alishan House is the most popular hotel in Alishan, and it’s not hard to see why. With 4-star status, this hotel features beautiful rooms overlooking lush forest scenery and offers easy access to all of Alishan’s best bits. Don’t miss the sunset from the rooftop! [Book on Agoda]
- Alishan Shermuh Hotel is a great option for mid-range travelers seeking an affordable stay. While the rooms are a bit small, they’re cozy and clean. What’s more, the forest train station and the Alishan bus stop are just a short stroll away. [Book on Agoda]
- If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay in Alishan, try Chinshan Hotel. Don’t expect anything too fancy; the rooms and facilities are basic, but at least you’ll be in the main park. [Book on Agoda]
If none of the options above work for you, you can also stay in Shizhou (45 minutes away) or Fenqihu (1 hour away). We stayed at Shan Ming Show B&B once, and while the accommodation was pretty basic, the room was clean and the hosts welcoming. The view over sprawling tea fields was an added bonus!
How Many Days to Spend in Alishan
Ultimately the length of your stay would depend on how much time you have in Taiwan. If you want to see the famous Alishan sunrise, you will have to spend at least one night here. Staying overnight will allow you to catch the sunrise and explore all the main trails and attractions within the park.
If you’re into slow travel and want to squeeze a visit to Shizhuo and Fenqihu into your itinerary, I highly recommend staying at least two to three nights. Both of these villages are real hidden gems and definitely worth visiting. At Shizhuo, you can hike gorgeous trails lined with tea fields, whereas Fenqihu is famous for its bamboo forests and bustling Old Street full of history and tasty eats.
Don’t miss the Tea Trail and the Sakura Trail in Shizhuo, and try the delicious donuts and famous railway bento boxes in Fenqihu Old Street!
Alishan Entrance Fee
There is an entrance fee for the Forest Recreation Area. Note that if your accommodation is not within the park, you’ll need to pay the fee again if you want to enter the area the following day.
- Locals: TWD 150
- Foreigners: TWD 300 (this price applies to foreigners traveling or living within Taiwan)
You can buy an entrance ticket right at the main entrance gate or grab a discounted entry ticket here in advance.
Please note that these prices were correct when this post was updated. However, since prices often change, it’s always best to check the official Forest Recreation Area website for current rates.
The Best Things to do in Alishan
Great! Now that you know all the ins and outs of planning your trip, let’s get to the good stuff—the top things to do in Alishan!
Take the little forest train
The absolute best thing to do in Alishan is ride in one of its historic forest trains! This charming forest railway operates within the Alishan Tourist Village and offers a scenic ride through the misty forests the area is famous for.
The railway travels to several stations within the park, making it easy to cover large areas of land. The most popular stations along the branch line include Zhaoping, Shenmu (Sacred Tree), and Zhushan (the famous sunrise viewing spot).
Alishan Station is the main station in the park and is just a 5-minute walk from the Visitor Centre. From here, you can catch the train to Zhaoping Station (6 minutes), Sacred Tree Station (about 7 minutes), or Zhushan (about 25 minutes). Trains depart every 30 minutes to the Zhaoping and Sacred Tree stations but only once in the morning to Zhushan. You can see all the train schedules here. Just a heads up: if you want to ride in the cute wooden Hinoki train, note it only runs on Wednesdays.
It’s also important to note that Zhaoping and the Sacred Tree stations are not connected by rail, but a free shuttle bus service runs between them at frequent intervals if you are too tired to walk. That said, the area is not that big, and you can easily see all the main attractions on foot. Doing the entire main circuit takes roughly 4-5 hours.
Watch the famous sunrise
If you plan to watch the famous Alishan sunrise, I strongly suggest checking the weather forecast upon arrival at your hotel. Then, you can decide whether or not to see the sunrise the following day.
It’s important to know that you can only buy a ticket for the sunrise viewing train from 1 pm to 4 pm the day before you plan to watch the sunrise. The ticket costs TWD 150, and you can buy it at several places, including the Alishan Forest Railway booth in Chiayi, Fenqihu, or the main Alishan Station on the second floor. See more details on the branch line tickets here. The exact departure time of the next day’s sunrise train is only announced at 4:30 pm each day, so remember to check the notice board by the ticketing booths as this is different every day.
If you’re staying within the park, you can just walk to the train station. The train ride takes about 25 minutes to the Zhushan sunrise viewing deck.
If you are staying elsewhere, I suggest checking with accommodation if they can help you book a direct transfer to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, from where you can take the little forest train up to the sunrise viewing platform. Prices usually start around TWD 400 (per way) depending on the distance. But it’s important to note that the transfer fee usually does not include the park’s entrance fee or the train ticket.
Wander around Zhaoping Station
Near the Zhaoping Station, you’ll find Zhaoping Park and its raised sky bridge – the Zhaoping Sky Bridge. Here you can wander through the lovely gardens or, better yet, stroll along the sky bridge for a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.
It’s also a great spot for cherry blossoms viewing during cherry blossom season (late Mar – early Apr), and if you’re up to it, you can also follow the Cherry Blossom Trail from here.
The Alishan Police Station is another iconic Alishan attraction and is often touted as the most beautiful police station in Taiwan during spring – thanks to the blooming cherry blossoms.
If you need to get back to the Visitor Center, trains leave Zhaoping Station every 30 minutes and cost TWD 100.
Relax at the Sister Ponds
Sister Ponds consists of two natural ponds, not surprisingly named Younger Sister Pond and Elder Sister Pond. Lush forests surround both ponds, and the jade-colored water creates a picture-perfect setting. There are many little trails to stroll around here, but if you simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery, head to one of the two pavilions near the Elder Sister Pond.
Wander around Xianglin Service Area
Continuing from the Sister Ponds, follow the trail through the Magnolia Gardens until you reach the Xianglin Service Area.
The Xianglin Service Area is a good place to take a break and refuel with a cup of famous high mountain oolong tea and some snacks before hitting the rest of the trails in Alishan. There’s a good selection of souvenirs shops here too, where you can pick up all kinds of Tsou-themed goodies, mochi, or wasabi nuts to take back home with you.
If you’re into Chinese temples, it’s worth popping by the Shouzhen Temple at the edge of the square. The temple was built in 1948, and besides being the biggest temple in Alishan, it is also the highest temple in Taiwan elevation-wise.
If you’ve seen enough of the Alishan forest for the day, you can catch the free shuttle bus back to the Visitor’s Centre from here. However, I highly recommend that you continue further afield because there’s lots more to see! There are signs for the trail to the giant tree plank, but it can still be tricky to spot the trailhead among the crowds. Just walk along with the Xianglin Service Area, and when you get to the corner, you’ll spot the wooden walkway leading you to the back of the center.
Stroll along the Giant Tree Plank Trail
The Giant Tree Plank Trail starts right behind the Xianglin Service Area. Along the way, you can cross a scenic little bridge to see the Shenyi Waterfall and No. 28 Giant Tree, which is 2,000 years old. Further along, don’t miss the opportunity to make a wish at the small temple, which lies at an elevation of 2182m.
Wander around the Sacred Tree Station
If you don’t want to hop on the train back to Alishan Station just yet, there are a few other sights worth checking out near here.
The Sacred Tree is Alishan’s oldest and most famous tree. It is more than 3,000 years old and symbolizes new life. After being struck by lightning in the 1950s, the Forest Bureau eventually decided to cut it down and lay it on its side. Today, the tree marks one of the top-five wonders of Alishan.
If you have time, you can also drop by the Alishan Museum, the Thousand Year Cypress and Xianglin Sacred Tree nearby.
To get back to the Visitor Center, take the train from here. Tickets cost TWD 100, and the ride takes about 7 minutes. Trains leave every 30 minutes.
Snack on the local treats
If you’re wondering what to eat in Alishan, there are quite a few things to try! Most notably, wasabi nuts, mochi, aiyu jelly, and of course, one of Taiwan’s most famous drinks, Alishan high mountain oolong tea.
Near the Visitor Center, you’ll find a couple of restaurants dishing up the usual Taiwanese foods like hot pot and noodles. The Xianglin Service Area near Shouzhen Temple is another great place to try a variety of local specialties like wild boar sausages, braised vegetables, mini oden, steamed sweet potatoes, mochi and more!
When to Visit the Alishan National Scenic Area
Since high mountains surround Alishan, the climate is cool, with average temperatures ranging between 8°C and 16 °C. The area gets approximately 2500mm of rainfall annually. The rainy season runs from April to September, whereas the dry season is from October to March. Due to its high elevation, Alishan is practically covered in fog for roughly 111 days a year. Pack a jacket and warm clothes when visiting, no matter the season. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect in each season.
Spring (Mar-May)
Springtime is the best time to visit Alishan because cherry blossom season is in full swing! Just be prepared for cooler temperatures and some light rain. And remember to bring a jacket or a coat!
If you’re coming to catch the blooms specifically, the peak flowering time is between late March and early April. However, due to climate changes, blooming times vary slightly each year, so it’s a good idea to double-check official websites for the exact cherry blossom forecasts before you plan your visit.
We went over the April long weekend once, and although full blooms were predicted for our dates, most of the flowers were still closed. Luckily, we still saw some at Sakura Lane in Shizhuo, a small tea-farming community about 40 minutes away by bus.
Summer (June-Aug)
Summer in Taiwan is extremely hot and humid. Thankfully, Alishan’s elevation offers the perfect escape, with cooler temperatures averaging around 18°C. However, since the region sees the most rainfall during this season, it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat with you on your trip.
Don’t worry if you forgot to pack them because you can still buy them at the 7-Eleven within the park or the Alishan Bus Station.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Autumn is a great time to experience beautiful foliage at its peak! The weather is less humid than the warmer months, and the cooler temperatures are ideal for tackling longer hikes within the park. However, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast as typhoons and landslides could impact your trip.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
If you’re looking to experience misty forest trails and the best chance to see the sea of clouds, visiting Alishan during wintertime in Taiwan is a must. It does, however, get super chilly here during winter, so come prepared. Pack warm clothes, a down jacket, gloves, a hat, and a scarf, as temperatures easily drop to 10°C. January is the coldest month to visit Alishan, but it also sees the least rainfall (and tourists).
Other Things to Do in Alishan
If you enjoy getting off the beaten path or have a few extra days to spare, you might want to consider extending your visit to explore Southern Alishan and learn more about the Tsou Tribe and its unique culture. Other cool mountainous places to check out nearby are Shizhuo, Fenqihu, Cinjing Farm and Sun Link Sea.
My Alishan Guide in Conclusion
Alishan National Scenic Area is such an amazing place to explore, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do! I hope my guide helps you plan your dream trip to this incredible part of Taiwan.
Well, there you have it – the best things to do in Alishan and all my tips! Have you visited Taiwan’s best sunrise spot yet? If you have any other suggestions for things to do or useful tips for fellow travelers, feel free to share them in the comments below!
If you liked this guide, don’t forget to pin it to your favorite Taiwan travel board!
Hi there! We are heading to Alishan as a family of 9 pax (5 adults, 3 children and 1 toddler). I am slightly torn between staying at Chiayi on the day before we visit Alishan or if we should stay at Taichung as we heard there are more things to do at Taichung. We would also be heading to Dahu on the next day, so would it be better to go back to Chiayi and just do a day tour in Alishan? Or would it be better to stay in Alishan that night? Would you be able to share your thoughts?
Also I’m a little confused on the trains – we would love to let the kids sit on the red train above but does that mean we have to take the 2.5 hour train from Chiayi to Fengqihu? Or is the red train same as the one within the Alishan Tourist Village?
Lastly, we are not opposed to getting a private driver to drive us to Alishan and bring us around. Would you however think that would be necessary or would it be easy to get around with just taxis/public transport?
Thank you!
Hi Jasmine, there is definitely more to do in Taichung, but it would be easier to base yourself in Chiayi the night before (IMO). That way, you basically just need to get up the mountain. Of course, the best option is to stay within the Alishan tourist village, but know that it won’t be cheap and you might have trouble finding a room. Also, don’t expect any frills unless you’re staying at Alishan House (which is the best hotel in the park). If staying within Alishan is not doable, another option is to stay in Shizao or Fengqihu. We stayed at a tea farm in Shizao, and the owner drove us to the bus stop at Fengqihu the next morning, where we caught the bus back to Alishan.
As for the trains, there is a train that goes up the mountain from Chiayi to Fengqihu, and then there are the little forest branch lines inside the Alishan Tourist Village (like the red one pictured in my post). To get around within the park, one can only walk or take the little train. Driving is not permitted past the parking area (close to the entrance of the tourist village).
Since you’re traveling in a big group with kids, getting a driver to take you to Alishan will probably be more convenient. But note it would basically be more of a drop-off/ pick-up service because one cannot drive within the tourist village. On our last trip, we booked a shuttle via Klook, which was definitely a lot easier than dealing with public transport.
I hope this helps!
Hello!
Many, many thanks for this super detailed guide. As you mentioned the accomodations close to the parc are not great. I’m considering to stay at Shan Ming Show B&B and was wondering if there is a bus close to the B&B going to the Alishan Forest Entrance?
Best,
Christine
Hey Christine, that’s exactly where we stayed. 🙂 Several buses (like #7329, 7329A, and 7322C) stop in Shizhao, but the bus stop is not within walking distance of the B&B. However, the owners are extremely helpful and friendly. They picked us up at the bus stop in Shizhao and even drove us to Fenqihu the next day, where we met our driver back to Chiayi. They also sent us all the bus schedules and timings to/from Alishan, which were really handy. Just make sure you time your trip, as buses are a little infrequent. It’s also a good idea to download LINE on your phone to communicate with them easily. If you don’t speak Chinese, also have Google Translate (set to Traditional Chinese) ready because they can only speak a little English.
Hi!
Thanks for your helpful comments and the wonderful guide! I have already booked my stay at the Shan Ming Show B&B but was wondering how you travelled from the B&B to Alishan? I understand the homeowners picked you up from Shizhao but im guessing after that you dropped off your luggage to visit Alishan proper? How then did you come back down? Did they offer to pick you or did you just walk the 1.4km?
Hey Joel – that’s awesome! We took a direct shuttle to Alishan and left our luggage at the Alishan Visitor’s Center. Then we took the bus down to Shizhao where the owners picked us up. They also drove us to Fenqihu the next day. It’s very easy to take the bus up to Alishan from either Fenqihu or Shizhao (and vice versa) – just make sure you check the schedules & stops carefully.
Hi
Thanks for your guide. I am curious about the morning sunrise train ride to watch the sunrise. What time does that once a day train typically depart from the main Alishan station? If I’m driving and staying at an B&B at Fengqihu area, would I be able to enter the park entrance that early in the morning in order for me to board the morning train?
Thanks
Benjamin
Hi Benjamin, it depends on the season, but it’s usually quite early (around 4am). You would be able to enter the park that early, but I recommend asking your guesthouse in advance to arrange the train ticket for you (and even a driver if you don’t feel like driving). Remember to bring some extra cash, because you’ll still need to pay the park entry fee.
Hello! Thank you for the detailed sharing. We will be renting a car for the entire trip, will it then make sense for us to book our lodgings out of the Alishan Tourist Village since cars are not allowed to drive in? Appreciate your advice 🙂
Hey Viv, actually it will be more convenient to stay within the Tourist Village. You can just leave your rental at one of the parking lots within the village.
Hello!
Thanks so much for the detailed information! We will be going to Taiwan in April so really look forward to the cherry blossoms and the nice weather. We have arranged for a driver to take us to Alishan from Taichung, leaving around 9 am. I understand it will take about 3 hours to drive there so we should arrive around noon. He has allotted 3 hours for us to be at Alishan and then we will be driven back to Taipei. Would you please recommend an itinerary for us to best utilize the 3 hours to see as many of the key sights at Alishan as possible? Please include food/restaurant suggestions. Really appreciate your help!
Hey Pat, you probably won’t have enough time to do the whole circuit as it takes about 4-5 hours.Three hours may be a little rushed, but you can definitely squeeze in a few of the sights. I think your best bet would be to take stick to Zhaoping Park and its surroundings. If you pace yourself, you should have enough time to also see the Sisters Ponds, the Magnolia Gardens, Shouzhen Temple, and grab some food (mostly snacks) at Xianglin Service Area. There’s a free shuttle bus back to the Visitor’s Centre from here too. Don’t forget to grab a map at the Visitor’s Center upon arrival and confirm the timings for the shuttle bus.
As for restaurants, there are a couple of places to eat near the Visitor’s Center (mainly Taiwanese food), but you can also find a good mix of snack type food at Xianglin Service Area (mini oden, sausages and some aboriginal snacks).
Hi…may I know where exactly is the tourist village that you are referring because I don’t see it in the Google map. Is it the Alishan Ticketing Area or Recreation Area or where? If car cannot drive in and have to park there, then how are we gonna get to our hotel with all the luggages? Do you mean all the hotels or even guest house provide pick up service?
Hey Mei, are you staying at one of the hotels within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (aka the tourist village)? If so, you can check with your hotel if they offer parking on-site.
Hi there, thank you for this super detailed guide! I am planning to visit Alishan this year on April 8. Do you have any idea where to check the forecast for the cherry blossoms? I cannot find real-time update on the blooming anywhere.
Thank you!
Heya Hien. Yeah sorry, they don’t have an official cherry blossom forecast like Sun Moon Lake. However, the blossoms generally start blooming from late March to early April. It’s slightly different every year due to weather changes etc., so keep an eye on online news platforms like Focus Taiwan and Taiwan News – they always report when the blossoms start to bloom. Also keep an eye on local Instagrammers like Imma_Pon or Molly888666 – their timing is always spot on!
Good day, I’m planning to take train from Chiayi to Fenqihu and bus up to Alishan. Will the bus be full or fully booked at Fenqihu?
Hey Laowoon, that really depends on when you’re visiting. It’s usually busier on weekends, so if you can, try to go during the week.
Heii how go to
Alishan by train? I’ll be in chiayi station around 10.00AM. Is it possible for buying the train ticket to alishan
Directly?
The tickets usually sell out quite fast, so it’s always best to purchase the ticket online in advance.
Hello! I am planing a visit with my parents to Alishan in January 2024, but i am not sure if it’s elderly friendly. If we take the Alishan railway and move station to station, is there a lot of steep walking or staircases? Or it’s mainly flat?
Hey CC, lots of elderly visit Alishan, but yes, many sections involve a lot of walking and stairs. Most people follow the park’s recommended triangle route: Train from Alishan to Zhaoping Station (6 min) > Walk the trail past the Sisters Pond & Shouzhen Temple to the Sacred Tree (50 mins) > Train from Sacred Tree station back to Alishan Station (7 mins). If you think your folks aren’t up for it, perhaps you could just take the train to the next station (browse around a bit) and then take it back and do the other route the same way. Hope that helps!
Hi,
Thanks again for all the info you have provided on all your blogs. Is it worth visiting zhushan anyway during the day without seeing the sunrise ( we wont be able to get there early in AM because we have kids)
how long would you anticipate it takes to walk from zhoping station –> sister ponds–> giant tree trail and sacred tree?
We will be staying in shizhao area, we will have a car- would you recommend driving to the park entrance or just catching the bus?
And any recommendations on restaurants at night? around shizhao?
Heya,
– The highlight is the sunrise, and if you miss the train, you’ll need to hike up there which probably won’t be that much fun.
– The walk from Zhaoping to Sacred Tree takes about 50 minutes.
– It will be much easier to self-drive because you won’t need to wait for the bus up/ down the mountain.
– There’s not much going on in Shizhao – it’s super tiny. There are a handful of local eateries and a convenience store, but you’ll find better choice (incl. the famous railway bento box) in nearby Fenqihu.
This guide to Alishan is incredibly detailed and helpful! The tips on how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do are all very practical. I’m especially intrigued by the Alishan sunrise and the charming forest train rides. The advice on booking accommodation and tickets in advance is invaluable—thanks for covering all the essential details.
Thanks Prabik- glad you’re finding my guide helpful.
Thanks for this beautiful Alishan guide — your tips on sunrise views, forest trails, and tea plantations make this mountain escape look absolutely magical!