Alishan Travel Guide: The Perfect Guide to Explore Alishan in 2026
Alishan (Mt. Ali, 阿里山), located in Chiayi County, is about a two-hour drive from Chiayi Train Station or Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station.
Along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge, Alishan is considered one of Taiwan’s three most famous scenic areas.
This high mountain destination is renowned for its five iconic landscapes: Sunrise, Sea of Clouds, Forests, Sunset, and the Alishan Railway.
With its breathtaking natural scenery and cultural significance, Alishan is a must-visit spot for international travelers exploring Taiwan.
Fun Fact : Alishan isn’t just a single mountain!
Alishan is a whole region, though most people are usually referring to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
Since the area is vast, it’s normal to have questions when planning your trip.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in Alishan, recommended accommodations, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Alishan travel, giving you a clear overview before visiting Alishan or booking a private Alishan tour.
Your Alishan Travel Guide: 8 Best things to do at Alishan
1. Discover Alishan National Scenic Area: A Serene Mountain
Alishan Forest Recreation Area is the main reason most visitors come to Alishan!
Famous for its towering giant trees and breathtaking seas of clouds, the park offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels.
The most popular trails include the Giant Tree Plank Trail, Shuisan Giant Tree Trail, and Mount Tashan Trail.
Hiking enthusiasts can easily spend an entire day exploring the park on foot.
Families can also enjoy Alishan by combining the Alishan Forest Railway, park shuttle buses, and several easy trails for a more relaxed experience.
Other attractions within the park include Zhenzhen Temple, Sisters Ponds, and Ci’en Temple.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park features a museum that documents the history of Alishan’s forestry development.
In many ways, Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a living museum of Taiwan’s forestry heritage.
Recommended duration: At least half a day; hiking enthusiasts can spend 1–2 days exploring.
2. Ride the Iconic Forest Railway
The Alishan Forest Railway, originally constructed in 1899 during the Japanese colonial era, was built to transport timber and supplies. Today, it has become one of the top attractions in Alishan, offering travelers a scenic journey through majestic valleys and lush evergreen forests. Riding the railway provides an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Alishan.
More than just a transportation route, the Alishan Forest Railway is a cultural heritage of Taiwan and one of the world’s most famous mountain railways, with over a century of history in Taiwan’s forestry industry. The railway system includes a main line and three branch lines, which are explained in detail in the section below: How does the Alishan Forest Railway work?
3. Experience a ceremonial tea session amidst the bamboo forest.
Alishan, famous for its tea production, is home to many beautiful tea plantations—and we know some hidden gems. Step into a serene bamboo grove and join a ritual-style tea ceremony led by a professional tea master. Learn the art of brewing and tasting tea while immersing yourself in a tranquil environment. This intimate experience allows you to enjoy the perfect harmony of tea aroma and nature, offering a deep and authentic insight into Taiwan’s refined tea culture.
Alishan Travel Guide - FAQs
What is the best season to visit Alishan?
Alishan is a great place to visit all year round!
March–April: This is the peak season because of the cherry blossoms. It’s beautiful, but also crowded and accommodation can be pricey. If you want to avoid the crowds, try not to go on weekends.
October–December: The weather is usually stable, and you have the best chance to see the famous sea of clouds. Plus, autumn is perfect for maple leaves!
June–September: Summer is a great time to escape the heat of the lowlands. The mountain air is cool and refreshing.
Does it snow in Alishan during winter?
Snow is very rare in Alishan. In the past 10 years, it has only snowed twice.
How many days should I plan for an Alishan tour?
2 Days 1 Night: Spend one day exploring Alishan Forest Recreation Area, and another day visiting Fenqihu Old Street and tea plantations &trails in Shizhuo.
3 Days 2 Nights: Perfect for travelers who want a slower, more relaxed pace or a full day just to soak in the scenery.
Important: We do not recommend a one-day tour from Taipei to Alishan, as it takes at least 3.5 hours one way from Taipei (high-speed rail to Chiayi, then drive to Alishan). This would leave little time to explore the area properly. A one-day Alishan trip is best arranged from Chiayi City.
Where should I overnight in Alishan?
There are two main areas for accommodation:
In the Alishan Forest Recreation Area
The main advantage of staying in this area is that you’ll have more time to fully explore the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, making it ideal for travelers who want to spend as much time as possible hiking on the forest trails.
At the same time, if you plan to take the Alishan Forest Railway early in the morning to Zhushan Station for sunrise, staying inside the forest area is the most convenient option.
Recommended hotels: Alishan House (4-star) and Alishan Gou Hotel.
Shizhuo / Xiding Area
Most of the accommodations in this area are guesthouses and B&Bs, surrounded by beautiful tea plantations, which makes it a great choice for travelers who enjoy peaceful tea garden views.
The downside is that it takes about one hour by car to reach the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, so it’s not convenient to go to Zhushan Station for sunrise in the early morning. However, there are still a few nearby viewpoints where you can watch the sunrise, and some property offer rooftop views of the sunrise.
Recommended accommodations: Alishan Indigo Hotel (5-star), or guesthouses like Alishan Tea Garden B&B and Aliscenery
- Chiayi City
- For a one-day tour from Chiayi, staying in Chiayi City is recommended.
Note: Alishan is a mountain area, so hotels may not have the same level of service as city hotels, and prices can be higher.
What’s the best way to get to Alishan?
We highly recommend travelers book a Alishan tour with private car and guide, as it is not only the most convenient option but also offers the greatest flexibility in planning your itinerary. For groups that include elderly travelers or children, the drive to Alishan involves many winding mountain roads that can cause motion sickness, so it’s important to take occasional breaks along the way.
Although there are public buses from Chiayi Train Station (TSA) and Chaiyi High-Speed Rail Station (THSR) to Alishan, they run infrequently and take longer than driving. Additionally, Alishan covers a large area, so once you arrive, it can be challenging to visit Alishan Forest Recreation Area, Shizhuo, and Fenqihu all in one day.
The Alishan Forest Railway (main line) also runs from Chiayi Train Station to Alishan Station, but the full journey takes almost five hours. For travelers who want to experience the Alishan Forest Railway, we recommend taking only a section of the main line or exploring the branch lines within the park, such as the Shenmu Line or Zhaoping Line.
How does the Alishan Forest Railway work? How can I take it?
The Alishan Forest Railway is more than just a means of transportation – it is a cultural heritage of Taiwan and one of the world’s most famous mountain railways, with over a century of history in Taiwan’s forestry industry.
The railway consists of a main line and three branch lines:
- Main Line: Runs from Chiayi Train Station to Alishan Station with 14 stops along the way. The full trip is quite long, taking almost 5 hours.
- Three branch lines within the Alishan Forest Recreation Area: These are the lines most travelers take, as they are shorter and offer more scenic views.
- Zhushan Line – Classic Sunrise Route
Operates early morning only, specifically for travelers going to the Zhushan Observation Platform to watch the sunrise.
Duration: approx. 25 minutes one way
Tickets: purchased at Alishan Station the day before
Departure: Alishan Station
Arrival: Zhushan Station
Highlights: Sunrise at Zhushan Observation Platform
Zhaoping Line – Spring Flower Viewing Route
Runs daily at regular intervals, about every 30 minutes. Last departure from Alishan Station at 15:40, from Zhaoping Station at 16:00.
Duration: approx. 6 minutes one way
Tickets: purchased on site
Departure: Alishan Station
Arrival: Zhaoping Station
Highlights: Sister Lakes, Cherry Blossom Trail, Shuishan Trail
- Shenmu Line – Route to Explore the Ancient Giant Trees
Takes you through the most iconic giant trees trails and original cedar forests in Alishan.
Runs daily at regular intervals, about every 30 minutes. Last departure from Alishan Station at 15:50, from Shenmu Station at 16:10.
Duration: approx. 7 minutes one way
Tickets: purchased on site
Departure: Alishan Station
Arrival: Shenmu Station
Highlights: Giant Tree Boardwalk, Shouzhen Temple, Alishan Museum
- Zhushan Line – Classic Sunrise Route
For more information on the Alishan Forest Railway, click here to visit the official website.
Are there restaurants and shops in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area?
Yes. The Alishan Forest Recreation Area has convenience stores, restaurants, breakfast shops, and souvenir stores. The restaurants mainly serve local cuisine, so the variety is more limited compared to urban areas.
What should I wear when visiting Alishan?
Your clothing should be based on the season you are visiting. You can check the Alishan weather forecast here.
Mountain temperatures can vary greatly, so we recommend layered clothing. Wear a moisture-wicking short or long-sleeve shirt as the base layer, and add a windproof outer layer. In winter, include a warm mid-layer and bring accessories to keep your head and neck warm, such as a hat and scarf.
What should I prepare before traveling to Alishan?
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes suitable for walking.
Mountain roads are winding, so travelers prone to motion sickness should bring motion sickness medication.
Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to carry rain gear.
Is Alishan suitable for elderly or young children?
The trails in the Alishan area include many stairways, which makes them unsuitable for strollers. If you are traveling with young children or elderly family members, please carefully assess their physical condition before visiting.
Is Alishan wheelchair-friendly?
Most attractions in Alishan are located on slopes, making the area generally challenging for wheelchair users. Within the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, some sites are accessible via the Alishan Forest Railway, and there are a few wheelchair-friendly trails. However, many areas still have stairs and are not suitable for wheelchair access.
Will I experience altitude sickness in Alishan?
Alishan sits at an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters (7,200 feet). Most visitors do not experience altitude sickness. However, some common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If you notice any of these symptoms, inform your guide immediately, avoid strenuous activity, stay hydrated, and make sure to rest adequately.
Conclusion
Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most iconic mountain destinations. For the best experience, we recommend booking a private Alishan tour. If you have any questions or special requests, feel free to contact us via our inquiry form. Our travel planners will help you design a personalized itinerary, ensuring your travel to Alishan is seamless, enjoyable, and unforgettable.