.jpg){kind=link}
Alishan
East Asia · Taiwan
Did you know?
- The Jhushan Line reaches a sunrise viewpoint for NT$150 one way.
- High Mountain Oolong is sold by the pot in the main village.
- The forest railway climbs from the lowlands through Fenqihu to the park.
See also
Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan23.87°N 120.92°E · 748 m
Overview
A mountain park reached through ancient cypress groves and Fenqihu, Alishan is built around forest railway journeys and sunrise over Yushan. Cool temperatures, misty trails, and highland tea make an overnight stay worthwhile.
Languages: Chinese
Why go?
Alishan is Taiwan's most-visited national park. The historic Alishan Forest Railway brings passengers from the lowlands through the mountain village of Fenqihu, alongside groves of ancient cypress trees, and to a sunrise over the iconic Yushan piercing through a sea of clouds.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
The main way to reach Alishan is by the scenic Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi, or by bus. The railway passes through Fenqihu before reaching the park. Buses arrive at a small terminal just before the park entrance, with a 7-Eleven and an upstairs gallery space.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Within the park, the Alishan Forest Railway has several lines: the Jhushan Line (to sunrise viewpoint, NT$150 one-way), the Sacred Tree Line (NT$50/80), and the Zhaoping Line (NT$50/80). Trains run early morning and half-hourly. Many trails connect the stations, and walking is a good option.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Summer offers a cool escape from coastal heat, with daytime highs averaging 14-24°C. Winter is cooler, 5-16°C. Weather changes rapidly: clear mornings, mist by noon, and lightning storms by afternoon. Humidity is always high. Snow is rare but falls every few years in winter.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from the budget Alishan Gou Hotel (NT$2,200) and Dafeng Hotel (NT$2,300 weekday) to the historic Alishan House (from NT$3,800 with breakfast and dinner). Many hotels offer free shuttles from the train station. The Catholic Hostel offers rooms for up to 4 people at NT$3,000. Consider staying in Fenqihu at Fenchihu Hotel (NT$2,400/3,200) or a homestay in Shizhuo (NT$2,500).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Eat at the Naromafei Food Court (vendor stalls) or Juh Shan Yuan Restaurant (hotpot, English menu). The area is famous for Fenqihu lunch boxes (available at Fenchihu Station). Drink High Mountain Oolong tea at tea shops in the main village; a pot costs around NT$200. Teas for purchase range NT$400-800 for 150g, some up to NT$3,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Top activity is watching the sunrise over Yushan from Jhushan (reachable by train or early morning walk). Walk the Giant Trees Trail near Shermuh Station to see ancient cypress trees. Visit Two Sister Ponds with an octagonal pavilion. For more active hiking, do the Greater Tashan Trail (1.5-2 hours up, steep stairs) or the Fenrui Historic Trail (4 hours one way through bamboo forest). The Shizhuo Trail System offers six connected trails.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
No dangerous animals or unusual health risks. Be prepared for rain at any time. It is about 10°C colder than Chiayi, especially at night. Trails have no lighting after dark, so return before nightfall.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Nearby destinations include Yushan (Taiwan's highest mountain, next door), Sun Moon Lake (direct bus), and Guanzihling (hot springs). Also explore other tea-growing regions like Maokong and Pinglin.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Getting out requires going back to Chiayi. From there, continue to Guanzihling, Sun Moon Lake, or Yushan.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Alishan Gou Hotel
Free shuttle bus from the train station. Coats can be rented for NT$100, if you came dressed for summer, and don't want to get chilled to the bone while waiting for the sunrise. Price includes Taiwanese style breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Recorded price: NT$2,200 and up
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Alishan House
The grand old lady of Alishan's hotels, with both a traditional Chinese wing and a very modern, slick new wing. The best views in Alishan and well-located for venturing into the park. Free shuttle bus from railway station. Breakfast and dinner included, but watch out for the dinner, as it is not very good.
Recorded price: From NT$3,800, up to NT$5,000 for the largest rooms with the most beautiful view
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Catholic Hostel
It's better to call to make reservation or to send an email. The owners don't speak English, but they will understand your email if it's written in simple English (the answer will be in Chinese). Hot water and warm blankets. Bring your own towel, they don't provide.
Recorded price: NT$3000/ 4500 for a room with up to 2 or 4 occupants
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Dafeng Hotel
Complimentary Wi-Fi in the lobby, and also reaches most nearby rooms, for those traveling with laptops. The rooms don't have heat unless it gets very cold, although the beds have electric blankets. Also there was no hot water, this may be par for the course at the cheaper hotels in the area.
Recorded price: NT$2300 weekday, NT$3000 weekend
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Fenchihu Hotel
Also known as Fancylake Hotel, this is the only larger hotel in Fenqihu, a stone's throw from the train station.
Recorded price: NT$2,400/3,200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Gao Shan Ching Hotel
Large resort.
Recorded price: NT $2,700 weekday, NT $3,600 weekend
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Green Incense Homestay
Several rooms hosted by a fifth-generation tea farming family, with tea fields right outside the window. Host doesn't speak English, but is exceptionally adept at Google Translate. Sit for a tasting session of the house tea.
Recorded price: NT$2,500
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Shermuh House
Renovated 5-story hotel. Rooms are pleasant enough, but they're stingy with the heating, which is only turned on when temperature in the rooms falls below 7°C. 5 min on foot downhill from the railway station.
Recorded price: NT$3300 and up
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Staying overnight recommended to avoid crowds. Budget hotels from NT$2,200.
Entry
Entry fee NT$300 by car, NT$150 by public transport, NT$150 for students. Includes map and free insurance form.
Safety
No dangerous animals, but trails unlit at night. Bring warm clothes and rain gear.
Transport
Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi is the scenic arrival. Within park, trains to sunrise viewpoint and short hops.
Weather
Alishan is 10°C cooler than Chiayi; summers mild (14-24°C), winters cold (5-16°C). Rain possible any time.