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Getting Around Alishan

Getting Around Alishan

Alishan Taiwan Travel Guide

Alishan Internal Transit

The main modes of public transport within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area are the Alishan Forest Railway's branch lines and internal shuttle buses.

This historic narrow-gauge railway operates specific short routes within the recreation area, presenting a scenic and practical way to cover distances between attractions. Internal transport buses supplement the railway, connecting the main station area to various points, hotels, and visitor facilities.

Forest Railway Branch Lines

  • Sacred Tree Line: Alishan Station to Sacred Tree Station, access to Giant Tree Trail.
  • Zhaoping Line: Alishan Station to Zhaoping Station, starting point for Sister Ponds and Zhaoping Park.
  • Zhushan Line: Alishan Station to Zhushan Station, main sunrise viewing spot. Operates very early mornings.
  • Shuttle Buses: Operate within the park, connecting Alishan Station, Visitor Center, hotels, and attraction access points.

Forest Railway

Historic narrow-gauge railway with scenic routes inside the park.

Shuttle Buses

Connects main station, hotels, and various park attractions.

Well-Marked Trails

A network of walking trails and wooden boardwalks for pedestrian exploration.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Ticket Information
  • Sacred Tree/Zhaoping Line tickets: Purchase at Alishan Station on travel day.
  • Zhushan Line (sunrise): Buy tickets the afternoon/evening before.
  • Fares: 100-150 NTD per section. Shuttle buses: 50-100 NTD (cash or EasyCard/iPass).
Accessibility Notes
  • Some accessible wooden boardwalks exist in the recreation area.
  • Many trails involve stairs and uneven terrain, limiting full accessibility.
  • Forest Railway trains have limited wheelchair accessibility. Inquire at Visitor Center.

Efficient Navigation Tips

Sunrise Planning

Purchase Zhushan Line tickets early; get to... early Alishan Station for the train.

Combine Modes

Use trains for longer distances, then walk between sights (e.g., Zhaoping Line to Zhaoping, walk back via Giant Tree Trail).

Use Maps

Consult the official Alishan National Forest Recreation Area map of trails and points of interest.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis connect Alishan from Chiayi, though availability within the recreation area is limited.

Taxi Hailing

  • In Chiayi City, hail yellow taxis on the street or find them at train stations.
  • Within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, taxis are scarce.
  • Cab from Chiayi City to Alishan: ~2,000-3,000 NTD one-way. Payment usually cash.
  • Shorter distances within Chiayi are metered.

Ride-Sharing & Transfers

  • Uber operates in Taiwan's major cities, but is highly limited or non-existent in Alishan.
  • For pre-arranged transfers, hotels or local private car services assist with arrangements.
  • Use services recommended by reputable hotels or tour operators for safety and fair pricing.
  • Consider splitting taxi costs if traveling in a group to Alishan from Chiayi.

Rental Options

  • Car rental available in major cities across Taiwan, including Chiayi.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country driver's license are necessary.
  • Major international companies like Avis and Hertz, along with local Taiwanese rental companies, operate.
  • Scooter/motorcycle rentals available in cities, but not recommended for Alishan's winding mountain roads.
  • No bicycle sharing/rentals within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area due to terrain.
  • Drive on the right. Speed limits 40-60 km/h on mountain roads; follow posted signs.

Car Rental Services

Global Brands

Find Avis and Hertz locations in major Taiwanese cities for car rentals. DiscoverCars.com

Local Options

Taiwanese rental companies are also available, often with good prices.

Pre-Booking

Booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, is advisable.

Walking & Cycling

Walking is the main way to experience the beauty of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is largely a walker zone.
  • Network of well-maintained walking trails and wooden boardwalks.
  • Popular trails: Giant Tree Trail, Sacred Tree Trail, Sister Ponds Trail.
  • Eryanping Trail (outside main park) has stunning tea fields and sea of clouds views.

Guided & Self-Guided

  • Self-guided walking is easy with distinct maps at the Visitor Center.
  • Some hotels or local people tour operators may present guided nature walks.
  • Guided walks present insights into local flora, fauna, and history.
  • Stick to marked trails and designated walking paths for safety.

Cycling & Restrictions

No Dedicated Bike Lanes

No dedicated bicycle infrastructure exists within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.

Cycling is not recommended.

Terrain Challenges

Steep slopes, winding roads, and high pedestrian traffic make cycling unsafe.

Focus on walking to exploration.

No-Go Areas

Do not venture off-trail. Follow all displayed notices and warnings for ecological protection or weather closures.

Protect the fragile environment.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Bus Services
  • Taiwan Tourist Shuttle: Direct route from Chiayi to Alishan.
  • Internal shuttle buses cover primary zones, not traditional hop-on-hop-off.
  • No specific hop-on-hop-off services within the recreation area.
Unique Local Transport
  • Alishan Forest Railway's branch lines (Zhushan, Sacred Tree, Zhaoping) serve as local transport.
  • These railway lines are an experience, presenting views into history and scenic rides.
  • Purchase tickets for these lines at Alishan Station.

Safety Reminders

  • Always stick to marked trails for safety.
  • Protect the fragile forest environment.
  • Be aware of conditions that cause trail closures.
  • Self-guided walks are easy with unambiguous maps.
  • Follow all posted signs and warnings.
  • Do not enter restricted ecological zones.
  • Be mindful of fire risks, especially in dry seasons.
  • Cycling is not recommended in Alishan's mountainous terrain.

Specialized Transit Continued

Alishan has unique transportation options that are part of the experience.

The Forest Railway Experience

  • Picturesque journeys through dense forests and misty landscapes.
  • Early morning trains to Zhushan for sunrise viewing.
  • Specific lines access iconic spots like Sacred Tree and Zhaoping Park.
  • Purchase tickets for these lines at Alishan Station.

Getting Around the Park

  • Shuttle buses present quick links between major points.
  • Easy fare payment with cash or electronic cards.
  • Maps at the Visitor Center guide your movement.
  • Consider guided walks for insights into local flora and history.

Scenic Train Rides

Experience the historic Alishan Forest Railway's charm.

Park Shuttle Services

Internal buses connect areas conveniently.

Extensive Walking Trails

Explore Alishan's natural beauty on well-maintained paths.

Alishan's Unique Journeys

The Forest Railway Experience
  • Scenic rides through dense forests and misty landscapes.
  • Early morning trains to Zhushan for sunrise viewing.
  • Specific lines access iconic spots like Sacred Tree and Zhaoping Park.
Getting Around the Park
  • Shuttle buses present quick links between major points.
  • Easy fare payment with cash or electronic cards.
  • Maps at the Visitor Center guide your movement.

Transportation Insights

Walking is best way to experience Alishan's natural beauty. Combine with the Forest Railway for a full experience.

For travel from Chiayi, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a good, affordable choice. Taxis are an option but costly.

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