Popular Tours & Experiences in Zhushan Sunrise Trail

Riding the Alishan Forest Railway's Zhushan Line is the primary way to reach the sunrise viewing trail. Tickets are usually sold on the previous day at the Alishan Station or Zhaoping Station, and advance booking is not required. As sunrise times vary daily, train departure times are adjusted flexibly based on the day's sunrise. Travelers are advised to check station announcements the night before. It's recommended to queue early to secure your preferred seats. The journey from Alishan Station to Zhushan Station takes approximately 25 minutes. After arriving at Zhushan Station, a short walk leads to the sunrise viewing platform. After watching the sunrise, you can either take the train back or walk down along the Zhushan Sunrise Trail, which takes about 40-60 minutes and offers beautiful forest scenery in the morning light.

For first-time visitors to the Zhushan Sunrise Trail, here are a few key reminders: Firstly, the temperature on the mountain is very low in the early morning. Even in summer, it's recommended to dress in layers ('onion style'), bringing a down jacket, long sleeves, hat, gloves, and scarf for warmth. Secondly, the trail can be slippery in the dim light or when damp in the early morning, so wear non-slip, comfortable shoes. Also, as it's dark before dawn, carrying a flashlight or headlamp will enhance safety and convenience. Sunrise viewing can be crowded, so arriving early will help you find a better vantage point. Finally, check the weather forecast before you go; cloudy or rainy days may affect the sunrise viewing experience.

The Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform is Alishan's most famous sunrise spot, offering expansive views where you can see the Jade Mountain range and the sunrise together. Its facilities are also well-developed, but it tends to be more crowded. The Xiaoliangyuan Mountain Viewing Deck is located above the Zhushan Viewing Platform, about a 10-15 minute walk away. It provides a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing you to admire the sunrise over the Jade Mountain range and also gaze at Taiwan's 100 highest peaks. The view is even broader, and since it requires a bit more walking, it generally has fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere. If you're seeking a more expansive and undisturbed sunrise experience, the Xiaoliangyuan Mountain Viewing Deck is a better choice, but consider the extra 20-30 minute round trip walk.

Sunrise times at Zhushan vary with the seasons and dates. Generally, in summer (around June-August), sunrise is earlier, between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM. In winter (around December-February), it's later, between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. For the actual sunrise times and train schedules, it's best to check the announcements from the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Visitor Center or the train station the night before. For the best viewing season, autumn (around September to November) is when Alishan has the highest chance of successful sunrise viewing due to stable weather and less fog. In spring (March to May), you might have the chance to see cherry blossoms, adding a romantic touch to the sunrise scenery.

There are primarily two ways to get to the Zhushan Sunrise Trail. The most classic and recommended method is to take the Alishan Forest Railway's Zhushan Line from Alishan Station or Zhaoping Station. The journey takes about 25 minutes to Zhushan Station, followed by a short walk to the viewing platform. Remember that train departure times are adjusted according to sunrise times. Another option is to walk up from within the Alishan Recreation Area along the Zhushan Sunrise Trail. This walk takes about 40-60 minutes one way and some sections are steep, making it suitable for those with good stamina who wish to enjoy the scenery along the way. Currently, there is no fixed shuttle bus service within the Alishan Recreation Area to the Zhushan Sunrise Trail; travel is mainly by train or on foot. Some tour packages may include a guide vehicle that drops you off near the trail entrance.

You can book Alishan sunrise tour groups through travel booking platforms to avoid the hassle of planning transportation. For instance, booking through KKday offers Chinese customer service support and flexible cancellation policies, eliminating language barriers and facilitating advance planning. Typical sunrise tour groups include shuttle service from your hotel within the park to the train station, or direct driving to the vicinity of the Zhushan Sunrise Trail entrance, depending on traffic controls. They also provide professional guide explanations to help you grasp the sunrise timing and best viewing spots. Some tours may include simple breakfast or refreshments, offering a warm and convenient sunrise experience in the early morning.

Within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, besides the Zhushan sunrise, there are many other trails and attractions worth exploring. Recommended spots include the 'Giant Tree Trail,' where you can admire dozens of towering, ancient red cypress trees and experience the grandeur of the forest and its phytoncides. 'Sister Lakes' are two high-mountain lakes in the forest, steeped in a poignant Tsou legend and offering beautiful scenery. Additionally, 'Shenmu Station and the Giant Tree Area' allow easy viewing of the remains of Alishan's massive sacred tree, while 'Shouzhen Temple' is an important religious center known for the unique phenomenon of moths entering the temple. 'Xianglin Sacred Tree' is located at the end of the Xianglin Sacred Tree Trail and is the park's oldest and most magnificent red cypress tree. Most of these attractions can be connected via the well-maintained trails within the park, allowing you to experience the diverse natural and cultural landscapes of Alishan.

No, you do not need to apply for an additional entry permit in advance to view the sunrise at the Zhushan Sunrise Trail. You only need to purchase a ticket for the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area to enter the park and then proceed freely to the Zhushan Sunrise Trail. Regarding shuttle services, tickets for the Alishan Forest Railway's Zhushan Line are usually sold the previous afternoon at Alishan Station or Zhaoping Station and do not require advance online booking. As sunrise times vary daily, train departure schedules are adjusted accordingly. It's advisable to confirm the schedule the night before and arrive early to purchase tickets. Currently, there is no fixed shuttle bus service within the park to the Zhushan Sunrise Platform; the main modes of transportation remain the train or walking uphill.

After watching the sunrise at Zhushan, back in the Alishan Recreation Area, you can find eateries serving breakfast at the Visitor Center or in the Alishan shopping street. These places typically offer Chinese congee, toast, egg crepes, and other options to help you replenish your energy in the early morning. Some hotels within the park also provide breakfast services for guests. For souvenirs, Alishan is famous for its 'high mountain tea,' which is a popular choice for many travelers. Additionally, you can find local specialties such as Alishan coffee, wasabi products, chewy millet mochi, and cypress wood crafts. You can purchase these around Alishan Station or in the shopping street to take home the wonderful memories of Alishan and share them with friends and family.

The Alishan Zhushan area is at a high altitude, and during winter, it does have a chance of snowfall under extremely low temperatures and sufficient moisture, but this doesn't happen every year and cannot be guaranteed. If you wish to chase snow, you need to closely monitor winter weather forecasts. Regardless of snow, the temperature is very low in the early morning for sunrise viewing during winter, so thorough warming measures are essential. It's recommended to dress in layers ('onion style'), starting with thermal underwear, followed by a sweater or fleece, and then a thick down jacket or windproof outer layer. Also, be sure to wear thick socks, warm gloves, a scarf, and a beanie to ensure your head, neck, and extremities are effectively insulated. This will allow you to comfortably enjoy the sunrise scenery and avoid getting cold.