The Alishan Scenic Area is a landmark attraction in Taiwan. The Alishan mountain range composed of 18 large mountains has a vast area. The essence of natural beauty is gathered in the ‘Alishan Forest Recreation Area’. The five wonders of’sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset glow, forest, and train’ can all be enjoyed here. When tourists mention ‘going to Alishan’, they usually mean coming here. If the weather is clear, the sunrise at Alishan should not be missed. The well-known Zhushan Observation Deck and Ogasawara Mountain Observation Deck in the recreation area have no obstructions and offer good views. You can overlook the continuous mountains such as the Yushan mountain range, the Central Mountain Range, and Tashan. The magnificent picture between light and shadow at sunrise will definitely make people feel that the trip is worthwhile. The sunrise time on the summer solstice is around 5 in the morning, on the winter solstice it is around 7, and on the spring and autumn equinoxes it is around 6. When watching the sunrise, it is recommended to stay in the recreation area. When watching the sunrise, please bring a flashlight and a thick coat and wear shoes that are easy to walk on.
The sea of clouds at Alishan, one of the eight scenic spots in Taiwan, mostly appears in the early morning or dusk when the weather is clear and clouds are everywhere in autumn and winter. Recommended places to enjoy the sea of clouds in the recreation area include the observation deck next to the Alpine Museum, the Alishan Hotel, the Alishan Railway Station, Zhaoping Park, the Ogasawara Mountain Observation Deck, and near the first parking lot. Due to the thin air and strong solar radiation in high-altitude areas, the blue sky is more magnificent than on flat ground, and the sunset glow is also more gorgeous. Ciyun Temple, Alishan Hotel, Alishan Railway Station, Zhaoping Park, Duigaoyue, Ogasawara Mountain and near the first parking lot are all scenic spots for viewing the sunset glow at Alishan. Alishan was originally one of the three major forest farms in Taiwan. As the altitude gradually increases, various types of plants from the tropics to the temperate zone can be seen. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring, and red leaves cover the mountains in autumn. There is also an amazing forest of thousand-year-old red cypress. Walk through the forest along the more than 600-meter-long wooden plank road and enjoy the long-lost natural forest bath. The red small train shuttles among the cherry blossom forests. This scene has almost become a symbol of Alishan. The small train full of retro feeling was used to transport wood in the early years, and now it has become a popular attraction among tourists. The railway is connected from Chiayi Railway Station to the recreation area. The Zhushan Line is the best choice for watching the sunrise, and the Shenmu Line can reach the forest area with towering giant trees. If you want to visit the entire recreation area, taking these two lines is quite convenient. In addition to the charming natural scenery, there are also many cultural landscapes in the recreation area, including the Alishan VIP Hotel, the Alpine Museum, the Tree Spirit Tower… As the number one specialty souvenir of Alishan, alpine tea can be purchased around Alishan Railway Station and on the old street of Fenchihu and given to relatives and friends. Opening hours: Open all year round from 00:00 to 23:59. Preferential policies supplementary note: 1. Children under 2 years old are admitted free. Must-see tips: 1.In a natural environment, it is advisable to wear clothes and trousers, wide-brimmed hats, sports shoes or hiking shoes that are in harmony with the natural environment. Always be on guard against snake, bee and mosquito bites. To maintain environmental cleanliness, please do not purchase beverages, food, etc. from mobile vendors. There are separate lanes for people and vehicles and zebra crossings in the area for tourists to walk on. Please make more use of them. This area is vast. For your safety, please refer to the guidance signs in the area for sightseeing and do not cross the area boundary. Do not engage in recreational activities under cliffs, precipices or unstable geological areas to avoid accidental accidents. Most of the trees in this area are easily flammable. Do not camp or make fires in the area to avoid forest fires.
