Take Sunrise Train: Looking for Best Sunrise above Clouds in Taiwan
Sunlight always leaks through curtains to wake you. But what about getting a head start and saying hello to the sun first? Especially in a refreshing Alishan forest. Our 2 Day Alishan Sunrise Tour will wait with you as morning glow paints the sky golden, and together, as the sun leaps forth.
With our Alishan 2 Day Tour, you'll head to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan's natural landmark. Ride forest train, one of the world's three high-mountain railways, to experience its snake-like climb. Hike among sacred trees. The next day, take Zhushan Sunrise Train for Alishan Sunrise. Afterward, visit a tea factory for high-mountain tea picking, rolling, and brewing.
Travel with us to welcome a stunning new day!
Taipei, Taiwan
Hotel pick-up.
Alishan, Taiwan (1.5 Days)
Alishan forest train, hiking (pick A or B route), and sunrise.
Meishan, Chiayi County, Taiwan (0.5 Day)
Tea factory experience (tea picking, tea hand-rolling, or a bamboo forest tea ceremony).
Chiayi, Taiwan
Chiayi departure.
Li Hao (Hello)! Welcome to Taipei. Our guide and driver will pick you up at hotel and take you to Alishan. You will enjoy a Alishan 2 Day Tour with sunrise.
Drive 4.5 hours to Alishan, a major Taiwanese natural landmark. You'll visit the core Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (阿里山森林游乐区), over 2,000 meters above sea level. This is Taiwan's most popular forest recreation area, famous for its forest railway, giant trees, evening glow, sunrise, and sea of clouds. The Alishan Forest Railway, one of only three high-mountain railways left globally. You’ll love red trains cut through mist, gliding past trees as they climb the mountain. Take ride and step into forest world! Choose Nature (A) route or Culture (B) route:
A Route (Zhaoping Station, Sisters Ponds, Three Brothers & Four Sisters, Golden Pig Auspice, Forever Love, Magnolia Garden, Shouzhen Temple)
Ride forest train or shuttle to Zhaoping Station. Then walk to Sisters Ponds where two sisters, loving same man but unwilling to harm each other, ended their lives. Then visit Three Brothers & Four Sisters (trees from shared roots), reach Golden Pig Auspice, a pig-typed tree stump shimmering under sun. Pass heart-shaped Forever Love tree to Magnolia Garden, and Shouzhen Temple (Alishan's largest temple dedicated to its guardian deity). Return by shuttle.
B Route (Shouzhen Temple, Three Generations of Wood, Alishan Museum, Xianglin Elementary School, Ciyun Temple, Alishan Sacred Tree Remains)
Take shuttle to start at Shouzhen Temple, visit Three Generations of Wood (three trees stubbornly growing from a single root). Explore Alishan Museum (tree specimens, indigenous culture), pass Xianglin Elementary (Taiwan's highest-altitude school), then reach cultural landmark of Alishan - Ciyun Temple (high Buddhist temple, Japanese Zen style). See Alishan Sacred Tree Remains, including the 2,300-year-old Xianglin Sacred Tree (香林神木). After gazing up at king of forest, take train back to the entrance.
Tips:
After the tour, take shuttle bus to hotel in Alishan.
Today, admire Alishan sunrise at dawn and tour high-mountain tea factory.
Wake up before dawn to witness the sunrise. The Alishan sunrise is one of its most famous wonders, ranking alongside its sacred trees and forest train. You'll watch sunrise from Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform, one of Taiwan's highest viewpoints at 2,451 meters above sea level, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of cloud seas, mountains, and the rising sun.
You'll take a shuttle to Alishan Station, then board Zhushan Line train, specially designed for sunrise viewing. The train ride is 25-35 minutes, followed by a 20-minute walk to viewing platform.
Await your sunrise moment! The morning glow paints the sky golden, layer by layer. Then, the sun slowly peeks out. Finally, it ascends fully. Golden light spreads across the land.
After that, drive to Chasandai Tea Factory (茶三代) in Meishan, Chiayi, to experience a tea farm’s life. This region is renowned for high-mountain tea, a representative of Taiwan’s tea culture. Teas leaves grow slowly above 1,200 meters amid mist, significant temperature shifts, and brief sunlight. This results in a fresh aroma and a lingering sweetness.
You can choose to attend one or all: tea picking, tea hand-rolling, or a bamboo forest tea ceremony.
After the tour, drive back to Chiayi hotel or train station for your next destination. We, Asia Odyssey Travel, are so glad to accompany you for Alishan 2-Day Tour, and are always prepared to design your destination in China and Asia. See you again!
Extend Your Alishan Tour: Our travel car can take you to Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, , Kaohsiung in Taiwan.
What's Included:
What's Excluded:
Yunnan is a highly mountainous province, with many destinations situated at high elevations. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness, especially if traveling to places like Lijiang (2,400m) or Shangri-La (3,400m). Acclimate gradually and stay hydrated.
Yunnan's climate can vary dramatically, even within the same day. Bring clothing that can be easily layered, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially in the highlands.
The high-altitude sun in Yunnan can be intense. Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn and UV exposure.
Yunnan is home to a diverse array of ethnic minority groups. Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
Yunnan is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Be adventurous and sample local specialties like crossing-the-bridge noodles, Yunnan ham, and the region's unique variety of mushrooms.
Yunnan can experience sudden changes in weather, from heavy rains to snow, even during the same trip. Pack appropriate clothing and gear to be prepared for varying conditions.
By keeping these tips in mind, travelers can help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience during their visit to the stunning Yunnan province.
In Yunnan, there are many different hotel styles and types to choose from. No matter travelers choose to overnights in Kunming, Shilin, Yuanyang, Jianshui, Dali, Lijiang, or Shangri-la.
To cater to diverse traveler preferences and budgets, we offer a curated selection of accommodations. Our options include luxurious 5-star hotels, comfortable 4-star options, and economical 3-star establishments. All our selected hotels are conveniently located near city centers or popular tourist spots.
Find your perfect hotel for a great Yunnan experience! Our knowledgeable travel experts can provide you with various pricing options based on different hotels. Whether you seek a luxurious stay or have specific preferences, our experts will assist you in choosing the best option that suits your needs.
Price: request
(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)
Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.