The Alishan Forest Railway is one of the three major mountain railways in the world today
Departing from Chiayi City, the train journey offers a view of the distinct changes in tropical, temperate, and cold climate plant species
To experience the charm of the Alishan Forest Train, start by purchasing tickets at Chiayi Railway Station and set off
The train proceeds to reach the Mukuro Station, which is not a stop, but the tropical scenery is breathtaking
Continuing forward, the train arrives at the Independent Mountain in about half an hour
The railway spirals around the Independent Mountain three times, twice clockwise and once counterclockwise, then leaves in the shape of an infinity symbol, known as the famous ‘spiral mountain climbing’
The train moves forward, passing the Liyuan Station and arriving at the Jiaoliping Station
The tea gardens and fragrant cherry blossoms near Jiaoliping Station are very beautiful
Continuing on and passing the Shuisheliao Station, one can reach the larger station along the Alishan Forest Railway: Feninghu Station
From Feninghu Station, as the train continues to Alishan and is limited by terrain from climbing further, it travels in reverse up another slope, using a zigzag pattern to climb the mountain, sometimes moving forward and sometimes in reverse, known as the famous ‘Alishan Train Crash’
After arriving at Alishan, there are three sightseeing lines for tourists to choose from: the Zhushan Line, the Shenmu Line, and the Mian Yue Shihou Line
Tourists can watch the sunrise at Zhushan, play in the Shihou rest area, and breathe fresh air in the forest oxygen bar of the Shenmu Line
Open all year round from 08:00 to 18:00
Must-see tips: 1
The best time to watch the sunrise at Zhushan is between November and December, with different seasons and times presenting different landscapes
2
In the Alishan area, there are typhoons and other severe weather from June to August, so it is advised not to take the Alishan Forest Train during this period
3
From the beginning of the year to April, various cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and plum blossoms bloom in competition, making a trip on the Alishan Forest Railway a very pleasant experience
Related Content：
West of Tibet, Towards the Scorching Mountains and Rivers
Suzhou, Shanghai, Zhejiang: A 3-Person Self-Drive Adventure
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Winter Tour in Mingyue Mountain, Jiangxi. Play with snow on the mountain and soak in hot springs at the foot. See waterfalls and floating clouds and take a small train. Beautiful scenery and fun activities.
Jiangnan Song City: Scenic Beauty, Hakka Cradle, and Fun in Ganzhou!
Alishan National Scenic Area