Alishan National Scenic Area

Enjoy the four seasons in Alishan National Scenic Area: spring for flower viewing, summer for escaping the heat, autumn for […]

Enjoy the four seasons in Alishan National Scenic Area: spring for flower viewing, summer for escaping the heat, autumn for admiring maples, and winter for observing clouds. Indulge in five wonders: sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset glow, forest, and railway. Wander in the pleasant mountain forest, slow down, and purify body and mind.

The Alishan National Scenic Area encompasses Fanlu, Zhuqi, Meishan, and Alishan. The transportation network of these four counties is like the veins of leaves spreading throughout the area. Tourists shuttle through the area, marveling at the lush forest, spectacular sunrise, and beautiful clouds. Tasting tea in beautiful tea plantations and visiting the indigenous Tsou tribe are leisure activities not to be missed.

The high-altitude undulations form the terrain of the eastern mountainous area of Alishan, consisting of 18 main mountains such as Dashan, Shishui Mountain, Doushan, Wansui Mountain, Tashan, Zhushan, and Jianshan, with streams flowing in the mountains. Since ancient times, Alishan has been abundant in red cypress and Chinese juniper. After logging, there are now nearly forty red cypress giant trees in the first and second phase of the giant tree plank roads.

Among them, the ‘Alishan Xianglin Divine Tree’, which is 45 meters high, has a circumference of 12.3 meters, and is about 2,300 years old, is a must-see place when visiting Alishan. There is rich ecology in the mountain area. Rare plants such as Osmunda, Huperzia somae, and Pleione formosana; animals include Taiwan macaques, Mikado pheasants, bush warblers, Alishan robins, and Alishan salamanders, etc.The Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a vibrant and beloved destination for tourists, particularly for its forest train which is deeply cherished. The sunrise in Alishan is a magnificent spectacle that is unforgettable, with the Zhushan area being an ideal spot to witness this natural wonder.

The climate in the Alishan area is cool and pleasant, with an average temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius, making it a place worth visiting all year round. However, it’s important to note that July and August see more rainfall. From November to April of the following year, under the influence of the northeast monsoon, the area is more likely to display stunning sea of clouds and cloud waterfalls, which are not to be missed.

In spring, the Yoshino cherry blossoms bloom for a month, making Alishan a must-see cherry blossom viewing spot in Taiwan. Additionally, visitors can explore indigenous tribes to understand the local customs and humanities. The Tsou villages are known for their houses with straw roofs and the famous men’s club ‘Kuba.’

Alishan’s geological advantages include short sunshine hours and large temperature differences between day and night. High-altitude oolong tea, Jinxuan tea, and tea bags are all very popular, and visitors can enjoy tea tasting experiences by the river or within the bamboo forest tea ceremony. Local specialty snacks such as sunrise cakes and millet mochi are also worth trying.

The Alishan area is open all year round and throughout the day. However, due to the rainy conditions, it is recommended to bring an umbrella when traveling. The scenic area also has many turns on its roads, so if you are prone to motion sickness, it’s advisable to prepare motion sickness medicine in advance.