2025-07-08
Introduction to Alishan Forest Trail Guide
Alishan is home to some of Taiwan’s most beautiful and sacred forests, where ancient cypress trees soar into the mist and quiet trails lead through centuries-old landscapes. Walking here feels like entering a natural cathedral—peaceful, humbling, and deeply atmospheric. The forest is a core part of Alishan’s magic and a must-experience for any visitor.
A Trail Network for Every Kind of Explorer
Whether you’re looking for a gentle walk or a half-day hike, Alishan’s trail network makes exploring easy and rewarding. The paths are well-maintained and mostly paved, connecting temples, ponds, giant trees, and scenic viewpoints. From sunrise strolls to quiet forest immersions, there’s a trail for every pace and interest.
Walk Among Giants on the Giant Tree Trail
The most iconic trail in Alishan is the Giant Tree Trail, where ancient Formosan cypress trees—some over 2,000 years old—line a tranquil boardwalk. These natural giants tower silently as you walk beneath them, offering a profound sense of scale and serenity. The trail also links to other routes, making it a great starting point for your forest adventure.
Scenery That Changes With the Seasons
Alishan’s forests offer year-round beauty, from misty winter mornings to pink cherry blossoms in spring and glowing red maples in autumn. Each season brings a new color and character to the trails, making every visit feel unique. No matter when you come, you’ll find photo-worthy moments around every turn.
What Makes Alishan Forest So Special
Sacred Trees: Some trees are over 1,000 years old, especially the famous Xianglin Sacred Tree and Alishan Shouzhen Temple’s giant cypress.
Peaceful Trails: Walks like the Giant Tree Plank Trail and Sisters Ponds Trail take you through some of the most serene forest landscapes in Taiwan.
Mystical Atmosphere: Morning mist, filtered sunlight, and the scent of cedar and cypress make the forest feel magical — especially around sunrise or after a rain.
Seasonal Beauty: Cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, golden foliage in autumn, and peaceful fog in winter.
The Experience: Whether you’re taking a quiet hike under the shade of redwoods, sipping tea by a pond, or glimpsing macaques and mountain birds, Alishan Forest invites you to reconnect with nature, tranquility, and yourself.
▼ No Stairs Route. This is another option to reach the Xiding Eryanping Trail Cloud Viewing Platform (隙頂二延平步道觀雲平台).
Alishan Map
Alishan Forest Map & Alishan Trail Map
Click the image to view full size
Must-Visit Trails or Spots in Alishan
Walk Among Ancient Trees, Misty Forests, and Hidden Temples
Alishan is not only famous for its sunrise and railway—it’s also a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area offers a well-maintained network of trails that connect sacred trees, scenic viewpoints, lakes, temples, and cherry blossom groves—all without needing a car.
Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a half-day forest walk, these trails are easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.
Giant Tree Trail
Length: ~1.1 km
Time: 45–60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy (boardwalk and stairs)
Start: Sacred Tree Station (Shenmu Line)
This is Alishan’s most famous trail, taking you past towering ancient cypress trees—some over 2,000 years old. Along the way, you’ll see the remains of the original Sacred Tree, impressive root systems, and signboards explaining the forest ecology. The atmosphere is magical, especially in the morning mist.
Key Points:
- See Alishan’s legendary 3,000-year-old cypress stump
- Connects with Shouzhen Temple and other trails
Zhaoping Park & Cherry Blossom Trail
Length: ~1.2 km (loop)
Time: 30–45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Start: Zhaoping Station (Zhaoping Line)
Best visited in spring, this trail loops through Zhaoping Park and the nearby cherry blossom groves. In March and April, the area transforms into a pink-hued dream. The path is gentle and scenic year-round, with open views, picnic areas, and connecting paths to other trails.
Key Points:
- Best cherry blossom viewing spot in Alishan
- Connects with Sister Ponds and Shouzhen Temple trails
Sister Ponds Trail
Length: ~0.7 km
Time: 20–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Start: Near Zhaoping or Shouzhen Temple
This serene trail loops around two small ponds named after a local legend about two sisters. The tranquil waters, mossy trees, and surrounding boardwalks make this a peaceful spot to relax and take photos. It’s often less crowded than other areas.
Key Points:
- Romantic legend and quiet setting
- Great for peaceful reflection or photos
Xianglin Sacred Tree Trail
Length: ~1 km
Time: 30–40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Start: Near Shouzhen Temple
This trail leads to another ancient sacred tree and winds through a beautiful mixed forest. It’s less crowded and has a few inclines and stairs, but the peaceful atmosphere and bird sounds make it worth the effort. Great for a quiet walk away from the main tourist routes.
Key Points:
- Fewer tourists and more birdsong
- Connects to the Giant Tree Trail loop
▼ Sunshine and mist in Alishan
Ogasawara Mountain Trail
Length: ~1.6 km round-trip
Time: 45–60 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate (some uphill sections)
Start: Near Alishan House or Ciyun Temple
If you want a more secluded hike with stunning views, head to this viewpoint trail. The summit offers one of the best panoramic views in Alishan—ideal for sunrise or sunset if you prefer to avoid the crowds at Zhushan. It’s a quiet alternative with amazing atmosphere.
Key Points:
- Incredible panoramic views of the Central Mountains
- Ideal for sunrise or sunset without the crowds
Eryanping Trail (Xiding)
Location: Xiding (Outside Alishan Park, about 30 minutes before Alishan)
Length: ~1.2 km (one way)
Time: 40–60 minutes round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate (gentle uphill)
Altitude: ~1,300–1,600 meters
Eryanping Trail is a hidden gem often visited by travelers en route to Alishan. Known for its sweeping sunrise views, cloud sea, and tea plantations, the trail follows a gently sloping ridge with panoramic scenery on both sides. You’ll walk past bamboo groves, pine trees, and scenic pavilions, making it perfect for early morning or late afternoon hikes.
Key Points:
- Famous for sunrise and sea of clouds over tea hills
- Ideal detour when driving to or from Alishan from Chiayi
Tip: There’s a small parking lot near the trailhead in Xiding village, and sunrise here is often less crowded than Zhushan. It’s also a great place to try local Alishan high-mountain tea after your hike.
▼ Eryanping Trail in Xiding
Alishan Forest Trail Guide
Alishan Forest is one of Taiwan’s most enchanting natural treasures.
Alishan Forest is located in the mountains of central Taiwan. Here, time seems to slow down and nature seems to whisper. Towering ancient cypress trees, layers of mist, and moss-covered trails come together to create an atmosphere that’s both mystical and serene.
For many visitors, the forest is more than just a scenic stop — it feels like stepping into a living fairytale.
Hike Alishan’s Forest Trails
Alishan’s forest trails lead through towering cypress and cedar trees, moss-covered paths, and serene natural scenery. Trails like the Giant Tree Trail and the Sacred Tree Trail are well-marked and suitable for all fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient trees, shrines, and stunning viewpoints.
Classic Alishan Forest Trail Route for First-Timers
The forest trail route gives you a perfect blend of nature, iconic sights, and peaceful vibes. This will be a half-day to full-day walking itinerary, depending on your pace — and don’t worry, the trails are all well-maintained, safe, and scenic.
Duration: 3 to 6 hours (leisurely pace, with photo & rest stops)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — wooden paths, stairs, and forest trails
Highlights: Sacred trees, ponds, temples, misty forest vibes
Route Overview:
Start at: Alishan Forest Recreation Area Main Entrance
Zhaoping Station (沼平車站) & Cherry Blossom Trail (櫻之道)
In spring, this path is surrounded by blooming sakura trees.
Even off-season, it’s a scenic walk through alpine gardens.
Sisters Ponds (姊妹潭)
Two peaceful ponds, said to be tied to an indigenous legend of sisterhood and love.
Quiet, reflective spot — great for a short rest.
Xianglin Sacred Tree (香林神木)
A massive red cypress, over 2,300 years old — one of Alishan’s most sacred and photographed trees.
Beautiful even in the fog; great light around sunrise or dusk.
Shouzhen Temple (受鎮宮)
A serene temple nestled in the forest.
You can light incense or just enjoy the peaceful mountain energy.
Giant Tree Trail (巨木群棧道)
The highlight trail! Walk among dozens of massive old cypress trees.
Watch for birds and forest animals — especially in the early morning.
Sacred Tree Station (神木車站)
Sacred Tree Station is small, serene, and surrounded by towering thousand-year-old trees that feel like they’re watching over you.
The entire walk takes about 3 to 6 hours. The forest trail takes about 2-3 hours to walk. If you need to take public transportation on the road, you can take a minibus or Alishan train (Zhaoping Line + Shenmu Line) at your own expense, which can shorten the walking time by about 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Trail Plan:
Alishan Railway Station (阿里山火車站) → Forest Trail (森之道) → Alishan Trail (阿里山步道) →Cherry Blossom Railway (櫻花鐵道) → Alishan Skywalk (天空步道) → Zhaoping Railway Station (沼平車站) → Sisters Pond (姊妹潭) → The Three Brothers (三兄弟) → The Foue Sisters (四姊妹) → Golden Pig Tree (金豬報喜) → Magnolia Garden (木蘭園) → Xianglin Service Area (香林服務區) → Shouzhen Temple (受鎮宮) → No. 28 Giant Tree (28號巨木) → Shenyi Waterfall (神怡流瀑) → Sacred Tree Remains (阿里山神木遺跡) → Sacred tree Station (神木車站) → Ciyun Temple (慈雲寺) → Sacred Tree (香林神木) → Tree Spirit Pagoda (樹靈塔) → Thousand Years Cypress (千歲檜) → Alishan Museum (阿里山博物館) → Ciyun Viewing Platform (慈雲觀景) → Xianglin Elementary School (香林國小) → Three Generations Trees (三代木) → Elephant Trunk Tree (象鼻木) → Giant Tree Plank Trail (巨木群棧道) → King Cherry (阿里山櫻王) → Boat Bridge (舟之橋) → Xianglin Arch Bridge (香林拱橋) → Alishan Visitor Center (阿里山旅客中心)
There were several vendors selling snacks at Alishan Shouzhen Temple. If you’re hungry, this is a good time to refuel.
Ends at the Shenmu Station, where you can either:
Take the Forest Railway train back to Alishan Station or minbus.
Or walk back along the forest path (~60 minutes)
Pro Tip: Arrive early, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday. Trails are peaceful early in the day, and you’ll beat the crowds.
Other Hike Trails:
Shuishan Healing Trail (水山療癒步道)
Shuishan Giant Tree Trail (水山巨木步道)
Zhushan Sunrise Trail (祝山觀日步道)
Duegaoyue Trail (對高岳步道)
Tashan Trail (塔山步道)
Giant Tree Plank Trail (巨木群棧道)
Hiking Reminder
To ensure your safety and have a seamless and enjoyable trip in the mountain forest regardless of the degree of hiking difficulty, please pay attention to the following：
■ Check the weather a few days before and after your planned hiking trip. During rainy season (April to September in Alishan), you must pay attention to changes in the mountain region.
■ During holidays, carpooling or public transportation is recommended.
■ Stay on existing trails and do not damage plants off the trails.
■ Do not disturb wild animals, and do not take away anything in the forest.
■ Do not litter. It is appreciated if you can help pick up trash along the way.
■ Respect local residents. Do not enter private property.
■ Pay attention to the closest emergency rescue unit.
Special Reminder
If you’re hiking for multiple days, or embarking on an arduous mountain climbing trip (the challenging advance level etc.), here are a few special reminders:
■ Pick routes that are suitable for your level. If you’re new to hiking, we recommend that you join a group of experienced hikers.
■ Bring a sufficient amount of water and snacks. Snack choices should be high in calories, light weight and won’t spoil easily.
■ When traveling on dangerous sections of the trail, first check for stability with your hand or foot.
■ Remember the rule of thumb: 3 contact points are more stable than 1 contact point.
■ Do not make loud noises in the mountain.
What to Bring for Hiking in Alishan
Hiking in Alishan is a magical experience with misty forests, ancient trees, and cool mountain air. Here’s a practical checklist of what to bring when hiking in Alishan, especially if you’re planning to explore the Sacred Tree area, Sister Ponds, or catch that famous sunrise.
Essentials:
● Comfortable walking shoes or Easy-grip shoes: Trails are well-maintained, but forest paths can get slippery if wet or rains.
● Hiking pants, Thermal long-sleeve shirt and Light waterproof jacket: The weather in the mountains can change quickly, with sunshine quickly turning into fog or drizzle. Even in summer, it’s cool.
● Reusable water bottle:Stay hydrated!There are drinking fountains at the entrance transfer station, the passenger service center, Alishan Station, Zhuoping Station, Alishan Work Station, and all hotels in the area.
● Snacks or energy bars: There are food vendors – Alishan Shopping Street, which includes the 7-Eleven, dining area andmost of the restaurantsr. There were several vendors selling snacks at Alishan Shouzhen Temple. If you’re hungry, this is a good time to refuel.
● Small backpack for storing layers and essentials.
The Five Wonders of Alishan
Alishan is famous for its “Five Wonders”:
The sunrise at Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most iconic natural sights, known for its dramatic lighting and breathtaking views across layers of misty mountains. As the sun rises behind Jade Mountain (Yushan), golden light slowly spills over the ridgelines, often illuminating a thick sea of clouds below, creating a dreamlike and almost spiritual atmosphere.
The best viewing spot is Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform, accessible by the early morning Zhushan Line train. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at the station early and dress warmly, as sunrise times vary with the season and temperatures are chilly before dawn.
Key Points:
Best seen from Zhushan, reachable via a special early-morning forest train
Peak viewing conditions are on cool, clear mornings—especially in spring and autumn
The “sea of clouds” is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon where thick mist fills the valleys, leaving only mountain peaks visible above—like islands floating on a vast white sea. In Alishan, this often appears just before or after sunrise and is considered one of the region’s most magical sights.
The conditions for the sea of clouds are best when cool air meets humid valleys, especially after rain. Excellent vantage points include Zhushan, Ciyun Temple, and Xianglin Trail, where early risers are rewarded with unforgettable views.
Key Points:
Most common after rain or in cooler seasons, especially in early morning
Great photo opportunities from higher ridges and trails in the park
▼ Eryanping Trail in Xiding
While sunrise gets most of the attention, Alishan’s sunsets are just as beautiful—offering warm, golden hues that fall gently over the forest canopy and mountain ridges. As the sun dips below the horizon, the clouds and mist catch the light, turning pink, orange, and purple.
Popular spots for sunset include Alishan Hotel’s observation deck, Ciyun Temple, and Sister Ponds. The calm, fading light gives a peaceful end to a day of hiking and exploring, and the park becomes quieter as the crowds thin out.
Key Points:
Best seen from west-facing spots like Ciyun Temple or Alishan Hotel terrace
Golden hour lighting makes for beautiful landscape photos and peaceful walks
▼ Eryanping Trail in Xiding
Alishan is famous for its ancient, misty forests filled with towering cypress and red pine trees—some over 1,000 years old. Walking the well-maintained trails here, like the Giant Tree Trail or Sacred Tree Trail, immerses visitors in the tranquility and grandeur of high-mountain nature.
The cool air, moss-covered roots, and soft forest floor create a deeply calming atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll find wooden walkways, small temples, and informative signs that enhance the experience without disrupting the environment.
Key Points:
Home to centuries-old trees, including Taiwan’s legendary Sacred Tree
Family-friendly trails make forest exploration accessible to all ages
The Alishan Forest Railway is a historic narrow-gauge train that winds through Taiwan’s mountains from Chiayi up to Alishan, rising over 2,000 meters in elevation. Built during the Japanese era for logging, it’s now one of Asia’s most scenic and nostalgic rail experiences.
Today, the railway includes branch lines such as Zhushan (sunrise), Shenmu (Sacred Tree), and Zhaoping, each offering access to key viewpoints and trails. The ride features wooden carriages, dramatic turns, tunnels, and switchbacks, making the journey part of the Alishan adventure.
Key Points:
UNESCO-listed railway, rich in history and mountain views
Connects scenic spots within the park like Zhushan and Zhaoping with ease
The Best Time to Visit
Alishan Average Temperature by Month
According to the statistics of rainfall days in Alishan, the best tourist season in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is from October to March of the following year. Due to the influence of the northeast monsoon, it is easier to see sea of clouds and cloud waterfalls during this period.
The Alishan area is surrounded by mountains, with a cool climate, high humidity and abundant rainfall. The rainy season is from April to September, and the dry season is from October to March of the following year. In addition, dense fog occurs from time to time, so you need to be extra careful when traveling.
Alishan Weather and Seasons – A Year-Round Guide
Alishan is about 2,200 (7,200 ft) meters above sea level. Alishan has a cool, temperate mountain climate — a peaceful escape from Taiwan’s humid lowlands. Here’s a detailed introduction to Alishan’s four seasons and temperatures, so you’ll know exactly what to expect (and pack) when visiting.
Spring (March – May)
Average Temperature: 5°C – 20°C (41°F – 68°F)
Weather: Mild days, chilly mornings & evenings. Occasional mist or light rain.
Highlights:
- Cherry blossoms (mid to late March) – one of the biggest attractions
- Lush forests waking up from winter
- Sunrise and “sea of clouds” views are often stunning
What to Pack:
- Light jacket or fleece for daytime
- Warm layers (like a hoodie or puffer) for early mornings and nights
Summer (June – August)
Average Temperature: 12°C – 24°C (54°F – 75°F)
Weather: Cool and comfortable, but can be humid. Frequent afternoon fog or rain, especially in July/August.
Highlights:
- Perfect for escaping Taiwan’s city heat
- Lush green landscapes and hiking trails
- Misty, mysterious forest vibes in the late afternoon
What to Pack:
- Light layers, breathable clothes
- Rain gear (umbrella or light rain jacket)
- A light jacket for night, especially after rain
Autumn (September – November)
Average Temperature: 7°C – 20°C (45°F – 68°F)
Weather: Clear, dry, and pleasantly cool. Probably the best weather of the year.
Highlights:
- Maple leaves turning red and gold (late Oct to Nov)
- Crisp air, less fog, clearer views for sunrise and cloud sea
- Great for photography, hiking, and peaceful walks
What to Pack:
- Medium jacket, long sleeves
- Scarf or extra layer for chilly evenings
- Good walking shoes – this is prime hiking season
Winter (December – February)
Average Temperature: 1°C – 15°C (33°F – 59°F)
Weather: Cold, especially at night. Rare snow, but frost and icy mornings are common.
Highlights:
- Serene and peaceful — fewer crowds
- If it snows, Alishan becomes a quiet, snow-dusted fairytale
- Beautiful sunrises over crisp, frosty forests
What to Pack:
- Warm jacket or coat (puffer, down, etc.)
- Gloves, scarf, hat
- Layers – it can warm up slightly mid-day
Bonus Tip
The temperature on the mountain is relatively low in the early morning, so please prepare warm clothes.
Even in summer, early mornings (especially if you’re catching the sunrise at Zhushan) can be below 10°C (50°F). So always pack layers, no matter the season.
▼ The photo was taken at Zhushan Station. The train on the left is from Alishan to Zhushan. The train on the right is from Chiayi to Alishan(Zhushan)
