Alishan Taiwan Map: Day Trip, Train, Trail Map of Alishan (2025)

Attractions on Alishan Map: Sunrise, Sea of Clouds, Forest Railway, Giant Trees & Sunset

Alishan Map with Attractions

Welcome to Alishan Forest Recreation Area! This Alishan Attractions Map is your key to quickly finding all the must-see spots. Let's dive into the unmissable sights on your Alishan Taiwan map:

• Alishan Forest Railway

First, do remember to experience the legendary Alishan Forest Railway, a scenic train journey winding through the mountains. It starts from Alishan Station.

• Zhaoping Station & Shenmu Station

Zhaoping Station in Zhaoping Park and Shenmu Station offer glimpses of the historic railway. Zhaoping is known for its seasonal flowers, while Sacred Tree is famous for unique train maneuvers.

• Zhaoping Park

In Zhaoping Park, the Cherry Blossoms Trail offers elevated views of tree canopies. It's perfect for admiring seasonal flowers or autumn leaves, with majestic Tashan in the background.

• Sister Ponds

Connected by the Sister Ponds Loop Trail, the two serene, interconnected ponds, mirror the surrounding ancient forest. It's a tranquil spot ideal for quiet reflection amidst nature's calm.

• Three Brothers & Four Sisters

You'll marvel at these unique tree formations, where giant cypress trees grow closely together, naturally resembling siblings. Their impressive size and unusual growth patterns are captivating.

• Golden Pig Blessing & Forever Love Trees

Seek out these natural wonders. A rock resembling a pig offers a "Golden Pig" blessing, while two entwined roots form the "Forever Love" trees, both local favorites for good fortune.

Alishan Sister Ponds

Alishan Golden Pig Auspice

• Magnolia Garden

A stroll through this beautiful garden, especially during its blooming season, is a must. It offers a fragrant and colorful contrast to the towering forest, adding delicate beauty to your hike.

• Shoujhen Temple

This Taoist temple is peacefully nestled among Alishan's ancient trees. It stands as a vibrant cultural and spiritual landmark, offering a glimpse into local beliefs and a moment for quiet contemplation. More temples in Taiwan here!

• Three Generations Tree

Witness nature's incredible resilience with this remarkable sight, as three generations of cypress trees grow from a single ancient stump. It's a powerful symbol of continuous life and natural succession.

• Xianglin Elementary School

Discover Taiwan's highest-altitude elementary school, surrounded by the lush Alishan forest. This delightful sight showcases education thriving in a stunning natural setting.

• Xianglin Sacred Tree

Standing in awe before this majestic, ancient cypress, you'll find one of Alishan's most revered giants. Its immense size and venerable age (2300-year-old!) truly embody the forest's sacred and timeless spirit.

• Alishan Museum

Delve into Alishan's rich history at this museum, made of cypress tree. Here, you can learn about the iconic forest railway, early logging practices, and the vital conservation efforts that preserve this natural treasure.

• Cihyun Temple

Tranquility awaits at this serene Buddhist temple, offering a peaceful sanctuary amidst the vibrant forest. Its calm atmosphere provides a spiritual pause on your journey through Alishan.

Alishan Shoujhen Temple

Alishan Sun Rise

• Alishan Sacred Tree Remains

Finally, encounter the colossal remnants of a once-towering sacred tree, a poignant reminder of Alishan's ancient forest giants. These impressive natural sculptures tell tales of millennia past.

• Zhushan Station

Finally, Zhushan Station, Taiwan's highest railway station, is your prime spot for iconic Yushan views and that legendary Alishan sunrise.

• Zhushan Viewing Point

For the famous sunrise, the Zhushan Viewing Point is your perfect base to catch that magical dawn. It's a Not to Be Missed Alishan activity! More things to do in Taiwan to explore >>

Recommended Tours:

2 Days Alishan Sunrise Tour & Alishan Tea Tour

Your Alishan Day Trip Routes on Alishan Map

Alishan Map with a Day Trip Route

The best way to explore Alishan in one day is to blend the iconic forest train rides with a refreshing hike. You can follow this Alishan map to uncover the Alishan day trip routes!

Here's how to make the most of your day, following our recommended path:

First, start your adventure at Alishan Station. Then, hop aboard the Alishan Forest Railway for a scenic ride to Zhaoping Station.

From Zhaoping, we start our first gentle hike, Route A, leading you downwards. If you're up for more exploration, you can continue your adventure with Hiking Route B, which starts near Shoujhen Temple.

Energy-Saving Tip: If your legs need a break, you can catch a park shuttle bus from the Xianglin Service Area directly back to the Visitor Center, or connect to Route B!

Recommended Tours:

Alishan One Day Tour with Tea Factory Experience

Alishan Train Map: Forest Railway Routes & Stations on Alishan Map

Alishan Train Map - Branch Lines

Alishan Train Map - Main Line

Now let's explore one of the most popular ways to travel around the Alishan Forest Park: by train, using this handy Alishan Forest Railway Map. It's your visual guide to navigating the misty forests.

When you're here in Alishan, while hiking and shuttle buses are options, the iconic Alishan Forest Railway truly stands out. This railway plays 2 roles in your adventure!

First, the Main Line connects Chiayi Station (down at 30 meters above sea level) all the way up to Alishan Station (a staggering 2,216 meters!). It's one of the best ways to enter the park!

Once you've arrived at Alishan Station, which is right inside the Forest Recreation Area, you'll find it convenient to switch to the Branch Lines. These shorter lines are designed to help you explore the park's main attractions with ease.

The Zhushan Line is famous for its early morning "sunrise express," taking you to Zhushan Station – Taiwan's highest railway station, perfect for catching that glorious dawn!

Then there's the Zhaoping Line, often called the "Cherry Blossom Railway," and the Sacred Tree Line, which puts you right among the ancient giant trees.

Alishan with Cherry Blossom

Alishan Forest Train

Check the Latest Alishan Forest Train Schedule

Note: Alishan to Zhushan's daily schedule updates are posted at 4:30 PM the day before (check official website: afrts.forest.gov.tw/TP01_1.aspx).

Alishan Trail Map: Hiking Trails on Alishan Map

Alishan Trail Map

When you're here in nature, the most respectful way to travel is often on foot. I highly recommend you mix our classic forest train rides with some peaceful hikes!

Alishan boasts many beautiful pathways, but based on our local experience, these are the absolute must-try routes (in red) on your Alishan Trail Map:

The Giant Trees Trail is a 600-meter loop. Here, you'll wander through ancient red cypress forests, spotting wonders like the "Xianglin Sacred Tree" and the unique "Three-Generation Tree." Its wooden boardwalks make it easy for everyone!

For a more challenging adventure, the Tashan Trail (3.5 km one-way) starts at Sister Ponds and leads to the sacred Mount Tashan (2,663 m). From the summit, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Yushan peaks and the entire Alishan area.

To catch the famous sunrise without the train, hike the Zhushan Sunrise Trail (about 2 km from Zhaoping Park). This path takes you through cypress forests to the Zhushan observation deck for stunning dawn views. You can even take the Zhushan Line train back!

Don't miss the serene Sister Ponds Loop Trail. This 180-meter wooden boardwalk circles the tranquil mountain lakes, famous for reflecting cypress trees and the legend of the Tsou sisters.

Alishan Giant Tree Walkway

Alishan Giant Tree Walkway

During spring (March-April), the Cherry Blossoms Trail (Zhaoping Station to Alishan Police Station, about 1 km) transforms into a stunning "cherry blossom tunnel." It's Taiwan's most beautiful railway cherry view, especially with a passing red train!

Finally, for a unique seasonal treat, the Mihu Trail is a 2.6 km path through bamboo forests and streams. In summer (April-June), it becomes a secret haven for fireflies!

Bus Routes on Alishan Map

Alishan Map with Bus Routes

For those looking for another convenient way to explore, this Alishan Bus Route Map shows you the park's electric bus system – a third option for getting around the Alishan Forest Recreation Area!

As you can see on this Alishan map, the bus route connects all the main attractions.

Cherry Blossom Spots on Alishan Map: Where to See Alishan Sakura?

Alishan Map with Cherry Blossom Spots

If you're visiting in spring, this Alishan Cherry Blossom Spots on Map is your helpful guide to finding all the best places to witness Alishan's stunning sakura!

Alishan's cherry blossoms, primarily Yoshino, create a breathtaking pink and white sea, mostly concentrated in the recreation area's core.

Our Alishan map highlights spots like:

• The Cherry Blossoms Trail (Zhaoping Station to Police Station) for a delightful 1km stroll.
• Don't miss Zhaoping Park's Observation Deck for panoramic views.
• Or the "Sakura King" at Alishan Workstation signaling peak bloom (mid-March to mid-April).
• The historic Alishan Hotel and Ciyun Temple also offer charming floral scenes.

Alishan with Cherry Blossom

See Beautiful Cherry Blossoms at Alishan Forest Park

Best Time for Alishan Cherry Blossom? Go mid-March to mid-April.

Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival: Alishan even hosts a grand Cherry Blossom Festival each spring (e.g., March 10 - April 10 in 2025)! Contact Asia Odyssey Travel to book your Alishan trip in advance.

Alishan Location on Map: Where Is Alishan Located in Taiwan?

Alishan Location on Map

Now it's time to figure out how to get to Alishan! First, take a look at this Alishan Map with Location to understand exactly where Alishan is situated in Taiwan.

As you can see on this Alishan map, Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is nestled in the heart of Taiwan's central-southern region, specifically within Alishan Township, Chiayi County.

It is a picturesque recreational area known for its alpine forests, walking paths and sweeping mountain views.

How to Go to Alishan Taiwan? Transport Routes on Alishan Map

Alishan Map with Transport Routes

To make your journey to Alishan Taiwan super smooth, rely on this Alishan Map with Transport Routes – your go-to guide for getting here!

As you can see on this Alishan map and in this table, Chiayi serves as the primary gateway to reach Alishan!

From Chiayi, your most efficient options are the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus (Route B or A), taking 2.5-3 hours, or the scenic Alishan Forest Railway, which clocks in at 3.5-5 hours. For ultimate convenience, take a car, taking 2.5-3 hours.

Related Article:How to Get from Chiayi to Alishan: Chiayi HSR or TRA Station Departure?

If you're starting from Taichung, take the HSR to Chiayi HSR Station (0.5h) then connect to a Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus (2.5-3h), making your total travel time around 3-3.5 hours. Or, take a direct car, a 3-3.5 hours' ride.

Related Article:Taichung to Alishan Train, Bus or Car in 3 Hrs via Chiayi (2025)

From Taipei, the fastest route is via HSR to Chiayi HSR Station (1h), followed by the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus (Route A) to Alishan (3h), for a combined 4-hour journey.

Related Article:Taipei to Alishan Train, Bus or by Car: 5 Easiest Routes | 2025

Lastly, a direct Yuanlin Bus (Route 6739) from Sun Moon Lake will get you there in approximately 3.5 hours. Check out things to do at Sun Moon Lake!

Related Article:3 Direct Plans from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan: A Scenic Ride! (2025)

Hotels on Alishan Map: Where to Stay in Alishan?

Alishan Map with Hotel Areas

Finally, let's look at this Hotels on Alishan Map. It's your guide to know Alishan's main accommodation areas and some of my hotel recommendations!

You have two main options: inside the Alishan Forest Recreation Area or just outside.

• Inside the Park

Inside the Park accommodations are perfect if you're keen on catching the sunrise and saving energy. You'll be within walking distance of Alishan or Zhaoping Station (for the Zhushan sunrise train) and the Sacred Tree Trail. The downside is rooms can be smaller, older, and pricier.

Our top picks include: Alishan Shermuh Hotel, Alishan Hotel, and Dafeng Villa.

• Outside the Park

Staying Outside the Park is great for those with their own car or looking for more variety and value. Just remember, it's about a 40-50 minute drive to the park entrance.

You'll find charming B&Bs, boutique hotels, and tea plantation views in peaceful surroundings like Shizhao, Xiding, Fenqihu (with its nostalgic old street), and Fanlu.

Explore with Asia Odyssey Travel's Alishan Map

So, there you have it – your comprehensive Alishan Map Guide to exploring Alishan's wonders!

While planning your trip can be fun, for a truly seamless experience, consider Asia Odyssey Travel's private car service and group tour.

We specialize in Taiwan itinerary DIY, partnering exclusively with local guides, trusted drivers, and valuable hotels to ensure you get the most out of your Taiwan travel guide.

Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the amazing things to do in Taiwan! We can also help you understand the typical Taiwan travel cost and the best time to visit Taiwan for your dream trip.