Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

An amazing place to enjoy the mountains and nature of Taiwan. There are many stores, restaurants, 7/11 and main train station at the recreation area. Trains take you to three different spots, depending on how further you want to climb up the mountains and hike down.

The hiking path is nicely laid out through the slopes and forest. Lots of unique tree trunks are marked with details. There are few ponds and a temple to visit.

The area can take easily 1-4 hours to walk around. It gets chilly in the mountains, bring enough warm clothing, gloves and hoodie to keep yourself cozy.

Admission was 350. The drive there is a picturesque affair in itself. If you get nauseous in the car, you should definitely take something beforehand. There are many tight bends on the road there. The trains cost around 100-150 per person per trip. However, it is recommended to hike the paths on foot. In order to get an ideal view above the clouds, you should definitely take the 40-minute hike. It is well worth it.

Very nice park. Suitable for any type of visitor. Lower parts are like a kind of arboretum with very well maintained mostly wooden pavements. Elderly persons or families with kids can also travel by shuttle buses or mountain trains. The upper parts can be pretty steep but no high mountain equipment is still needed. But for the climbing to the top a good physical condition is needed. Entrance fee is 300 NT$ per person. But if you come by public transport bus, you will receive a discount ticket from the bus driver and the fee will be 150 NT$.

Great place to spend a few days away from the towns and cities. There are many trails to walk to enjoy whatever the nature offers..the stars at night, the sunrise and sunset. Just marvellous! Would have been a better experience if all the vehicles here are electric and maybe have specific smoking zones.

Beautiful park that was made to be walked easily. Weather is quite cooler from the valley, expect to lose a few degrees. For the ones that want to see the sunrise, park is accessible 24/7 and enough lighted to not stumble but bring your phone for some extra flashlight. Sunrise is really something to see, if you are lucky enough to avoid clouds, and stay after to get a chance to see the sea of clouds.
The train is also worth doing at least once, to get that vintage vibe. Depending on your destination, fare go up to 120 TWD.
Good, fast walkers can go around the park in a day.
There is a small market nearby the train station, I would recommend to try the Alishan rice wine for some local flavors.

Beautiful breathtaking scenery at Alishan, Taiwan. Watching the sunrise was a crowded and busy activity entailing taking the train real early with huge group of visitors. Walking in the park in the mist was a fascinating experience due to the unique ambience of the place. There are also Longyin and Shouzhen temples to visit. A must-see

This is one of the best mountain recreation areas in Taiwan. You can come here using your own vehicle or using public transportation. I am going here from Chiayi Station using the public bus around 2 hours, and it is better to know the schedule of the bus to make sure you will not be late~

We will get a yellow card from the bus to get 50% discount to come inside the mountain. The fee is actually NT300 each person, but we only need to pay NT150 because of this card.

Then you can come inside and come to the Alishan Station to ride the Iconic Red Train. There will be 3 stations to choose, it is Zhaoping (6 minutes), Zhushan (24 minutes), and Shuishang (7 minutes). I recommend to go to Zhaoping if you want a day-trip, but if you want to see the sunrise, you can come to Zhushan. Shuishang is also good for a day-trip too.

I really highlight that this place is providing warm water inside the toilet, and there is muslim prayer room in the visitor information center. There is also convenient store inside, and you also can buy souvenirs and warm snacks while walking on the trail.

If you want to go back to Chiayi Station, please note that you need to grab the bus on 17.10 because it is the last bus there. I am going back late before, and need to use the taxi to get back, and they charge us NT4000 for the trip to the Chiayi station. You can ask the 7-11 personel to help you to ask the taxi driver.

The train system on top of the mountain is amazing. The hiking trails are well maintained. I didn't see any monkeys, but lots of really old trees.

No photo is enough to express the beauty here. All the tired hours on bus from Chiayi is well compensated by the serene and tranquility of the forest. Best of the Taiwan trip!

Its a beautiful places. Even in rainy day
And foggy still can take a good picture.
Really love this place..
note: in february and march you can see a cherry blossom here.
In november till january can see sea of clouds.
In summer and autumn If the weather are great can see sun rise and at night milkyway too.
Last there are so many hiking trail here. The best one is 眠月線() but should apply a permit.

This is heaven on earth, I want to go back to Alishan, it's a very beautiful place, a good recommendation for your holiday🥺🤍

I would love to visit Alishan again when I back to Taiwan... ½ day trip is not enough for me to complete the sight seeing at this place. Every corner in Alishan is worth for you to stop to listen and feel the sound of nature.

Starting from Chiayi Railway Station by Alishan Forest Railway to Shizilu Station and by bus no.7329A to Alishan National Forest.

Bus driver gave ticket that discount 50% for entrance fee.

The forest is very nice place to see sunrise and sunset and also walking trail, very good weather cold with fresh air.

Day trip from Chiayi, approx 2.5hrs on bus 7322. Use Easy Card and arrive at bus stop early, as bus will fill up. You can also reserve a ticket to guarantee your spot.

Discounted park entry, HALF PRICE with local bus ticket (Dec.2023).

Plenty of time to see both Elder Sister Ponds and Giant Tree + 1000yr Cypress area.

Take an umbrella and rain jacket.
Food options available there or BYO.
Luggage storage available at park 40-TWD for 3hrs, as station storage doesn't open until 8:40am.

Gorgeous view in high mountain. It's a forest national park. Old Cypress trees with some of them reach 1000 years old.

Beautiful scenery with good service. At first you can feel confused but just find the information center, they will guide you how to enjoy the trip.

Well manicured forest park. Highly impressed with its all wood decked, railed trails. The park itself isn't big compared to other parks we have been to in the U.S., but is well maintained with lots of restrooms and shops at various points in the park. Definitely visit the shansui giant tree trail. Part of the trail is through a decommissioned railroad. It's really nice and peaceful to walk through the cypress trees. The weather is also much cooler compared to other parts of Taiwan during summer. Make sure to bring rain gear and a long sleeve in case it rains.

Nice trails to visit to relax with nature. But take time to go (3 hrs by bus for a single trip)

A bit tricky to get to when relying on buses, but 100% worth it, as it’s a beautiful forest. Take the famous forest train when you’re there, and hug one of the old trees!!

I've been here so many times, I can't count them all, but I still really like this place. I've enjoyed all 4 seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter in this place. I'll still come back again.