Every year, from March to April, Alishan, a renowned mountainous region in Taiwan, comes alive with the delicate hues of cherry blossom. The journey from the foothills to the mountaintop is a mesmerizing experience, with each kilometer offering a unique and breathtaking view.
Alishan boasts a diverse range of cherry blossom varieties, with the Yoshino cherry being the most abundant. As March unfolds, these blossoms announce the arrival of spring, followed by a cascade of Taiwan mountain cherry, double-flowered cherry, cold mountain cherry, Fuji cherry, and peony cherry, creating a sea of pink that captivates the senses.
Enhancing the charm of cherry blossoms viewing in Alishan is the presence of Japanese-style architecture. Whether you choose to enjoy a cup of tea under the cherry blossom trees or stroll through the high mountain tea plantations while admiring the panoramic views, every moment is infused with a sense of tranquility and beauty.
Source: KKday
Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Alishan
Alishan Forest Recreation Area
Alishan Police Station (Cherry Blossom King)
Source: 阿里山國家森林遊樂區 FB
The area in front of Alishan police station is home to the iconic “Sakura King,” a hundred-year-old Yoshino cherry tree that serves as an indicator of cherry blossom season. The blossoming of Sakura King heralds the blooming of other Yoshino cherry trees in the area, ensuring a week-long spectacle of cherry blossoms.
Alishan Hotel
Source: BAZAAR
For an authentic Japanese cherry blossom viewing experience, the Alishan Hotel is a must-visit. Built during the Japanese colonial period, the hotel features Japanese-style architecture surrounded by Yoshino cherry trees. The pink petals dancing in the breeze during sunset create a nostalgic ambiance.
San Dai Mu (Three-Generational Tree)
This famous landmark along the Alishan Forest Park trail features a centuries-old tree that has been regenerated three times from the same root. Its heart-shaped knot and lush foliage make it a popular tourist attraction during cherry blossom season.
Source: 好好玩
Zhaoping Station
Source: IG@@cho840929
Cherry Blossom Railway Along the railway between Alishan Police Station and Zhaoping Station, cherry blossoms adorn both sides of the tracks, creating a stunning backdrop for the iconic Alishan train. Even the steam train joins in the celebration during the cherry blossom season’s opening ceremony.
Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform
Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Headquarter
Starting from Zhushan Park, a 40-minute journey leads to this platform, offering a breathtaking view of the sunrise amidst cherry blossoms. Visitors can also catch the Zhushan Sunrise Train and witness the sunrise before strolling back along the cherry blossom-lined path.
Other Cherry Blossom Spots in Alishan
Maitreya Zen Temple
Before venturing into Alishan, visitors can stop by Maitreya Zen Temple to admire the blooming double-flowered cherry blossoms. The temple’s surroundings, reminiscent of Mount Fuji, create a picturesque setting for cherry blossom photography.
Source: 肉魯 走遍全台灣
Shizhuo Cherry Blossom Trail
The Cherry Blossom Trail, part of the Shizhuo Trail Network, is located near Shizhuo along the Alishan Highway in Taiwan. This popular spot, adjacent to the Shizhuo Information Station and opposite the entrance/exit of the “Xia Trail,” attracts crowds of flower enthusiasts during the cherry blossom season.
Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Headquarter
The 130-meter wooden boardwalk gently winds down, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque tea plantations. Adorned with the romantic hues of cherry blossoms, the trail features a dense concentration of Showa and mountain cherry trees, creating a captivating sight just steps away from each other. The high density of cherry trees never fails to surprise visitors, typically reaching peak bloom in late February.
Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Headquarter
Moreover, the Cherry Blossom Trail offers a unique nighttime cherry blossom viewing experience, illuminated by soft lighting from dusk until 10 p.m., enhancing the romantic ambiance. Additionally, special cultural events like the Night Sakura Tea Ceremony, requiring reservations, offer a sensory delight with meticulously arranged tea settings and the aroma of freshly brewed high mountain tea complemented by live music performances. It’s truly an immersive experience, indulging all the senses in the enchanting setting of a cherry blossom forest at night.
Xiding Second Yenping Trail
Known for its stunning sunset views, this trail is adorned with cherry blossoms and offers panoramic vistas of bamboo groves and tea plantations. The combination of cherry blossoms and sunset creates a breathtaking spectacle.
Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Headquarter
Wanna see more cherry blossoms besides in Alishan? Here are 8 Amazing Places to See Taiwan Cherry Blossom 2024!
Transportation
How to get to Alishan Forest Recreation Area
For travelers planning their journey to Alishan Forest Recreation Area, several transportation options are available:
🌸 High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
From Chiayi HSR Station, take Exit 2 and transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bound for Alishan. Alternatively, you can opt for the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) from Chiayi HSR Station to Chiayi Train Station, then transfer to Alishan-bound transportation.
🌸 Taiwan Railways (TRA) to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
From Chiayi Train Station, board the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to Alishan.
🌸 Self-driving
Various routes are accessible by car, including
(1) National Highway 3 to County Road 162 or County Road 166
(2) National Highway 1 to County Road 82
(3) National Highway 3 to County Road 18.
Alishan Forest Railways
Shenmu line, Zhushan line and Zhaoping line
Alishan Forest Railway, a beloved attraction in Taiwan, offers a variety of experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the nostalgia of railway travel. Divided into daily-operating mainlines, branch lines, themed trains, weekend specials like the Hinoki Train, and upcoming arrivals such as the All-Hinoki Carriage “Fukusen” and “Xuyue” trains in April, the Alishan Railway promises a memorable journey for all.
Ticketing Information
Tickets can be purchased through on-site ticket counters, online booking, or ticket vending machines in the lobby of Alishan Station. Each ID card can reserve up to six tickets per travel day, with a maximum of twelve tickets for round trips.
Zhushan Line
Tailored for sunrise viewing, the Zhushan Line offers a spectacular experience, especially at the Zhushan Sunrise Platform. Zhushan Station, the highest-altitude railway station in Taiwan, provides a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscapes.
Source: Bella
🌸 Zhushan Line Route
The Zhushan Line starts from the Alishan New Station, passing through Zhaoping, Shizi Fendao, Duogao Yue, and Zhushan.
🌸 Ticket
The schedule of Zhushan Line trains is adjusted daily based on different sunrise times. To take the train, pay attention to the announcement of departure information at 4:30 PM the day before the scheduled operation, which will be made at the Alishan Forest Railway online ticketing system, Alishan Station, the entrance of the recreational area, and the passenger service center.
- Ticket prices:
Full fare 150 NT dollars, half fare 75 NT dollars. - Ticket on-site sales hours and locations:
Opening dates: Available from noon one day before the travel date up to 12 days in advance.
(1) Jiayi Station, Beimen Station, Zhuqi Station, Jiaoliping Station, and Fenqihu Station: 08:00-16:30 (2) Alishan Station 2F: 08:30-16:30
(3) Alishan Station 1F: Selling tickets for the Zhushan Line on the day of operation up to 30 minutes before departure. - Online ticketing:
Opening dates: Available from noon one day before the travel date up to 14 days in advance.
Online ticketing hours: 06:00-24:00.
(For tickets for the Zhushan Line for the following day, the latest time for booking is noon one day before the travel date.)
Ticketing website: https://afrts.forest.gov.tw/TP01_1.aspx
🌸 Note
(1) Zhushan Line operation time: Announcement of departure information at 4:30 PM the day before the operation at the Alishan Forest Railway online ticketing system, Alishan Station, the entrance of the recreational area, and the passenger service center.
(2) The latest time for booking tickets for the Zhushan Line for the following day is noon one day before the travel date.
(3) The Zhushan Line sunrise train has resumed stopping at Zhushan Station (no longer stopping at Duogao Yue midway), allowing passengers to take the Alishan Forest Railway to enjoy the sunrise scenery.
Shenmu Line
As the name suggests, along the route, you can admire various ancient sacred trees with extremely high ages. Taking a ride to the Shenmu Station not only allows you to walk to the Giant Tree Group Trail but also offers a panoramic view of the towering and magnificent scenes of red cypress, making it an essential attraction not to be missed in Alishan. It is also one of the most evocative branch lines of the railway.
🌸 Shenmu Line Route
Shenmu Station and Alishan Station.
Source: 阿里山林業鐵路及文化資產管理處
🌸 Ticket
- Ticket Prices:
Full fare 100 NT dollars, half fare 50 NT dollars. - Ticket on-site sales hours and locations:
(1) TRA Jiayi Station, Beimen Station, Zhuqi Station, Jiaoliping Station, and Fenqihu Station: 08:00-17:00
(2) Alishan Station 2F: 08:30-16:30 - Online Ticketing:
Opening Dates: Available from one day before the travel date up to 14 days in advance. Online Ticketing Hours: 06:00-24:00.
Ticketing Website: https://afrts.forest.gov.tw/TP01_1.aspx
Zhaoping Line
Source: 阿里山林業鐵路及文化資產管理處
The Zhaoping Line is the shortest among the Alishan Forest Railway lines. After disembarking, you can walk to scenic spots like the enchanting Sisters Ponds and Zhaoping Park. From here, you can also ascend from a high point along stairs to reach the Shenmu Station, enjoying diverse forest landscapes.
🌸 Zhaoping Line Route
Between Alishan Station and Zhaoping Station, with cypress carriages attached every Wednesday.
🌸 Ticket
- Ticket Prices:
Full fare 100 NT dollars, half fare 50 NT dollars. - Ticket on-site sales hours and locations:
(1) TRA Jiayi Station, Beimen Station, Zhuqi Station, Jiaoliping Station, and Fenqihu Station: 08:00-17:00
(2) Alishan Station 2F: 08:30-16:30 - Online Ticketing:
Opening Dates: Available from one day before the travel date up to 14 days in advance. Online Ticketing Hours: 06:00-24:00.
Ticketing Website: https://afrts.forest.gov.tw/TP01_1.aspx
Fukusen and Xuyue Trains
(Left) Fukusen line / (Right) Xuyue line, Source: 阿里山國家風景區及文化資產管理區
Scheduled to debut in April, the Fukusen and Xuyue trains promise a luxurious journey with their all-Hinoki wood carriages. Adorned with innovative designs and luxurious interiors, these trains offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
How to get to other spots in Alishan
Maitreya Zen Temple
Unfortunately, there is no suitable option from public transportation to reach Maitreya Zen Temple. The closest bus station is 30-minute walk from the temple. It is recommended to drive a car or ride a motorcycle to get there. The address is here on the Google map. From Chiayi station, it takes less than one hour by car or motorcycle to get to Maitreya Zen Temple.
Shizhuo Cherry Blossom Trail
Heading towards Shizhuo, you will pass by the Maitreya Zen Temple. Starting from Chiayi Train Station, it only takes a little over an hour by car or scooter to reach the Shizhuo Information Station. Check here on Google map for where the Cherry Blossom Trail is located.
Xiding Second Yenping Trail
Visitors can reach Xiding Second Yenping Trail by public transportation. Simply hop on bus 7322 from Chiayi railway station. After 1.5 hours, you will arrive at this amazing trail. Of course, you can always drive a car or ride a motorcycle. There is a parking lot near the entrance of the trail. Check here on Google Maps for where the Xiding Second Yenping trail is.
Two-day Itinerary for Cherry Blossom in Alishan
Here we recommend a two-day itinerary for seeing cherry blossoms in Alishan. The first day will mainly be in Shizhuo and check in at the hotel in Alishan Recreation Park at night. On the second day, you will take a vintage steam train while seeing all the beautiful cherry blossoms in three main stations.
Day 1
07:30 Taipei Main Station → THSR → 09:00 Chiayi THSR station
9:30 *Taiwan shuttle bus 7329 route
11:10 Shizhuo → Lunch → Misty Trail (66.4K) & Sakura Trail
15:45 *Taiwan shuttle bus 7322
16:40 Alishan Forest Recreation Area → Check-in at the hotel → Dinner
*For time table of the Taiwan shuttle bus, please check here:
Alishan Route A (7329) https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Route/Select_p_en?RouteID=R0007
Alishan Route B (7322) https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Route/Select_p_en?RouteID=R0008
Day 2
09:00 Check out of the hotel
09:36 Alishan Station (Take the Alishan Forest Railway steam train)
10:06 Zhushan Station – Highest station in Taiwan (Stop for about 30 minutes)
11:00 Zhaoping Station Cherry Blossom Railway / Alishan Police Station / Sleepless Curve of the Mianyue Line
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Shenmu Station / Alishan New Eight Views – Shenyi Waterfall
16:20 Alishan railway station → 16:40 Taiwan shuttle bus 7329 Return journey
19:10 Chiayi THSR railway station
Don’t know what to eat in Alishan? No worry! We wrote an article that includes the best food and restaurant in Alishan. Go check it out now! ➡️ What to Eat at Alishan: Food, Restaurants, Tea and Cafe
Source: LINE 熱點
With its diverse cherry blossom varieties and enchanting landscapes, Alishan offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of cherry blossoms against a backdrop of mountains or immersing yourself in the tranquil ambiance of Japanese-style architecture, the Alishan Cherry Blossom Season promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of spring.
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