[KKday x HSR Combo] Chiayi 3-Day Tour: Alishan Forest Railway & Zhushan Sunrise

The schedules and operating hours for the Alishan Forest Railway vary depending on the season, weekdays or weekends, and the specific route (e.g., Zhushan Line, Zhaoping Line, Shenmu Line). Particularly for the Zhushan Line, which is popular for sunrise viewing, departure times are adjusted flexibly to match the daily sunrise. It is highly recommended to check the latest schedule online before your trip to ensure a smooth journey.

To get to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area from Chiayi City, besides the internal park railway, the main external transportation option is the 'Taiwan Tourist Shuttle' Alishan Route (7322/7329), which offers direct service from Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station or Chiayi Railway Station. If you choose to drive or hire a private car, you can take Provincial Highway 18 (Alishan Highway), which offers beautiful scenery along the way and takes approximately 2-2.5 hours.

Within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, visitors without a car can utilize the main transportation services available. Firstly, you can take the Zhaoping Line and Shenmu Line of the Alishan Forest Railway to conveniently travel between major attractions. Additionally, the park offers an electric shuttle bus service that quickly connects to various viewpoints. Many well-maintained trails are also ideal for leisurely walks.

To ride the Alishan Zhushan Line train for sunrise viewing, you need to pre-purchase tickets at the Alishan Station or Zhaoping Station counter the evening before. The train times will be announced daily according to the sunrise time. In the early morning, take the train from Alishan Station or Zhaoping Station. Upon arrival at Zhushan Station, walk to the Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform to wait for the sunrise. After sunrise, you can walk back along the viewing trail or take the same train back.

Besides taking the Zhushan Line train, you can also opt for a paid sunrise shuttle bus to view the Alishan sunrise. These buses typically depart from near the Alishan Guesthouse or the Visitor Center and require advance reservation. Alternatively, if you are physically fit and familiar with the route, you can choose to walk to the Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform. However, the path is quite long and it will be dark, so it's recommended to travel with companions and prioritize safety.

Each route of the Alishan Forest Railway offers unique scenic beauty. The Zhaoping Line leads to Zhaoping Park and Sister Lakes, which are great places to enjoy cherry blossoms and serene lake views. The Shenmu Line passes by Shouzhen Temple and ends at Shenmu Station, allowing you to get up close to the magnificent giant tree groves. These locations are excellent spots for natural scenery and photography.

Fenqihu Old Street is a charming and nostalgic stop on any Alishan journey. Must-try specialty foods include the renowned Fenqihu bento lunchbox, sweet donuts, chewy grass jelly cakes, and refreshing jelly drinks. Besides sampling local snacks, you can also visit the Japanese-style Fenqihu Railway Station, stroll along the old street, and explore the Fenqihu Local Culture Museum to learn about the area's history and culture.

Alishan offers unique charm throughout the four seasons, but the spring (March-May) cherry blossom season and the autumn (October-November) periods with maple leaves and sea of clouds are generally the most popular. Summer (June-August) is also a great escape from the heat due to the cool mountain climate. Alishan experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, and it's prone to fog or rain in the afternoon. Regardless of the season, it's advisable to bring warm clothing and rain gear.