【嘉義 阿里山】Alishan National Forest in Chiayi
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Alishan is one of those places that genuinely feels unreal.
Think fluffy seas of clouds, misty mountain air, and soft golden sunrises filtering through ancient cypress trees. Whether you’re here for the views, the hikes, or just to slow down and breathe, Alishan National Forest is easily one of the most beautiful spots in Taiwan.
That said — planning a trip to Alishan can feel a bit… overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.
There’s either not enough info or way too much scattered everywhere. And if you’re not from Taiwan, figuring out how to get to Alishan without renting a car can feel like the hardest part.
But honestly, that’s part of the adventure — and once you’re there, it’s so worth it.
Alishan map
getting there
Alishan's accessibility depends on your starting point and preferred travel style.
Here's an overview of the options:
— From Major Cities —
High Speed Rail (HSR)
If you’re traveling from a distant city like Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung, taking the HSR to Chiayi HSR Station is the most convenient option.
Once you arrive at Chiayi HSR Station, you can continue your journey by either hopping on a bus or boarding the traditional Alishan Railway to head up into the mountains.
Take the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA)
Consider taking the train to get to Chiayi from different cities, which stops at Chiayi Train Station.
From there, you can take a separate train ride up to Alishan via the Forest Railway from a separate platform located at Chiayi Train Station. Alternatively, you can buy bus tickets to travel up the Alishan mountains.
— From Chiayi —
Bus
This is the most budget-friendly option.
The bus stops at Chiayi HSR Station, then Chiayi Train Station, before continuing to Alishan.
The journey from Chiayi Train Station to Alishan takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the weather and road conditions.
Alishan Forest Railway (阿里山森林鐵路嘉義火車站)
This historic railway offers a scenic journey to Alishan. However, you'll need to transfer from Chiayi Train Station.
Renting a car/Taxi
Renting a car or taking a taxi provides flexibility, but can be more expensive. The drive takes roughly 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
best time to visit
The perfect time to explore Alishan is November through April, when the weather is cooler, skies are clearer, and hiking trails are just more enjoyable. During this period, you can also experience the Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival (usually mid-March to early April), when the park transforms into a pastel wonderland!
Summer and early fall often bring typhoon season, meaning heavier rainfall, slippery paths, and occasional trail closures.
things to do in Alishan
There are tons of things to do in Alishan. Here’s a few options of what you can do:
— Experiences —
Watch the sunrise or
“Sea of Clouds”
Rise early to witness the stunning sunrise illuminating the sky with beautiful colors. On certain days, you may observe a breathtaking "sea of clouds" covering the valleys below.
Ride the Alishan Forest Railway
From Chiayi Train Station, climb aboard this historic railway. Make sure to ask which platform the railway is at so you have clarity. We missed our train by standing on the wrong platform. 🫣
Find the Giant Cypress (紅檜巨木)
Get “lost” in the ancient Alishan Forest, home to towering cypress trees, some reaching over 2,000 years old! Find the Giant Cypress and be impressed with its size!
💡 TIP
Sunrise times vary by season, so research beforehand for the best viewing.
— Hiking —
Alishan has a ton of different hiking trails catering to your hiking preferences.
Here are a few popular options:
Zhushan Sunrise Trail (祝山觀日步道)
⛰️ Easy → Moderate
One of the most popular trails in Alishan, especially at sunrise.
This paved trail leads to Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform, where you’ll catch iconic sunrises above a sea of clouds on clear mornings. Slight incline but very manageable—and totally worth the early wake-up call.
Sister Ponds Trail (姊妹潭)
⛰️ Easy
A peaceful, flat loop that takes you past two small alpine ponds symbolizing eternal love, surrounded by forest.
It’s a short and relaxing walk, perfect if you want something low-effort after sunrise or before heading to other trails.
Giant Tree Cluster Trail (巨木群棧道)
⛰️ Easy
This is the classic Alishan trail.
Wooden boardwalks guide you through towering ancient cypress trees, including some of the most famous giant trees in the park.
Great for first-time visitors and photography lovers.
Tashan Trail (塔山步道)
⛰️ Challenging
One of the more demanding hikes in Alishan, this trail climbs steeply toward Tashan Mountain. Expect lots of stairs, forest scenery, and sweeping views at higher elevations.
Best for experienced hikers or anyone craving a serious workout.
Shuishan Sacred Tree Trail (水山巨木步道)
⛰️ Moderate
A quieter alternative to the main giant tree routes, this trail leads you through dense forest to the remains of the Shuishan Sacred Tree. Less crowded, more serene, and perfect if you want a slower, more immersive nature walk.
Xianglin Sacred Tree Trail (香林神木步道)
⛰️ Easy
Short and accessible, this trail leads to the Xianglin Sacred Tree — one of the most revered giant trees in Alishan.
Great stop if you’re exploring near the visitor center or train station.
— Sightseeing —
姊妹潭
Sister Ponds
These two crystal-clear ponds, named for their heart-shaped reflections, is a popular spot for photos and a symbol of everlasting love 💗
Alishan Shouzhen Temple (阿里山受鎮宮)
The highest-altitude temple in Taiwan, Shouzhen Temple offers a place for quiet reflection and cultural immersion.
Giant Cypresses
There are giant cypresses that are said to be over 2,000 years old! Can you believe it? Look out for some of those giant trees to witness how we connect over different generations.
Alishan tours you might like
where to stay
We stayed at this cute spot called Astrea B&B in Chiayi, and frankly? It was my favorite stay. Super cozy, friendly hosts, and conveniently located near the bus station — perfect if you’re planning day trips up to Alishan without renting a car.
💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you want to stay inside or closer to Alishan National Forest, book early. Hotels and guesthouses there fill up fast, especially during cherry blossom season and peak sunrise months. I recommend checking prices and availability for both Chiayi City and Alishan-area stays so you can compare what works best for your itinerary.
what's nearby
know before you go
🎟️ ADMISSION | Entry to Alishan National Forest is around 300 TWD (about $10 USD). You can buy tickets at the entrance, but they’re often slightly cheaper when purchased online.
During peak seasons, lines can get long, and transportation fills up fast.
Some travelers prefer locking everything in ahead of time — especially if they want round-trip transportation, a local lunchbox, and a chance to try regional snacks without worrying about logistics on the day.
🌟 PERFECT FOR | Hikers. Nature lovers. Sunrise and sunset chasers. Families. Friends. Couples.
🐾 PET POLICY | Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome, but please be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your furry friend.
🚻 FACILITIES | There are four public restrooms available within Alishan National Forest.
👟 WHAT TO WEAR | A light jacket is recommended, especially for mornings and evenings. Comfy hiking shoes with good traction.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING | Rain gear (during rainy seasons). Sunglasses. Reusable water bottle and snacks (you can also buy snacks at 711 before entering the trails). Camera. Drone. Cash.
FAQ
Q: Is Alishan worth visiting?
A: Yes, definitely! Especially if you love watching the sunrise and sunsets or even being in nature.
Q: What's the best time to visit Alishan?
A: Alishan offers something special year-round, but the ideal time depends on your preferences:
Spring (March-May): Enjoy pleasant weather, cherry blossoms (late March to early April), and potentially clear skies for sunrises.
Summer (June-August): Peak season, which means many people are traveling during this time! Temperatures can be warm, with occasional showers. This is the rainy season, so be prepared with rain gear to avoid getting wet or slipping.
Autumn (September-November): Experience comfortable temperatures and potentially clearer skies for sunrises. Crowds may be smaller compared to peak season.
Winter (December-February): Temperatures can drop significantly, with occasional frosts or even snow! This is the least crowded time to visit, but some trails might be icy and require extra caution. The chance of witnessing a sea of clouds might be higher during winter.
Q: What should I pack for a trip to Alishan?
A: Packing for Alishan depends on the season and planned activities. Here are some general recommendations:
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction
Layered clothing (temperatures can vary)
Rain jacket or poncho (especially during the rainy season)
Warm hat and gloves (for winter months)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Water bottle and reusable snacks
Camera and any necessary hiking gear (if planning longer hikes)
Cash (some vendors might not accept credit cards)
Q: Are there any limitations to visiting Alishan?
A: While generally accessible, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Alishan's altitude can cause mild altitude sickness for some visitors.
Some trails might be challenging or require a higher level of fitness. Choose trails that suit your ability.
Public transportation schedules, especially for the Forest Railway, can be limited. Plan your trip accordingly.
visit info
check out my Taiwan travel vlog!
If you’re interested in seeing the wonders of Alishan, start at 1:38!
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10162023 12:30
Last Updated: 01.29.2026
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