Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Brother Jiang (Hua Ge'er) guided tour was fantastic! He was witty, humorous, and incredibly professional, with a wealth of knowledge about the geography and culture of Chiayi and Alishan. The itinerary was also very flexible, which was a big plus. I look forward to visiting again!

1. There were quite a few foreign tourists, but the guided tour was mainly in Chinese, which was a bit of a shame. However, this wasn't just for foreign tourists, so this is just a suggestion. 2. Many tourists choose to watch the sunrise, and most choose to continue their activities afterward. Perhaps the breakfast option could be changed to meal vouchers or boxed meals, or even offer an option to skip breakfast, which might better meet the needs of most people. 3. The tour guide was very attentive and experienced, but perhaps the style was a bit old-fashioned, like leading a primary or secondary school field trip. Perhaps reducing the repetitive question-and-answer format would make the interaction more acceptable and comfortable for guests. Also, when introducing traditional culture and background stories, please change "we Chinese" to "we Chinese people" to avoid ambiguity. Finally, jokes like "pretty bus conductor" could be adjusted to reflect modern tastes. 4. I recommend going to the Ogasawara observation deck at sunrise, then taking the Scenic Train to Zhaoping, walking to the giant trees of Shuishan, then turning back, and exploring the area near Shenmu Station. Finally, you can take the Scenic Train back to Alishan Station from Shenmu Station. (The guided tour the previous day will already include Sister Lakes.) 5. In summer, you can see fireflies at night; there are many, and it's quite nice. 6. The Scenic Train from Fenqihu to Chiayi is worth experiencing; it's very unique. However, the traditional Scenic Train is really bumpy, so I suggest not eating too much. 7. It can get really cold when you get up at 3 AM to watch the sunrise; be careful of the temperature difference between day and night. 8. 7-Elevens at midnight don't usually sell sandwiches or rice balls. They might have some, but very few. 9. The shuttle bus driver is very considerate. Although mountain roads can easily cause motion sickness, you can feel that he tries to minimize sharp turns. The bus is also very comfortable and clean. 10. Having a rest stop halfway up the mountain is really great. It's too tiring to go straight up the mountain; you can stop for a cup of tea and rest, which is very nice. 11. Thank you to the driver and tour guide for sharing delicious food and fun activities, which allowed us to quickly find places to go and activities worth experiencing during our free time.

Thank you, Ken, for your kind service. We took many beautiful photos in Alishan and saw many scenic spots. Finally, you let us get off at the place closest to our accommodation. Thank you, Ken, for your thoughtful service and for bringing us donuts.

The good points were the train's facilities, the train schedule, the music and dancing at intermediate stations, the content of the light meal, and the chopsticks that could be taken away. Areas for improvement were the condition of the tracks [the shaking could be reduced], the need to be informed of the details immediately after ordering and payment, the need to make it possible to communicate in English or Japanese for passengers who do not understand Chinese [Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese], the insufficient bus information after disbanding at the crossroads, and the fact that the commemorative ticket was a dull one that was not worth keeping as a souvenir, unlike the wonderful ones for regular trains. When I asked where I could purchase the book that had been on display from the beginning until just before the meal, I couldn't get an immediate answer, but I received the correct information and purchased it the next day.

This April trip to Alishan is truly worth recommending! Xiao Jiang is not only a professional tour guide but also a meticulous driver, driving safely and politely, making the journey worry-free. He thoughtfully helped take photos, and his photography skills are superb, ensuring beautiful memories of the trip. Although it was cloudy that day and we couldn't see the sunrise, Xiao Jiang cleverly arranged for us to admire the blooming cherry blossoms and the natural scenery of the forest park, providing clear and vivid explanations that were thoroughly enjoyable. Lunch was also a delicious and authentic local meal. The entire trip was full of surprises and heartwarming moments, making it unforgettable and definitely worth recommending to anyone wanting a more in-depth Alishan experience!