When people think of Alishan, the first things that come to mind are sunrise, sea of clouds, and the historic forest train. But this mountain scenic area located at the border of Chiayi and Yunlin counties, at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, hides many hidden gems that most tourists overlook. Alishan National Scenic Area covers a vast area, encompassing seven major recreation systems including Alishan, Tashan, Shizhuo, Ruili, Ruifeng, Taihe, and Laiji. Focusing only on Sunrise Mount Zhushan would be a real shame.
The alpine meadow scenery here is one of the most underrated highlights. Alishan was once famous for its forest resources, but with changes in forestry policy, many areas have transformed into alpine meadow landscapes. Around Shizhuo in particular, tea plantation terraces interweave with misty mountain ridges, creating a rare highland pastoral scenery in Taiwan. These meadows aren't flat grass fields in the traditional sense, but rolling grassy slopes interspersed with bamboo groves. Morning clouds often roll through the valleys, and photographers have coined the term "Norwegian scenery of Alishan" to describe this landscape.
The Shizhuo Trail Network has become a secret spot whispered among hikers in recent years. There are four trails of varying difficulty here, with the most popular Shizhuo Trail (also known as the "Trail of Mist") taking just 40 minutes one-way. The trail passes through Mongo bamboo groves and Cryptomeria forests, ending at a mountain viewpoint called the "Trail of Mist." On clear days, you can gaze out at the Yushan mountain range and the Chiayi-Tainan plain. Accommodations in Shizhuo are mainly guesthouses with mountain views, with average room rates NT$2,000-4,000. Many guesthouses offer free tea ceremony experiences, and the high-mountain oolong tea produced here is of excellent quality.
If you're looking for a more primitive experience, the "Green Tunnel" in the Ruili Scenic Area is worth a visit. This is about 500 meters of a service road, with cedar trees on both sides forming a natural arch tunnel. Sunlight filters through the branches, and walking through it feels like stepping into a fairy tale world. Ruili is located on the western side of the Alishan mountain range, with less development and more preserved original forest. Local residents mainly grow high-mountain vegetables, fruits, and tea. The wisteria flower season in spring (March-April) is the busiest time of year here.
Laiji is the area within the Alishan Scenic Area with the most distinctive Indigenous culture. This is the traditional territory of the Tsou people, and traditional Tsou architecture and crafts can be seen throughout the village. In recent years, many young tribe members have returned to engage in tribal guiding and craft creation. The "Crossroads" viewpoint in Laiji is the perfect spot for photographing the sunset over Tashan. Local guides (all local Tsou) share many tribal legends and Alishan mythology stories. The cost for tribal cultural experiences (including traditional costume wearing and weaving workshops) is approximately NT$300-500.
The final recommendation might surprise you—Fenqihu.While it's famous for its boxed lunches, Fenqihu Old Street sits at 1,400 meters elevation and is the largest station along the Alishan Forest Railway. In recent years, it has developed a deep travel theme around "Alishan Forest Railway Culture." The station itself is a county-designated historic site, preserving early steam locomotive water facilities and the turntable. It's recommended to schedule half a day, first visiting the station and surrounding trails, then sampling the famous Fenqihu boxed lunch (NT$100-150 per box).
【Practical Information】
Transportation: From Chiayi Train Station or High Speed Rail Chiayi Station, you can take the Alishan Forest Railway (several departures daily, approximately 2.5 hours one-way, fares start at NT$380) or Taiwan Bus (regular departures, approximately 2 hours one-way, fares start at NT$270). If driving from Chiayi City center via Alishan Road (Route 18), it takes about 2 hours to reach Shizhuo.
Costs: Admission to Alishan National Scenic Area is free, but individual attractions may have parking or cleaning fees (NT$50-100). Full fare for the forest railway is NT$380, half fare is NT$190.
Hours: It's recommended to book forest railway tickets in advance online; trails are open from sunrise to sunset with no entry restrictions. Some guesthouses offer 24-hour check-in service.
Accommodations: Guesthouses are available in Shizhuo, Ruili, and Laiji, with average room rates NT$2,000-5,000. During peak season (November to March) and consecutive holidays, it's recommended to book one month in advance.
【Travel Tips】
The weather in the Alishan mountain area is changeable. Even in summer, temperatures on the mountain often range between 15-22°C, so be sure to bring warm clothing and rain gear. It's recommended to plan at least two days and one night to fully experience the different scenery of sunrise, sea of clouds, and meadows. Additionally, the concept of "sustainable tourism" has been gaining popularity in Alishan in recent years. Some guesthouses and local guides have begun promoting leave-no-trace hiking and local consumption. Choosing such operators allows for a deeper experience while being more environmentally friendly.
