Alishan Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive Alishan travel guide, featuring the best things to do, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food, accommodations, and transport options.


Introduction to Alishan

Alishan, a mountainous town in southern Taiwan, is set among lush forests, scenic tea plantations, and picturesque valleys. It is most famous for its natural beauty, particularly the stunning sunrises over sea of clouds seen from Alishan National Scenic Area. Alishan is also rich in culture, with museums and cultural centers devoted to the region’s indigenous tribes and the tea-making industry. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or cultural enthusiast, Alishan has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Alishan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Alishan Forest Railway Culture Park: Learn about the history and culture of the Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan’s only mountain railway.
  • Chukou Visitor Center: Explore the indigenous culture and traditional tea-making methods of the Tsou tribe.
  • Fenqihu Old Town: Stroll through the preserved historic streets lined with shops and teahouses.

Natural Attractions of Alishan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Alishan National Scenic Area: Witness the breathtaking views of the sunrise over the sea of clouds, and stroll along the forest trails to see ancient trees and wildlife.
  • Zhuqi Valley: Hike through the picturesque valley, renowned for its beautiful waterfall and tranquil scenery.
  • Erwanping Trail: Trek through verdant forests and bamboo groves, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Alishan

  • Alishan Mountain Trail: A challenging hike that winds through forests, streams, and rugged ridges to the peak of Mount Yu.
  • Xiding Forestry Road: A scenic and easy biking trail that takes you through flourishing tea fields and the beautiful view of Alishan forest area.

Best Things to Do in Alishan: Activities and Tours

  • Tea Picking Experience: Get a hands-on experience of tea-picking in one of Alishan’s many tea fields.
  • Sunrise Tour: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the sea of clouds in Alishan National Scenic Area.
  • Forest Railway Tour: Take a scenic train ride on the Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan’s only mountain railway.

Week-Long Itinerary for Alishan

Day 1: Arrive in Alishan and explore the Chukou Visitor Center.

Day 2: Take a sunrise tour in Alishan National Scenic Area and hike the Erwanping Trail.

Day 3: Enjoy a tea-picking experience in Alishan’s tea fields and visit the Alishan Forest Railway Culture Park.

Day 4: Relax and take in the beautiful scenery of Zhuqi Valley.

Day 5: Take a forest railway tour and climb to the summit of Mount Yu for the best views of Alishan Forest.

Day 6: Explore the historic streets of Fenqihu Old Town and enjoy local tea and delicacies.

Day 7: Depart from Alishan or head to nearby destinations such as Sun Moon Lake or Tainan.

Food and Drink Scene of Alishan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Alishan Smoked Chicken: A flavorful local specialty, which is tender and smoky.
  • Millet Wine: A traditional fermented liquor made from locally grown millet.

Local Beverages

  • Oolong Tea: Alishan’s most famous export, known for its delicate flavor and aroma.
  • Alishan Coffee: Made from coffee beans grown in the high-altitude mountains, the rich and smooth coffee is a must-try in Alishan.

Where to Stay in Alishan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Alishan House: The most luxurious option, located within Alishan National Scenic Area and offers stunning views.
  • Alishan Shermuh Hotel: A mid-range hotel surrounded by tea fields and bamboo groves.
  • Alishan B&Bs: A good option for budget travelers, offering cozy and comfortable accommodation with traditional Taiwanese breakfast.

What to Buy in Alishan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tea: Oolong and black tea are the most popular, but there are also unique blends based on local folk remedies.
  • Alishan Honey: A fragrant and sweet honey made from the flowers of the indigenous cinnamon tree.

Local Culture and Customs of Alishan

  • Indigenous Culture: Alishan is home to the Tsou tribe, one of the indigenous tribes of Taiwan, and their cultural practices, traditions, and customs are still paramount in Alishan today.
  • Tea Culture: The Alishan area is famous for its high-altitude tea plantations and production of oolong tea. Visitors can learn about tea-making and taste some of the best tea in Taiwan.

Best Time to Visit Alishan

The best time to visit Alishan is between October and December when the weather is mild, and the leaves turn into a kaleidoscope of colors. The cherry blossom season in March and April is also a great time to visit Alishan.

Do’s and Don’ts of Alishan

Do:

  • Respect the culture and customs of the local indigenous tribes.
  • Take care of the natural environment and do not litter.

Don’t:

  • Take the rare flora and fauna.
  • Leave the trail and disturb wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Alishan

Alishan is a safe place to visit, with low crime rate. However, hikers and visitors to the natural areas should take precautions such as extracting adequate drinking water and wearing proper gear.

Health in Alishan

There are no major health risks in Alishan; however, visitors should take normal precautions and have travel insurance.

Getting to Alishan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Alishan

Kaohsiung International Airport is the nearest international airport, about 3 hours from Alishan by bus or train.

Bus Stations Near Alishan

The nearest bus station to Alishan is Chiayi Bus Station. From the station, take Alishan Bus to Alishan National Scenic Area.

Other Options

There are daily train and bus services available from major cities in Taiwan, such as Taipei and Taichung.

How to Get Around in Alishan

The best way to get around Alishan is by bus. Alishan National Scenic Area provides shuttle buses that can take you to various scenic spots, while the Forest Railway can transport you to other surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Alishan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sun Moon Lake: A famous lake and popular tourist destination in central Taiwan, about 3 hours from Alishan.
  • Tainan: A historic city and cultural center in southern Taiwan, about 2 hours from Alishan.
  • Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s second-biggest city and a hub of cultural, artistic, and culinary destinations, about 3 hours from Alishan.

Conclusion

Alishan provides an opportunity to explore Taiwan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history. It’s one of the most beautiful and biodiverse areas in Taiwan, and there are plenty of things to do for all kinds of travelers. Plan your trip today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

Trail through the cypress forests Trail through the cypress forests Alishan Forest Railway Alishan Forest Railway Sunrise, viewed from the hawker stalls area just above the Jhushan train station Sunrise, viewed from the hawker stalls area just above the Jhushan train station View from Jhushan just before dawn View from Jhushan just before dawn Tree Spirit Pagoda Tree Spirit Pagoda A fencihu lunch box A fencihu lunch box Moss on a tree stump Moss on a tree stump Pagoda in the Two Sisters pond Pagoda in the Two Sisters pond