The Ultimate Travel Guide to Alishan, Taiwan

9 Best Things to Do in Alishan

1. Check Out the Three Generation Tree

Since we will be spending an entire day in Alishan, we can take advantage of the early buses that will take you from Chiayi to Alishan before the tour buses arrive. Wake up early in the morning and catch the 6:10 bus from Chiayi Station, and you should arrive in Alishan by 9:30.

The bus will drop you off in front of the 7-11 by the entrance of the park, where you can prepare snacks and get ready for a full-day adventure in Alishan. After you are done, you can proceed to the gate, pay the 150 NTD entrance fee, and you should get an English map that you can follow to proceed to our first attraction, the Three Generation Tree.

The Three Generation Tree is a great example of how trees keep on giving after their death. As the name suggests, it is 3 generations of trees grown on top of each other. It's a great place to understand what you can expect from Alishan: trees, all kinds of trees.

2. Admire the Ancient Xianglin Tree

From the Three Generation Tree, you can continue along the walking path to see Xianglin Giant Tree, a 2,300-year-old Taiwan red cypress standing at 45m tall with a trunk circumference measuring at 12.3 meters. It is quite a sight to behold.

Xianglin Tree is so tall and massive that they need to build a large platform for people to actually enjoy its immense scale from top to bottom. Even then, it was actually kind of hard to see where the top ends.

3. Check Out the Japanese-built Cihyun Temple

Not too far from Xianglin Tree, you can continue on the walkway towards Cihyun Temple, a Japanese-built Buddhist temple with a killer lookout point to witness the sea of clouds.

Apparently, when the Japanese arrived in Alishan, they thought it looked similar to the place where Buddha was born somewhere in India, so they started building all these beautiful temples all over Alishan.

If you're lucky, you might be able to see a sea of clouds over at the platform by Cihyun Temple. Unfortunately, the clouds had already left when I arrived, so I continued along one of the most beautiful walking trails in Alishan, the Giant Trees Broadwalk.

4. Stroll Along the Giant Trees Broadwalk

The Giant Trees Broadwalk is a walking path that will take you through zigzag trails going around the Alishan forest, allowing you to enjoy the view while strolling safely on a wooden platform.

There are actually 2 easy trails named Giant Trees Broadwalk that can be combined into a 30-minute loop where you get to enjoy seeing the Alishan forest from the inside. It is very easy and can be done by kids and adults of all fitness levels.

The trail will take you through some of the most stunning areas in Alishan, while allowing you to admire the beauty of all the massive cypresses scattered all over the forest, which are as old as Christendom.

5. Try to Find the Top of No.28 Giant Tree

Along the Giant Trees Boardwalk #2, you will find one of the largest Taiwanese cypresses in the area, almost as big as the Xianglin Tree you saw previously. The No.28 Giant Tree stands at 43.5m with a trunk circumference of 13.1m. It is estimated that the tree is over 2,000 years old.

You can't even see the top from the lookout point for this tree. The tree pierces through the thick canopy of large trees in the area, and with its large trunk, it will turn quite a few hikers' heads.

6. Take a Break at Shouzhen Temple

After walking around the Giant Trees Broadwalk, you will arrive at an opening where the beautiful Shouzhen Temple is located. Shouzhen Temple is the largest temple in Alishan and the highest in terms of elevation in Taiwan.

The temple is decorated with intricate craftsmanship, from the extremely detailed sculptures of dragons and mystical animals to the use of colors. Both the interior and the exterior of Shouzhen Temple are quite a sight to behold.

Shouzhen Temple is also surrounded by food stalls, seating areas, and toilets, so if you are looking for a place to take a break from all the walking you have just done, this is the place to be.

7. Take the Perfectly Symmetrical photo at the Sister Ponds

After resting at Shouzhen Temple, you can continue east towards our next attraction, Sister Ponds, one of the most photogenic places in Alishan. These two mountain ponds and the iconic pavilion are the perfect photo spot for those looking to capture a perfectly symmetrical photo of the ponds and their pavilion.

The story behind these ponds is a little sad, however. The story goes that the two sisters fell in love with the same man, and not wanting to betray the sisterhood, both decided to jump into each pond and end their lives. Hence, one pond is called the Elder Sister Pond, and the other is called the Younger Sister Pond.

According to this legend, the Taiwanese decided to build the cypress pavilion in the middle of the Elder Sister Pond and connect it with a wooden bridge, forming the beautiful photogenic spot you see today.

8. Hike the Sunrise Trail or Witness Sunrise Over Jade Mountain (If You Can Make It)

One of the best easy hikes you can do is to hike the Zhushan Sunrise Hiking Trail to the Zhushan Sunrise platform, even if it is not during sunrise. From the sunrise platform, you will be able to see Yushan, the highest mountain in Taiwan, and get a panoramic view of the surrounding area from the elevated platform.

From Sister Ponds, you will have to walk south to Zhaoping Station, and from there, you will find the Zhushan Sunrise Hiking Trail that will lead you through the forest. The trail merges with the road, and then you just have to follow the road until you arrive at Zhushan Station.

The walk is easy, and it takes about 1 hour to complete one way. From Zhushan Station, you can go to Zhushan Viewing Platform first to see the scenery from there, but for a better perspective, I would recommend you to walk another 10 minutes south towards Mt. Ogasawara, where the elevated viewing platform I mentioned earlier is located.

Coming down will take 30-45 minutes, taking the same route back to Zhaoping Station, where you can rest up before hitting another, tougher but more rewarding hiking trail.

9. Hike the Tashan Trail and Witness the Sea of Clouds

The Tashan Mountain Trail is a hiking trail that will take you along the railroads before going up mountains to the top of Tashan Peak, where you will be able to witness the Sea of Clouds and enjoy Alishan in solitude.

The trail begins on easy flat terrain from either Sister Ponds, or you can simply walk along the railroad straight from Zhaoping Station as a shortcut, as recommended by a local I met.

Walking along the railroads isn't actually a real trail. The nature walking trail is to the side of it, but I recommend you to walk along the railroad because the trail is flat, which should conserve your energy for the upcoming steep climb to the peak.

The nature trail goes up and down a lot, and even so, the view isn't as spectacular as if you were to walk on the railroads. Additionally, you will save time by walking on the railroads, as it will shorten your hike by 15 minutes.

The trail is 3.7 km long, with the first 2 km on a flat trail along the railroads, which should take about 30 minutes. The trail then shoots straight up to Tashan Peak for 1.7 km.

To know where the trail will shoot up, you can walk along the railroads until you hit the above barrier. On your right, there will be a wooden platform with a steep stair that goes up to Tashan Peak.

This is the most difficult part of the trail, as you will be climbing countless stairs for almost 1 hour before you arrive at the Tashan Observational Deck.

Once at the top, you should be able to see Tashan Peak from the viewing platform. If you are lucky, as I was, you might be able to see the sea of clouds in Alishan that everyone has been raving about.

Hiking Tashan Peak should take around 1.5 - 2 hours, with a little over 30 minutes to get down. It is a fun hiking trail that will both challenge and impress you, allowing you to see Alishan from a perspective few people get to see. It is also a great way to escape the tourist crowds that often stay along other easier trails.

Keep in mind that if you are looking to catch the last bus at 17:05, make sure that you have enough time to come back and catch that bus before embarking on the Tashan Hike. If by 3:30 PM you have not reached the summit, it is best to consider going back; otherwise, you might miss the last bus and have to shell out a whopping 1600 NTD for a taxi to take you back.

The bus returning to Chiayi is also first come, first served, so I recommend you start lining up for the bus at around 16:50 to guarantee a seat. Many people who didn't have seats had to sit on the walkway for 2 hours, which is not ideal, especially after a hike.

The bus leaves in front of the 7-11 where they dropped you off upon your arrival. You can buy the bus ticket inside 7-11 or use EasyCard as I did. You should return to Chiayi by 7 PM, just in time for the night market.

Where to Eat and Drink in Chiayi?

Eat at Wenhua Road Night Market

There is no way to celebrate a productive day such as this than to devour all the street food at Wenhua Road Night Market in Chiayi. The night market is only a 15-minute walk from Chiayi Station, and the entire road turns into a night market with street food trucks along both sides of the road.

Please be careful, though, as cars and motorcycles are still allowed in. Since both sides of the road are filled with street food, you might forget to look out for incoming cars. Keep one eye on the road and one eye on the food, and stay safe!

Looking for a complete guide to Taiwan Street Food?Top 12 Street Food To Try In Taiwan

Other Things to Do in Chiayi

1. Visit the Song of the Forest

If you have a few hours to spare in Chiayi, you can go for a little stroll around the city and see what the city has to offer. One of the tourist attractions in Chiayi is the Song of the Forest art installation that looks like a bird's nest. It is a great place to relax and be around locals. It is also gorgeous at night, so be sure to swing by after sunset.

2. Stroll Around Hinoki Japanese Village

Right around the corner from the Song of the Forest, you will find a little Japanese corner in Taiwan, the Hinoki Japanese Village. The Hinoki Village is a small pocket of Japanese-style community where you will find plenty of Japanese restaurants, handicraft shops, a Japanese-style garden, and many photo opportunities if you are into photography. It's not very big, but it is a great place to kill some time while you are in Chiayi.

3. Check Out Old Trains at the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park

You can also go and check out the old Japanese forest train at Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park, where you can enter for free and stroll around, checking out the beautiful old locomotive before heading back to your accommodation.

When to Visit Alishan, Taiwan?

The best time to visit Alishan is from March to mid-April when the flowers are in full bloom. You can also expect to see many cherry blossoms during this time around Alishan, making it one of the best months to visit Alishan. The temperature will be around 20-25°C, which is manageable given what you will see during spring.

Late October to November is also a great time to visit Alishan, with the temperature a little nicer than in spring, hovering around 23-30°C. You are likely to encounter clear days around this time, making it an excellent period to go hiking in Alishan.

One thing to remember is that Alishan rises from 300m to 3000m above sea level, so the temperature can range tremendously from cold to hot. So make sure you prepare a jacket, no matter which season you are visiting Alishan in. The highest point will be at 2663m atop Tashan Peak, which can be quite cold if the weather is not clear.

I arrived early in the morning before the sun even hit the trail without a jacket, and it was freezing cold. It was fine when the sun came out, but since you are surrounded by mountains, it takes the sun a while before it actually hits the trail. So, do not be like me and forget to prepare a jacket!

Avoid visiting Taiwan from May to September, as this is the typhoon season to which Taiwan is prone.

How to Get to Alishan, Taiwan?

In order to get to Alishan from abroad, you will first have to travel to Taipei, and to do that, you will have to fly into Taoyuan International Airport. Thankfully, there are several airlines you can fly to Taipei.

From the US, there are several direct flights from big cities like New York and LA via United Airlines, or you can also fly directly to Taipei via EVA Airlines, its national carrier.

From within Europe, you can also fly directly via EVA Airlines or popular carriers like KLM or AirFrance to Taipei. You can also fly via Asian airlines like Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways, but you will have to transit in their respective home countries.

From Asia, traveling to Taiwan gets a lot easier and cheaper with several low-cost airlines operating this route from hub cities like Bangkok and Singapore. Lion Air, as well as AirAsia, have many flights flying from Bangkok/KL to Taipei every day, so you should have no problem finding one if you are planning to fly from Asia.

To find a cheap flight to Taipei, I would recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

Looking for a complete guide to Taipei?The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Taipei

How to Get from Taipei to Chiayi?

To get from Taipei to Chiayi, you will have to take a train from Taipei Main Station to Chiayi Station either via a regular train, which takes about 3.5 - 5 hours and costs 400 - 500 NTD, or via the high-speed train, which takes 1.5 hours and costs 865 NTD.

For the regular train schedule from Taipei to Chiayi or if you want to book online, make sure to check out: The Official TRA Ticket Information and Timetable.

To book the high-speed train schedule from Taipei to Chiayi, be sure to check out: Book Taiwan High-Speed Train from Taipei to Chiayi.

How to Get from Chiayi to Alishan?

Traveling by bus is by far the easiest and least headache-inducing way of traveling from Chiayi to Alishan without battling the crowds, but you will miss the sunrise over Yushan. If you are not interested in seeing the sunrise, this is the best way to get to Alishan.

From Chiayi, you will have to take the Alishan Shuttle Bus from Chiayi Station Bus Stop in front of Chiayi Station. The Chiayi-Alishan bus runs from 6:10 - 14:10, leaving every 30 minutes to 1 hour, and costs 240 TND per person. It will take you about 2 hours to get from Chiayi to Alishan.

The last bus from Alishan back to Chiayi is at 17:10, so you can easily do a one-day trip from Chiayi to Alishan if you take the first bus out at 6:10 from Chiayi. You will have about 8 hours in the park, which will give you ample time to see all of Alishan's attractions and do some fun hikes.

If you are interested in seeing the sunrise, you will have to stay overnight in Alishan. For a complete guide, check out: Alishan Sunrise Guide

How to Get Around Alishan, Taiwan?

All the attractions within Alishan Recreational Area, as well as all the hikes I recommended here, are all within walking distance from the entrance of Alishan where the bus will drop you off. Therefore, you do not need to worry about transportation around Alishan.

The walking paths in Alishan are extremely well-maintained, with signposts all over, so exploring Alishan on foot is a cakewalk. You can also take a mini-bus or a train, which operates routes around the park, if you wish to shorten your travel time. The bus/train costs 80 NTD per trip.

How Many Days to Spend in Alishan, Taiwan?

Spending one full day in Alishan is a must, and to do that, you will have to take the first bus at 6:10 and take the last bus back from Alishan at 17:10 if you wish to see all the attractions within this travel guide.

Here's a rough itinerary of what you can do with 8 hours in Alishan, with a few optional things to do if you can stay overnight in Alishan.

Day 0: Spend the first evening exploring Chiayi, visiting the Song of the Forest, Hinoki Japanese Village, Forest Railway Garage Park, and ending your evening at Wenhua Road Night Market.

Day 1: Walk the two Giant Trees Broadwalk trails to check out all the large ancient trees in the park, such as the Three Generation Tree and No.28 Giant Tree. Visit the Japanese-built Cihyun and Shouzhen Temple before arriving at the Sister Ponds.

Go and hike the Sunrise Trail if you are not staying overnight in Alishan, and follow by summiting Tashan Peak before getting back to the entrance, just in time for the last bus back to Chiayi.

Day 2 (Optional): If you stay overnight in Alishan, you can hike up the Sunrise Trail in the morning to see the sunrise and explore other mountain trails before taking a bus back to Chiayi in the afternoon.

Can you stay inside the Alishan Recreational Area?

Accommodations in the Alishan Recreational Area can be extremely overpriced. Hence, I recommend staying in Chiayi. However, if you wish to do the sunrise hike and enjoy the national park in solitude in the evening, I would recommend staying at Cing Shan Hotel, provided that you can book one.

The accommodations in Alishan Recreational Area get booked out quickly, so be sure you book them weeks in advance, especially if you plan to visit on the weekends.

Keep in mind that if you decide to book a different accommodation in Alishan, make sure it is actually in the Alishan Recreational Area. Many hotels and guesthouses may name their places Alishan, but they could actually be located in other villages, which is not ideal.

How Much Money Do I Need for Alishan, Taiwan?

From the rough itinerary above, we can calculate how much money you will be spending on this trip. Here's a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay when visiting Alishan for a day:

Accommodation: With a total of 2 nights, you will be paying around 35 USD (1058 NTD).

Food: There are food stalls at Jhoushen Temple, which cost about 100 NTD for a small meal. You can save more money by packing your meals beforehand, but you can expect to pay around 300 NTD for three meals a day.

Transportation: For the bus from Chiayi to Alishan and back, you can expect to pay about 480 NTD for this trip.

Activities: To enter Alishan, you will have to pay 150 NTD for the entry fee, or 200 NTD if you have your own car.

Total budget for one day in Alishan: 1,988 NTD (66 USD)

Is it Safe in Alishan?

There are no dangerous animals that you can encounter within the park, so there is nothing to worry about. That said, it can get quite cold due to the elevation gain, so be sure to prepare enough layers, especially if you plan to hike mountain peaks.

Also, be sure to avoid hiking at night as there is no lighting illuminating most of the trails. So, make sure you are back before night falls.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Alishan And Chiayi?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Alishan, Taiwan without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Alishan, Taiwan:

Taiwan has one of the fastest public WIFI networks out there. Most of the hostels and restaurants I visited in Taiwan had fast, reliable WIFI. You could get by without a local sim card, but if you wish to navigate the city by bus, I recommend getting a local sim card at the airport upon arrival.

I recommend Chungwa Telecom, one of the leading telecommunication carriers in Taiwan, that offers several 4G unlimited unthrottled data packages with a price range from 300 NTD to 1,000 NTD.

You can find their kiosk, among other carriers, at the arrival hall at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. Simply approach them, and they will show you the list of packages available from which you can choose. They will ask for your passport and pop the SIM card in for you, and within 2 minutes, you will have unlimited 4G data for your Taiwan trip.

I had 15 days in Taiwan, so I bought their 15-day unlimited data SIM card for 700 NTD (they also accept credit cards). I was able to get a 4G connection everywhere I went in the country. If you are looking for a reliable way to stay connected throughout your stay in Taiwan, be sure to get a local SIM card at the airport.

For more information about Taiwan's local SIM card: Taiwan Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Alishan, Taiwan?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Alishan, Taiwan:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Taiwan

Looking for more information for your trip to Taiwan? Here are a collection of articles about Taiwan that you might find useful:

• Looking for a comprehensive travel guide to Taiwan? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Taiwan.
• In order to engage all your senses in Taipei, the hypermodern capital of Taiwan, be sure to check out: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Taipei.
• Looking to visit Taroko Gorge, one of the most pristine travel destinations in Taiwan? Check out: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide for Taroko Gorge
• Getting a border of mountains and cities? How about you take a break at the beachside town of Kenting? 9 Best Things to Do in Kenting
• Spend a day biking around the stunning Sun Moon Lake with The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Sun Moon Lake.
• Taiwan is known for the unmatched deliciousness of its street food. Here are Top 12 Street Foods to Try in Taiwan.
• Looking for something more visual to convince you about visiting Taiwan? How about watching a Taiwan travel video? Turbo Taiwan
• Wondering where to go after Taiwan? How about you continue on to Japan and after, visit China?
• For all articles about Taiwan, visit Taiwan Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to East Asia? Check out all my articles about East Asia here: East Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.