Alishan is a mountainous region in Taiwan which is famous for its forests, tea and trails.
No, it’s not fake turf
If you only had one day to spend here without staying overnight (because the hotels here are more expensive), here is how you can do it.
How to get to Alishan
Firstly, if you’re travelling from another part of Taiwan, try to reach Chiayi TRA station by 830am.
Or you can stay overnight in Chiayi; there are many hotels near the TRA station.
There are more public bus timings from Chiayi TRA station compared to Chiayi HSR (High Speed Rail) station. They are both in different parts of Chiayi and not that close to each other.
Costs anything from NT2000 per way from Chiayi, takes about 2 hours to reach.
3. Public bus 7322
Take 7322 from the bus stop outside TRA station.
Costs NT221 per person per way, takes 2.5 hours and stops here, about 450m from Alishan Railway Station.
Travelking has also consolidated bus timings below, but note that timings may not be updated. You can download the bus timings here.
Chiayi to Alishan bus timings (Source: Travelking)
From the table above, you can see that the bus frequency from Chiayi HSR station is much less compared to Chiayi TRA station.
4. Minivan
Costs NT250 per person per way up and down the mountain, takes 2 hours.
You can find minivan drivers touting at the gantries of the Chiayi TRA station.
They will take you up to the Alishan parking lot, a short walk from Alishan Railway Station.
On the way down from Alishan, you can ask the driver to drop you off at Fengqihu for about 45–60 mins, then you can board the same minivan back to Chiayi TRA station. So in total you pay NT500/person.
Minivan namecard
We chose the minivan because we could squeeze in a short trip to Fengqihu.
If your minivan leaves Chiayi TRA Station by 9am, you should reach Alishan by 11am, with 3 hours to walk around until 2pm.
The minivan will then take you to Fengqihu at 3pm where you can walk around until 345–4pm, then get back to Chiayi TRA Station by 530pm. Timing is slightly flexible.
Minivan drivers don’t like to leave Alishan too late as there may be rains in the afternoon and the road can get congested by buses going down the mountain.
Beautiful flowers (you can also plan to come here during Cherry Blossom season)
Flowers
Cats
Cats
My favourite part is when the forest is quiet and it’s just you, the trees and the path ahead.
Forest trail
Occasionally you will come across groups of noisy tourists, just wait for them to pass or take another route.
If you stick to the main attractions and don’t wander off the main tracks to explore other trails, and you keep track of time, it is possible to walk back to Alishan Railway Station by 130pm.
Boardwalk
For travellers on a budget, you can check out 娜若瑪菲 美食街 food court where you can get NT60 noodles and this yummy milk dessert with taro and pumpkin balls, two types of jelly and tapioca pearls for NT60.
Pork noodles lunchDessert
Take along an umbrella in case it rains, like it did when we were there.
What to do in Fengqihu
Fengqihu is famous for its old narrow streets that reminds us of Jiufen.
Fruit Stall in Fengqihu
You can buy souvenirs and specialty products. Check out the railway museum which has old trains and a roomful of photos of railways in other countries.
Fengqihu railway museum
There are a few cafés here to relax at, but if you’re only here for 45–60 mins, it is enough to walk around the main roads before going back to your minivan.
The roads can be quite steep at certain areas so take care if you’re with kids or elderly.
There are also a few trails you can explore if you’re spending more time here in Fengqihu, see the trail maps below.
Fengqihu trailsFengqihu map
Other Alishan trails and scenic areas
If you plan to spend more than a day here, these are some activities you can do:
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