Chiayi | Alishan Train & Sunrise 2-Day Tour | Fully Opened Downhill Route

The Alishan Forest Railway currently operates mainly on the Zhushan, Shenmu, and Zhaoping lines. These routes typically run daily, but schedules may vary based on seasons, holidays, or special circumstances. The Zhushan line is primarily for sunrise viewing and its early morning departures are flexibly adjusted according to sunrise times. The Shenmu and Zhaoping lines provide shuttle services between attractions within the park. It is recommended to check the official timetable before your trip to ensure you have the latest departure information.

The most convenient way to reach Alishan National Forest Recreation Area via public transport is by taking the 'Taiwan Tourist Shuttle' Alishan Route. You can board from Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station (Route 7329) or Chiayi Railway Station (Routes 7322, 7322A). These buses run frequently and go directly to Alishan, with a journey time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Additionally, some bus companies offer direct services from downtown Chiayi or other cities, making it easy for travelers to arrive.

Within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, you can use the Alishan Forest Railway to connect to major attractions. The Zhaoping line leads to Zhaoping Park and Sister Ponds, while the Shenmu line goes to the Giant Tree Plank Trail and the Sacred Tree area. To watch the sunrise, you need to take the Zhushan line to Zhushan Station. Besides the railway, the park has a well-developed network of trails, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other, such as from Zhaoping Station to Shouzhen Temple and the Three Generations Tree. Proper route planning will allow you to explore each area with ease.

Alishan Forest Railway tickets can be booked in various ways. Some trains allow online booking starting from a specified time before the departure date, and tickets can also be purchased on-site at Alishan Station or Fenqihu Station. For a more convenient experience, consider booking package tours that include the Alishan Forest Railway experience through platforms like KKday. Booking through KKday not only simplifies the ticketing process and offers one-stop itinerary planning services but also ensures you can board smoothly, avoiding the hassle of queuing for tickets on-site.

The Alishan Forest Railway line boasts rich natural landscapes. Riding the train through the mountains allows you to admire towering forests, magnificent sea of clouds, and mountains that change color with the seasons. Famous routes include the Zhushan line, the best route for viewing the Alishan sunrise; the Shenmu line, where you can explore the thousand-year-old giant tree groves and Sacred Tree Station; and the Zhaoping line, which connects Zhaoping Park, Sister Ponds, and other beautiful lakeside scenery. Each route showcases the unique natural charm of Alishan.

Alishan offers unique beauty in all four seasons, but generally, the best times to visit are autumn (approximately September to November) and spring (approximately March to May). Autumn has stable weather and a high probability of sea of clouds, making it an excellent time to view the sunrise and starry sky. Spring is when cherry blossoms, azaleas, and other flowers are in full bloom, creating a colorful landscape. Although summer (June to August) is the rainy season, the mountain area is cool, and the mist creates a poetic atmosphere. In winter (December to February), you can witness the 'glass light' (a phenomenon of light reflecting off clouds and mist) and cloud waterfalls; temperatures are low in the early morning, so be sure to dress warmly.

There are many classic must-visit attractions within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. You can stroll along the Giant Tree Plank Trail and experience the grandeur of thousand-year-old sacred trees, or visit the tranquil and beautiful Sister Ponds to admire the lake and mountain scenery. Zhaoping Park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and offers different flowers throughout the seasons. Additionally, there's the historic Shouzhen Temple, the Three Generations Tree showcasing nature's vitality, and the unique Tree Spirit Tower. These attractions combine natural scenery with history and culture, offering a rich sightseeing experience.

The best locations for watching the sunrise in Alishan are undoubtedly Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform and Xiaowenshan Observation Deck. These two spots offer vast vistas to admire the magnificent scenery of the sunrise, sea of clouds, and mountain ranges intertwined. You can take the Alishan Forest Railway's Zhushan line to Zhushan Station and then walk to the platform. Sunrise times vary with the seasons, so it's recommended to inquire about the exact sunrise time and train schedules for the next day at your accommodation's front desk or the visitor center the night before, so you can arrive early.