What to do & where to go in Alishan: 15 top things to do & best places to visit in Alishan, Taiwan

Traveling to Alishan is a magical journey that takes you to discover majestic landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and fresh air. So, where to go in Alishan, what to do in Alishan? Let’s check out 15 most beautiful & best places to visit as well as best things to do in Alishan, Taiwan in this article!

Traveling is not only an opportunity to explore the culture and history of a country, but also a journey to find wonderful moments amidst majestic nature. In the journey to explore the world, Alishan National Park in Taiwan has emerged as a destination not to be missed. This is not only a natural tourist area but also a place associated with the long-standing traditions of the Taiwanese people.

Let’s start the journey with Living Nomads through the vast hills, admire the beautiful scenery and feel the unique flavor when traveling to Alishan.

Giant Cypress Trees in Alishan

Chiayi: Alishan Mountain Discovery Journey from Kaohsiung

Alishan always makes us remember the feeling of peace from the first time we set foot here. The cool air, towering cypress forests and wooden paths winding through the mountains make the trip feel like a true escape from the city. If you like a gentle experience, leisurely walking and breathing in the scent of the young forest, Alishan is truly a lovely place.

Alishan Tour Package: Popular Attractions + Souvenirs

My favorite is the Giant Tree Trail. Standing among the giant cypress trees so tall that I have to crane my neck, I understand why this place is always on the must-visit list of Asian tourists. An interesting point on the trail is the Three Generation Tree. Local people consider it a symbol of vitality, like a story about the mountains and forests that has been preserved for many generations.

Where to go in Alishan: Shenmu Road Area – The Path Between the Ancient Cypress Forest

Shenmu Area is where we feel the most clearly the majesty of Alishan. Entering the forest, you will see cypress trunks so big that several people cannot hug them. Each tree is from several hundred to more than two thousand years old, standing tall like guardians of the mountains and forests. The wooden path in the middle of the forest is my favorite spot, it is easy to walk and gives the feeling of being lost in a real fairy tale forest.

Going a little deeper, you will see a small temple and an ancient pagoda worshiping the forest god. The space is quiet and sacred, enough for you to stand still for a few minutes, listening to the wind blowing through the trees and feeling much lighter. Locals believe that the forest god is always here to maintain the harmony between humans and nature, and when you get there, you will easily understand why they preserve this area so carefully.

Alishan Mianyue Line Hiking Day Tour in Chiayi

If you like a slow experience, Shenmu has an area that allows camping. The evenings here are cool and quiet, waking up in the morning to hear the birds chirping in the middle of the forest is a feeling that is hard to find in crowded tourist spots. Shenmu is also a place where many tourists come to watch the sunrise and sunset. On beautiful days, the sea of ​​clouds floats right below your eyes, the light covers the forest, creating a scene that is both gentle and warm.

Alishan Forest Railway

The Alishan Forest Railway made us feel like we were embarking on a very gentle adventure. The small, red train stood out among the green forest, running slowly enough for you to see each layer of trees and the thin mist drifting past the window. The space inside was quiet, only the sound of iron rails and the wind blowing in. When the train passed through thick forest sections, the light shining through the tree canopy created beautiful patches of light and dark, making me want to keep taking pictures.

Alishan Forest Railway 1-Day & Multi-Day Tour from Taichung

The time I took the Zhushan line to watch the sunrise, the first light of day appeared right behind the mountain range, making the whole train car exclaim with excitement. The Shenmu and Zhaoping lines, on the other hand, brought a more peaceful and quiet feeling, suitable for those who want to gently watch the forest after walking around the scenic area. If you choose to go early in the morning, remember to bring warm clothes and arrive at the station a little early to choose a seat near the window.

Yuyupas Tea Hill – The Endless Green Strip in Alishan

Exploring Yuyupas Tea Hill surprised me because this place not only has beautiful scenery but also helps me understand more about the Tsou people, one of the oldest indigenous tribes in Alishan. When I came here, I watched cultural performances, heard stories about traditional tea growing and enjoyed hot tea in the fresh air. It felt both relaxing and like I was stepping into a part of the history of this mountainous region.

Chiayi: Alishan One-Day Tour (Taichung City Pick-up)

The Yuyupas area also has many local specialties, from hand-roasted coffee to Tsou-flavored meals, which is very suitable if you want to combine sightseeing and cultural experiences. Because the area is far from the center and the road is quite winding, I chose to rent a private car on Klook to conveniently travel between Chiayi – Alishan – Fenchi Lake. Having a local driver to take me there made the journey much more comfortable and I had more time to fully enjoy the mountain air.

Alishan Museum – A Place to Preserve a Part of History

Alishan Museum is where I visit when I want to understand more about this mountain region beyond the beauty of the familiar forests and red ships. The museum is located right in the Alishan National Scenic Area, the surrounding space is very airy and green. Inside, the history of the logging industry from the Japanese period and many stories about the indigenous tribes are displayed. I especially like the area about the Tsou people because the way they are attached to the mountains and forests is told very truthfully.

This is also a pleasant place for the whole family. The campus is large, with many views of the mountains and cypress forests, so you can both view the exhibition and rest in the yard. The day I visited, the weather was cool and sunny, and I felt like I was learning more about Alishan while relaxing in a very peaceful setting. If you want to add a little cultural depth to your trip, the Alishan Museum is a great place to visit.

Sister Pond – A Virtual Living Spot Like a Fairy Tale in the Forest

Sister Pond is one of my favorite places in Alishan because the scenery is so peaceful. The area includes two natural turquoise ponds, so clear that you can see the moss patches at the bottom. Elder Sister Pond is large and rectangular, with a mirror-like surface. Younger Sister Pond is smaller but has its own cuteness, nestled in the middle of the forest, so it always feels cool and quiet.

When walking around the lake, you will feel like they are lost in a corner of a fairy tale. The mist is thin and the light shines through the treetops, creating beautiful streaks of light. The atmosphere here is so light that you just want to slow down to fully enjoy the peace of Alishan. If you need a place to relax after exploring the cypress forest or taking the train through the forest, Sister Pond is really the right place.

Fenqihu Ancient Village – A Small Village with the Breath of Old Taiwan

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket

Located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, Fenqihu Ancient Village is a great stop on the journey to explore Alishan. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Fenqihu is like a rustic and peaceful countryside painting. This place is famous for its hundreds of years old train station, considered the pride of the local people.

Alishan Tour Package: Popular Attractions + Souvenirs

Coming to Fenqihu, you can both enjoy the natural beauty and have the opportunity to explore the small alleys, see the ancient houses and meet the friendly locals. The ancient village is also famous for its local food and is an ideal place to stop and enjoy traditional Taiwanese cuisine.

Xianglin Sacred Tree – Giant Ancient Tree in the Middle of Alishan Forest

Xianglin Sacred Tree was the place that surprised me the most during my trip to Alishan. Walking along the wooden path and seeing the tree trunk appear before my eyes, I really had to stop for a few seconds. The tree was so big that even if I stood close, I could not reach halfway. When I looked up, the tree canopy was so high that it almost disappeared into the thin mist above, creating the feeling of standing under a “giant” that had lived for thousands of years.

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What I like is that the surrounding area is very neat, with only a simple wooden path running around. Thanks to that, you can slowly admire each wood grain, each rough section of the trunk and feel the age of the tree. The air here is strangely quiet. Even though there are tourists, people often automatically lower their voices, as if everyone understands that they are standing in front of a sacred place in the forest. If you want to have a quiet moment during your trip to Alishan, Xianglin Sacred Tree is a small but valuable stop.

Tashan Lookout – Majestic Mountain View After a Light Hike

Tashan Lookout is a place I recommend for those who want to be a little more active when coming to Alishan. The hiking trail to the top is quite open and easy to follow, taking about 2 to 3 hours on average. Along the way, there are many sections with open views, you can stop to rest and admire the mountains and forests stretching below. The day I went, the weather was sunny and cool, so the journey to the top was easier than I thought.

The reward for you is the impressive mountain scenery. If the weather is clear, you can also see the famous Alpine Ridge of Alishan very clearly. Sitting at the lookout for a while, I felt like I was taking in all of Alishan in my sight. This is an ideal stop if you want to combine light climbing and sightseeing in the same trip.

Shouzhen Temple – The Oldest Temple in the Alishan Forest

Shouzhen Temple is the largest and oldest temple in the Alishan scenic area, where I clearly feel the solemnity of this mountain area. From afar, I saw the red tiled roof standing out among the cypress forest. Stepping inside, the morning incense scent gently spread, making the space very pleasant. The temple architecture has many beautiful patterns, the warm colors look very delicate up close.

Chiayi Xiang He Leisure Farm Experience Ticket

What I like most is that the temple is not too crowded, so you can leisurely stroll, listen to the wind blowing through the tiled roof and enjoy the quiet atmosphere. This is an ideal stop if you want to add a little cultural experience between the journey to see the forest and lake in Alishan.

Famous Tourist Destinations Near Alishan For You

If you travel to Alishan for a long time, you can consider nearby tourist attractions to “enrich” your travel schedule at a cost-saving cost.

Hinoki Village – A Peaceful Japanese-Style Village

Located east of Chiayi City, Hikoni Ancient Village is a unique destination near Alishan. With traditional Japanese-influenced architecture and the main material being wood, this village brings you a rustic space and closeness to nature.

Currently, Taiwan Hinoki Village consists of 28 houses fully equipped with facilities such as food stores, souvenir stalls, public toilets and resort accommodation, etc. All of these are harmoniously designed to serve tourists who come here to visit and experience a quiet life.

The Sun Shooting Tower

The Sun Shooting Tower is located in Chiayi Park, 62m high and inspired by the giant tree trunk in Alishan Forest. When you come here, you can climb to the 11th floor of the tower to enjoy the observation space and see the whole view of Chiayi City.

Besides, you can also visit the Sun-shoot Art Gallery on the 10th floor, Tower Cafe on the 11th floor and the Rooftop Garden on the 12th floor. Chiayi Tower is not only a unique attraction but also a special place to experience culture and art in Chiayi.

Sun Moon Lake

With its tranquil beauty and clear blue water, it creates a peaceful and relaxing space. You can relax and enjoy the tranquil scenery of the mountains and forests and participate in recreational activities such as kayaking to enjoy the space of Sun Moon Lake.

In addition, the area around the lake also has stops such as cafes and lakeside restaurants, creating favorable conditions for you to relax and enjoy special cuisine.

Song Of The Forest

Song Of The Forest is a unique space located in Jiayi. Created from wood, stone and old railway tracks, this is an outdoor art symbol designed by Wang Wen Zhi.

In particular, the use of these materials not only makes the project impressive but also brings a message about environmental protection and the importance of preserving natural resources.

Chiayi Botanical Garden

Chiayi Botanical Garden is a great tourist attraction located near Alishan Garden. With an area of ​​about 8.6 hectares, this is a treasure trove of more than 140 species of plants. Visitors to Chiayi Botanical Garden will learn about the diversity of the plant world, from grasses to perennials, from flowers to herbs. This is not only a place to relax but also an opportunity to get more useful information about Taiwan’s unique flora and fauna and herbs.

Famous Hotels in Alishan with Good Prices

Your trip to Alishan, Taiwan, will be more enjoyable when you choose a satisfactory place to stay. Below are some good-priced hotels in Alishan that you should not miss.

Alishan House Hotel

With classic architecture and fully equipped rooms, Alishan House promises to bring you a comfortable space when you are immersed in the surrounding nature. The hotel’s restaurant also offers a variety of unique and delicious dishes. (klook, agoda)

Address: No.16, Xianlin Vil., Alishan Township, Chiayi

Alishan Tea Garden Hotel

Located among the vast green tea gardens, Alishan Tea Garden offers a stay experience close to nature. The spacious rooms here are designed in traditional Taiwanese style, combined with modern amenities. (klook, agoda)

Address: No.9, Longtou, Fanlu Township, Chiayi

H& Seeking – Alishan Sunrise Hotel

A suitable place to stay for you to watch the Alishan sunrise, H& Seeking – Alishan Sunrise is an ideal choice for you to experience the tranquility of this wonderful natural picture. In particular, the rooms here are designed to be airy with large windows. (klook, agoda)

Address: No. 17-19, Longtou, Fanlu Township, Chiayi

Hotel Indigo Alishan, An IHG Hotel

Indigo Alishan offers a perfect combination of modern design and natural space. With luxurious furniture and modern facilities, the hotel attracts visitors with its cozy space and thoughtful customer support service. (klook, agoda)

Address: No. 20, Longtou, Fanlu Township, Chiayi

Alishan My Landscape Hotel

With a great view of the surrounding mountains and green forests, Alishan My Landscape Hotel offers a comfortable and cozy stay experience. The rooms are fully equipped and designed in a modern style. (klook, agoda)

Address: No. 19-6, Longtou, Fanlu Township, Chiayi

FAQs About Alishan Tourist Attractions

Where should I start my visit to Alishan?

You can start from the central area such as Zhaoping Park, Sister Pond or Shouzhen Temple because these places are close together and easy to walk. Then continue to Shenmu, Xianglin Sacred Tree and the trails.

Is Shenmu difficult to walk?

No. The wooden path is wide and flat, suitable for the whole family. You only need to walk lightly for about 30 to 40 minutes to explore the whole area.

When is the best time to see Sister Pond?

Early morning when the water is clear and there is light mist is the best time. Late afternoon sunlight shining through the forest is also very beautiful for taking pictures.

Which line should you take on the Alishan Forest Railway?

The Zhushan line is for watching the sunrise. The Shenmu and Zhaoping lines are suitable for watching the forest and walking gently in the scenic area.

Is Fenqihu located in the Alishan area?

Fenqihu is not located in the Alishan Scenic Area but is on the way from Chiayi to Alishan, very convenient for stopping to eat and stroll around the old town.

Is Tashan Lookout suitable for new hikers?

Yes. The path is not too steep, taking about 2 to 3 hours. Beginners can still go if they wear good shoes and bring water.

What time does Shouzhen Temple open?

The temple is open all day, but the morning is the best time because the air is cool and the light incense scent creates a quiet feeling.

Where is Xianglin Sacred Tree and does it take a long time to visit?

The tree is located near the center of Alishan. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to visit, but the scenery is impressive and worth a visit.

Is Alishan suitable for children and the elderly?

Yes. Most of the paths are paved or flat. Many attractions are close together, so there is no need to move too much.

What is the best season to explore Alishan?

March to May has cherry blossoms. October to December has autumn leaves. Summer is cool and winter has fog and thick sea of ​​clouds.

Alishan National Park is a magical journey that brings you closer to the mysterious and exquisite beauty of nature in Taiwan. Besides the majestic scenery of Alishan Mountain Range, this National Park is also an ideal destination to experience the rich culture, history and cuisine of Taiwan.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Alishan you can refer to

• Discover Alishan Mountain
• Alishan Forest Railway Day Tour from Taichung
• Alishan Forest Railway 2 Day Tour
• 2D1N Alishan Forest Railway Day Trip
• Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket
• Alishan Forest Railway 3-day Tour
• Shared City Transfers between Chiayi and Alishan
• 4G SIM Card (TPE Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Far EasTone Telecom
• 4G WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan
• [Sale – Taiwan Food Promo] Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taipei
• THSR Exclusive Discount One Way Ticket from Taoyuan (Two Tickets for the Price of One)

Are you looking for more Alishan travel guide and top things to do in Alishan: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Alishan autumn — Where to go & what to do in Alishan, Taiwan in the fall? And Alishan trip blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide on how to make an Alishan day trip from Taipei.