Itinerary
－ Route －
Who is this for?
- Travelers seeking sunrise views, cloud seas, and iconic train ride
- Hiking enthusiasts who enjoy tranquil trails and tea plantation vista
- Great for families, small private groups, and mature travelers
Route A | Classic Alishan: Forest Trails, Sunrise Train & Sea of Clouds
Day 1 | Taiping Suspension Bridge, Fenqihu & Giant Cypress Trees
Depart from Chiayi and start at Taiping Suspension Bridge in Meishan, where you can look out over the valley and tea-covered hillsides. Then head to Fenqihu Old Street for a traditional railway lunchbox and some time to explore. In the afternoon, enter Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and walk from Zhaoping Park past the Sister Ponds to the Giant Trees Boardwalk, where towering red cypresses line the trail. Stay overnight inside the recreation area for easy access to the sunrise train the next morning.
Day 2 | Sunrise at Zhushan & Tea Hills at Xiding
Take the early Zhushan Sunrise Train, then walk to the Ogasawara Mountain Viewing Platform to watch the first light reach the mountain ridges. On the way down, stop at the Eryanping Trail for a short walk through the tea hills. If conditions are right, you may see a sea of clouds over Xiding before returning to Chiayi.
Route B | Shizhuo High-Mountain Tea, Scenic Trails & Forest Railway
Day 1 | A Short Walk in Xiding & an Afternoon of Tea
Follow the Alishan Highway from Chiayi to the Xiding Viewing Platform and walk a short section of the Eryanping Trail overlooking the tea fields. After lunch in Shizhuo, spend the afternoon visiting a tea plantation and tasting locally grown high-mountain tea. See how the tea is grown and hear from a local producer about what goes into making it. Stay overnight in the Alishan area; a guesthouse near the tea fields outside the recreation area is also an option.
Day 2 | Two Forest Train Rides & a Walk Among Giant Trees
After breakfast, head into Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and take the Zhaoping Line from Alishan Station. From Zhaoping Park, walk past the Sister Ponds and along the Giant Trees Boardwalk to Shenmu Station. Take the Shenmu Line back to Alishan Station, then head down the mountain to Chiayi. There’s no pre-dawn start on this route, so you can enjoy the forest at a more relaxed pace.
**Sunrise and sea-of-clouds views depend on the weather. Train rides are subject to railway schedules, and tea tastings are subject to booking availability.**
Ready to book?
►Days：2 days
►Departure Location：Chiayi
►EndLocation：Chiayi
►Schedule Time：10 hrs/day
►Language：中文/English
Highlights
- Ride the century-old Alishan forest train through cypress-scented railways
- Catch the iconic sunrise and sea of clouds from a 2,000m+ vantage point
- Explore the ancient forest trails, sacred trees, and mountain shrines
- Route B includes lesser-known trails
and lush tea gardens for a peaceful escape
- Flexible and customizable to your travel preferences
Overview
Route A｜Alishan Classic Forest Adventure + Forest Train + Sunrise Sea of Clouds
Day1
Chiayi > Taiping Suspension Bridge > Fenqihu Old Street / lunch > Alishan National Forest Recreation Area > Zhaoping Park > Sister Ponds > Giant Trees Boardwalk > Overnight inside the Alishan forest recreation area
Day2
Alishan > Zhushan Sunrise Train > Ogasawara Mountain Viewing Platform > Eryanping Trail / sea of clouds, weather permitting > Chiayi
Route B｜Tea Plantation Secret Trails + Hiking + Taiping Suspension Bridge
Day1
Chiayi > Xiding Viewing Platform / short walk on the Eryanping Trail > Lunch in Shizhuo > Shizhuo tea plantation tour / high-mountain tea tasting > Overnight in the Alishan area (accommodation outside the forest recreation area is also an option)
Day2
Alishan accommodation > Alishan National Forest Recreation Area > Alishan Station / take the Zhaoping Line > Zhaoping Park > Sister Ponds > Giant Trees Boardwalk > Shenmu Station / take the Shenmu Line back to Alishan Station > Chiayi
Arrangement Logic
Route A focuses on the most iconic attractions: forest train, sunrise, sacred trees
Route B offers quiet trails, lush tea gardens, and off-the-beaten-path views
Beimen Station
A preserved Japanese-era wooden train station in Chiayi and one of the starting points of the Alishan Forest Railway. It features historical train exhibits and nostalgic railway charm.
Fenqihu Old Street
A mountain town at 1,400 meters elevation, once a key stop along the Alishan railway. The old street is famous for bento boxes, wooden architecture, and nostalgic mountain atmosphere.
Love Prairie
A wide grassland area in Alishan with photo installations and walking paths, perfect for couples, families, and those looking to unwind amidst nature.
Zhaoping Park
A lush park filled with cherry blossoms in spring, connected to walking trails and the Alishan forest railway. Ideal for flower viewing and forest exploration.
Sisters Ponds
Two tranquil alpine lakes surrounded by cedar forest, tied to a local legend of two sisters. A quiet, romantic spot representing Alishan’s mystic charm.
Zhushan Sunrise Train
An iconic early morning train ride to view Alishan’s famous sunrise and sea of clouds. A highlight experience for travelers seeking mountain majesty.
Giant Tree Trail
A boardwalk that winds through a grove of ancient cypress trees, some over a thousand years old. It passes symbolic sites like Xianglin Sacred Tree and Elephant Trunk Tree.
Alishan Museum
A cultural and historical center presenting the indigenous heritage, logging history, and railway development of the Alishan area.
Shizhao Trail Network
A system of eco-trails including Sakura Trail and Tea Mountain Trail, passing through tea plantations, misty forests, and bamboo groves.
Zhangshuhu Tea Garden
A high mountain tea-growing area known for its misty landscape and premium oolong tea. Visitors can taste tea and learn about traditional tea processing.
Alishan Viewing Platform
A scenic spot located between Zhaoping and Zhushan, offering breathtaking views of mountain layers and the sea of clouds — a favorite for photographers.
Zhaoping Station
A mid-point on the forest railway near cherry blossom forests and forest trails. A gateway to Sisters Ponds and Zhaoping Park.
Ogasawara Mountain Lookout
A hidden viewing spot with sweeping views of Chiayi’s plains and Alishan’s mountain ridges — especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Er-Yanping Trail
A short yet scenic trail from Xiding that leads through tea farms and forest. Ideal for sea of clouds viewing and gentle hiking.
Xiding Tea Garden
A well-known tea area on Highway 18 with sweeping valley views and often blanketed in mist. Perfect for tea lovers and landscape photography.
Taiping Suspension Bridge
A 281-meter-long bridge suspended 1,000 meters above sea level. It connects Taiping Old Street and nearby mountain trails and offers exhilarating views of the valley below.
Guest Reviews
“This 2-day Alishan trip was truly worth it! Our kids loved the sunrise and train ride, and even the grandparents enjoyed the old streets and peaceful forest walk. No rush — just perfect.”
— Ms. Liu, Taipei
“We came back to Taiwan from overseas — the Alishan scenery blew us away. The sunrise at Zhushan and the forest railway were unforgettable. Our driver-guide was so thoughtful!”
— Kelly & Ron, Canada
“I loved every part of this tour — from the tea farms and mountain trails to the peaceful Alishan forest. Our guide was so kind and helpful, and we took amazing photos!”
— Linda, USA
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