Located in the heart of Taiwan, the topography of Alishan National Scenic Area will leave you lost for words. Mountains peak through blankets of clouds, tracts of forest wind up the mountains whilst the Tsou tribal village gives you a taste of their indigenous culture.
The best time to visit Alishan is between December and April, when the cherry blossoms and wisteria begin to bloom. Other notable plant species include a conifer species found only in Taiwan and the Alishan elm. Mammal species found in the area include Pallas’s squirrel, Owston’s long-nosed tree squirrel, Formosan rock macaque and Reeves's muntjac, and bird species include grey treepie, Taiwan barwings, Steere’s liocichla and Taiwan whistling thrush.
The climate in Alishan lends itself perfectly for producing tea and wasabi – both of which are a must try whilst dining in the region and can be bought from souvenir shops.
The forest railway, previously used for logging is now a popular tourist attraction, transporting visitors up the mountain if they would prefer to opt out of the many forest trails whilst offering spectacular views of the nature reserve.
Amongst its recorded 500 bird species, Taiwan’s 24 endemics include the stunning Swinhoe’s pheasant, Taiwan fulvetta, Taiwan blue magpie and the exquisite flamecrest. Many other migrant birds pass through the island between September and March, and there are some lovely butterflies too. Find out more about Z) Taiwan’s Endemics & Winter Migrants
