When it comes to Alishan, most travelers' first impression is the spectacular sunrise and sea of clouds, but locals who truly know how to explore understand that the trail system is the soul of this mountain landscape. Located in Alishan Township, Chiayi County, at elevations above 2,000 meters, the Alishan National Scenic Area boasts multiple trails of varying styles, whether you're seeking proximity to millennium-old trees, chasing sunrise light, or strolling along abandoned railways—here you can find the trail that belongs to you.
What makes Alishan's trails unique is their fusion of rich natural ecology with the cultural heritage of forestry history. This area was once an important base for Taiwan's timber industry, and the Alishan Forest Railway built during the Japanese colonial period remains internationally renowned. The red cypress and Taiwan cypress ancient tree groves along the trails bear witness to centuries of transformation. Walking the trails isn't just physical exercise—it's a profound dialogue with nature and history.
When visiting Alishan, there are several trails you absolutely cannot miss. First is the "Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Trail," a 1.8-kilometer path from Zhaoping Station to Zhushan that is the classic route for watching the Alishan sunrise. The entire trail features well-constructed wooden boardwalks, suitable for travelers of all ages. In the early morning, the sunrise viewed from the Zhushan Observatory is celebrated as one of Taiwan's most breathtaking sunrises—when the sun rises behind the Yushan Mountain Range, the entire sky transforms from darkness to golden hues, with clouds surging through the valleys in a breathtaking spectacle. I recommend taking the Zhushan train up the mountain the day before and staying at Zhushan Hotel, then walking to the observatory in the early hours to catch the sunrise.
If you have a passion for abandoned scenic beauty, the "Manyao Line Trail" will absolutely impress you. This former branch of the Alishan Forest Railway has been discontinued since 1999 due to typhoon damage and has become a popular hiking trail. Along the route, you can see bridges, tunnels, and station ruins from that era. Walking through towering Japanese cedar forests along the old railway tracks feels like stepping into a time tunnel. I especially recommend photographing the "Manyao Line Major Landslide" and scenery near the Shitouhou Station—these are must-visit spots for cultural and photography enthusiasts. Note that some sections are quite slippery; wearing non-slip footwear and paying attention to weather conditions are advised.
For close encounters with millennium-old trees, the "Sacred Tree Grove Trail" is your best choice. This loop around the Alishan Sacred Tree area spans approximately 2.6 kilometers, where you can see dozens of red cypress giants over a thousand years old. Although the most famous "Alishan Sacred Tree" toppled in 1998, the fallen tree landscape is equally stunning and has been preserved in place as part of the scenery. The trail is gentle and easy to walk, with dense forest shade keeping it cool even in summer, making it a beginner-friendly trail suitable for family outings.
The "Duigaoyue Trail" is one of the more challenging trails in Alishan, with significant elevation changes, but correspondingly, the scenery is more pristine and magnificent. This trail was originally a working road for forestry workers and has since been developed into a forest trail. Along the route, you can see complete Japanese cedar plantations and natural broadleaf forests; with some luck, you might encounter Formosan macaques and other wildlife. The Duigaoyue Observatory at the trail's endpoint offers panoramic views of the entire Alishan settlement and distant Tashan Mountain, with expansive vistas that refresh the spirit.
Finally, I recommend the "Kokusanzan Observatory Platform," the best spot for a 360-degree panoramic view of Alishan. Kokusanzan sits at 2,488 meters elevation, with the trail branching from Zhushan and about a 30-minute walk to reach. The observatory features an octagonal pavilion offering simultaneous views of the Yushan Mountain Range, Tashan, and the complete Alishan scenery. On clear days, you can even see Sun Moon Lake in the direction of Nantou. This is also a secret spot for stargazing enthusiasts—the night sky with the Milky Way shining brightly is a target many photographers pursue.
There are mainly two ways to reach Alishan's trails: driving yourself along the Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) straight up, purchasing tickets at the Alishan National Scenic Area entrance; or taking public transportation from Chiayi Station via the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan Line, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. The Alishan National Scenic Area entrance fee is NT$200, allowing access to all trail areas within the park. One-way tickets for the Zhushan Train are approximately NT$100 to NT$150, varying by season.
For planning your Alishan trail journey, I recommend staying at least two days and one night to fully experience the diverse scenery of sunrises, trails, and forests. The best visiting season is autumn to winter, October through December, when weather is stable and sea of clouds are more likely to appear. However, remember to bring warm clothing, as nighttime temperatures on the mountain can drop below 10°C. When visiting during the rainy season (May to June), bring rain gear and watch for slippery trails. If you experience altitude sickness symptoms, I recommend arriving the night before to stay in the mountain area, allowing your body to acclimate to the elevation before hiking the trails.
