Alishan National Park: Misty Pine Forest and Mountain Railway System

Alishan National Forest is one of the most impressive destinations in Taiwan. If you're someone who loves exploring nature, admiring majestic landscapes, and breathing fresh air, you must visit Alishan, Taiwan.

This place is not only a natural tourist area with stunning scenery but also a place that preserves the cultural beauty of the Taiwanese people. Let's take a tour of Alishan National Park with Vietjet to discover the wonderful things that nature has bestowed upon this place.

Alishan National Park always attracts tourists with its majestic nature and diverse ecosystem.

1. Where is Alishan National Park?

Alishan National Park is located in Chiayi County, Taiwan, on the Alishan mountain range, which stretches nearly 400km and is over 114km wide, through the towns of Fenlu, Zhukeng, Meishan, and Alishan. It is adjacent to the Jiana Plain and has an extensive transportation network throughout the local mountainous areas. The area has many towering peaks, with Datashan Peak standing out at over 2660m above sea level.

Alishan National Park is like a hidden treasure in the mountains, preserving an extremely rare and rich flora and fauna ecosystem along with stunning natural landscapes. Every year, Alishan attracts a large number of tourists who come to seek the peaceful, pristine mountains and forests.

Alishan National Park is located on the Alishan mountain range in Taiwan, like a hidden treasure in the mountains.

2. How to Get to Alishan National Park

2.1 Getting to Taiwan

Currently, there are many direct flights from Vietnam to Taiwan. You can depart from one of Vietnam's three international airports: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Da Nang International Airport (DAD), and Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).

The average flight time to Taiwan is about 3.5 - 4 hours, landing at either Taoyuan International Airport or Kaohsiung International Airport.

Alishan National Park

Vietjet is operating many direct flights from Vietnam to Taiwan at extremely attractive prices.

2.2 Getting to Chiayi City

The HSR high-speed train is the fastest and most convenient means of transportation to Chiayi City:

From Taipei: Taking the HSR high-speed train from Taipei to Chiayi City takes about 1.5 - 2 hours. You can also choose to fly, but consider the time for airport procedures.
From Kaohsiung: It only takes about 1 hour to travel from Kaohsiung to Chiayi City.
From Taichung: Taichung is the closest to Chiayi City, so it only takes about 30-40 minutes by HSR train.

2.3 Getting from Chiayi City to Alishan National Park

From Chiayi City, you can choose one of the following three methods to reach Alishan:

Alishan Railway: The over 100-year-old railway system is one of the iconic features of Alishan National Park. This railway line will take you through the forest, offering panoramic views of the mountains and hills, and allowing you to admire the majestic natural scenery.
Bus: There are always buses available to transport tourists from Chiayi City to Alishan Mountain in Taiwan. You can catch the bus from Chiayi Railway Station or from the HSR Chiayi Station.
Taxi or Private Car: If you enjoy the feeling of being immersed in the fresh air of the mountains and controlling the steering wheel yourself, visit local shops to rent a private car or book a taxi.

See more: How much does it cost to travel to Taiwan? What are the expenses?

3. Explore Exciting Attractions at Alishan National Park

3.1 Traverse the Misty Forest with Alishan Train

The Alishan forest railway system is a pride of the National Park. You'll feel like you're visiting a fairyland as the majestic natural landscapes unfold before your eyes, with towering trees lining the path, lush green tea hills, cascading waterfalls, and mystical mist-shrouded valleys. Alishan has many small stations, allowing you to stop and explore anywhere in the National Park. The most famous route is the Zhushan Line, where you can travel directly to Jade Mountain and witness a picturesque sunrise for 100 TWD per trip.

Alishan National Park

The red train will take you through the forest to explore the majestic nature.

3.2 Giant Tree Trail

Stepping into this area, you'll feel like a tiny person amidst the towering giant trees, proudly standing amidst the mountains, with trunks so large several people can't embrace them. This is also an ideal trail for running, trekking, or organizing camping activities with friends and family. Along the way, there's a small temple called Cihyun and an ancient forest shrine.

Alishan National Park

The towering giant trees stand proudly amidst the mountains.

3.3 Sister Pond

There are two adjacent ponds here with emerald green water, resembling two sisters lying side by side, silently admiring the mountain forest. The larger pond is Elder Sister, rectangular in shape with an area of about 530m², while Younger Sister is square with an area of about 120m². There's a octagonal moon-viewing pavilion between the ponds. Together, they create a romantic, peaceful, and tranquil scenery.

Alishan National Park

Sister Pond offers a romantic and peaceful scene.

3.4 Yuyupas Tea Hill

Here, you can admire the vast green tea hills, enjoy delicious Alishan tea and coffee, along with Alishan's specialty dishes. Additionally, you have the opportunity to explore the culture and history of the Tsou ethnic group, an indigenous tribe with a thousand-year history in Alishan.

3.5 Fenqihu Old Village

Alishan National Park is also a place where the culture of the mountainous people is lived and preserved. Located at an altitude of 1,400m above sea level, Fenqihu Old Village is surrounded by majestic mountains, a rustic and peaceful stopping point. Here, you can enjoy traditional tea houses and mountain specialties such as bamboo rice and smoked chicken. The village is also famous for its hundred-year-old train station and misty ancient streets, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

Fenqihu Old Village is where the culture of mountainous people is lived and preserved.

4. Tips for Exploring Alishan National Park

Here are some travel experiences for Alishan that you should note to have a wonderful trip:

Summer and autumn are the two best times of the year to visit Alishan National Park.

In the summer, around March - April, the weather will be cooler and more pleasant. This is also the time when peach blossoms begin to bloom, adding color to the mountains and forests.
In the fall, maple leaves turn red. You will get romantic virtual photos when walking in the maple forest.

Don't miss the chance to enjoy the diverse cuisine here, such as beef noodles, stinky tofu, century egg, and scallion pancake, at street food stalls to fully experience the original flavors and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Alishan is also famous for its tea, honey, and organic produce. Don't forget to buy them as souvenirs.

Traditional music and dance performances of the mountainous ethnic groups are held on fixed days of the month. Enjoying the art is also a great way to learn more about their culture and history.

Hope the information in this article helps you have a memorable exploration of Alishan National Park. Currently, Vietjet is offering many exciting flights to Taiwan at extremely attractive prices. Don't miss the chance to hunt for 0 Dong tickets every Friday at Vietjet.

See more: Taiwan travel guide: 8 essential experiences

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