Alishan Forest Railway is an industrial railway built to exploit the forest resources in Japanese colonial period. It is divided into the Main Line and Branch Line, totally 85 kilometers. The railway passes by three forest forms, tropical forest zone, warm forest zone, and temperate forest zone, climbing its way from Chiayi Station at an elevation of 30 meters up to Alishan Station at an elevation of 2,216 meters. Also, travelers may take Chushan Lineat dawn to the station at the highest altitude, Chushan Station at an elevation of 2,451 meters, to witness the famous Alishan Sunrise. In order to overcome the rough terrain, Alishan Forest Railway employs brilliant engineering designs like 180-degree U-turn, spiral route, and zigzag switchback, along with a specially-designed hill-climbing locomotive. It is the incarnation of high elevation mountain railway, forest railway, and mountain railway altogether with the most complex diversity a railway can offer. Now that Alishan Forest Railway utilizes four out of the five construction methods seen in the mountain railways worldwide, it is a testimony of it being one of the mountain railways in the world with the potential as a world heritage from Taiwan.
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Central Weather Bureau｜Update Time：2021/09/16 11:17
Alishan Township, Chiayi County
Alishan Forest Railway
Travel Information
Timetable / Admission Rates
Main Line Express
The stations along the Forest Railway Main Line are from Chiayi Station to Alishan Station. For detailed timetable, please visit the website of "Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Management Office":
・Timetable: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000115
・Ticket price list: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000119
・Timetable: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000115
・Ticket price list: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000119
Zhushan Line
For a detailed timetable of the Forest Railway Branch Line, please visit the website of the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Management Office:
・Timetable: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000300
・Ticket price list: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000119
The sunrise wonders at Zhushan are well-known both at home and abroad. Those who go to Alishan must go to Zhushan to watch it. Originally, there was only a narrow trail, and it was extremely inconvenient for tourists to walk with lanterns in the early morning. In view of this, the Forestry Administration opened a special forest road for Zhushan in 1971 and established Zhushan Bus, which used medium-sized buses to pick up tourists. However, since the opening of the Alishan Highway, the number of tourists going up the mountain has increased dramatically. In order to cope with the increase in tourists and to take into account the safety of tourists, the Forestry Administration resolutely overcame difficulties and started construction of the Zhushan Railway on May 30, 1984, with a total length of 6.25 kilometers. Starting from Alishan New Station, it turns to Gaoyue to Zhushan via a crossroads, winding through mountains with altitudes ranging from 2,216 to 2,451 meters. Along the way, there are sometimes seas of clouds and a variety of weather conditions. This is the first mountain railway built by the Chinese, specially for tourists to go to Zhushan to watch the amazing sunrise.
・Timetable: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000300
・Ticket price list: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000119
The sunrise wonders at Zhushan are well-known both at home and abroad. Those who go to Alishan must go to Zhushan to watch it. Originally, there was only a narrow trail, and it was extremely inconvenient for tourists to walk with lanterns in the early morning. In view of this, the Forestry Administration opened a special forest road for Zhushan in 1971 and established Zhushan Bus, which used medium-sized buses to pick up tourists. However, since the opening of the Alishan Highway, the number of tourists going up the mountain has increased dramatically. In order to cope with the increase in tourists and to take into account the safety of tourists, the Forestry Administration resolutely overcame difficulties and started construction of the Zhushan Railway on May 30, 1984, with a total length of 6.25 kilometers. Starting from Alishan New Station, it turns to Gaoyue to Zhushan via a crossroads, winding through mountains with altitudes ranging from 2,216 to 2,451 meters. Along the way, there are sometimes seas of clouds and a variety of weather conditions. This is the first mountain railway built by the Chinese, specially for tourists to go to Zhushan to watch the amazing sunrise.
Timetable Alishan Station
Train number
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Description
1
05:02
107/03/05 (一)
Admission Rates
Ticket Type
Price (NT$)
Description
Full fare Ticket
150
Half fare Ticket
75
No Charge Required
0
Zhaoping Line
For a detailed timetable of the Forest Railway Branch Line, please visit the website of the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Management Office:
・Timetable: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000300
・Ticket price list: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000119
The Zhuoping Line runs from Alishan Station to Zhuoping Station and is located in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. During the Alishan cherry blossom season, the Zhuoping Line passes through the cherry blossoms in front of Zhuoping Park and the police station, and is crowded with tourists during the flower season.
・Timetable: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000300
・Ticket price list: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000119
The Zhuoping Line runs from Alishan Station to Zhuoping Station and is located in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. During the Alishan cherry blossom season, the Zhuoping Line passes through the cherry blossoms in front of Zhuoping Park and the police station, and is crowded with tourists during the flower season.
Timetable Alishan Station
Train number
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Description
31
09:00
09:06
33
09:30
09:36
35
10:00
10:06
37
10:30
10:36
39
11:00
11:06
41
11:30
11:36
43
13:00
13:06
45
13:30
13:36
47
14:00
14:06
49
14:30
14:36
51
15:00
15:06
53
15:30
15:36
Timetable Chaoping Station
Train number
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Description
32
09:15
09:21
34
09:45
09:51
36
10:15
10:21
38
10:45
10:51
40
11:15
11:21
42
11:45
11:51
44
13:15
13:21
46
13:45
13:51
48
14:15
14:21
50
14:45
14:51
52
15:15
15:21
54
15:45
15:51
Admission Rates
Ticket Type
Price (NT$)
Description
Full fare Ticket
100
Half fare Ticket
50
No Charge Required
0
Senmu Line
For a detailed timetable of the Forest Railway Branch Line, please visit the website of the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Management Office:
・Timetable: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000300
・Ticket price list: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000119
The Shenmu Line is one of the Alishan forest railway branch lines. It is about 1.5 kilometers long and the journey takes about 7 minutes.
Shenmu Station is the third branch of the zigzag section of the Alishan Forest Railway. In the past, there was an Alishan sacred tree standing next to the railway at Shenmu Station. It is a famous tourist landmark in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
・Timetable: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000300
・Ticket price list: https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000119
The Shenmu Line is one of the Alishan forest railway branch lines. It is about 1.5 kilometers long and the journey takes about 7 minutes.
Shenmu Station is the third branch of the zigzag section of the Alishan Forest Railway. In the past, there was an Alishan sacred tree standing next to the railway at Shenmu Station. It is a famous tourist landmark in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
Timetable Alishan Station
Train number
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Description
100
10:15
10:22
102
10:45
10:52
104
11:15
11:22
106
11:40
11:47
108
12:05
12:12
110
13:15
13:22
112
13:45
13:52
114
14:15
14:22
116
14:45
14:52
118
15:15
15:22
120
15:45
15:52
122
16:15
16:22
Timetable Shenmu Station
Train number
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Description
101
10:30
10:37
103
11:00
11:07
105
11:25
11:32
107
11:50
11:57
109
12:15
12:22
111
13:30
13:37
113
14:00
14:07
115
14:30
14:37
117
15:00
15:07
119
15:30
15:37
121
16:00
16:07
123
16:30
16:37
Admission Rates
Ticket Type
Price (NT$)
Description
Full fare Ticket
100
Half fare Ticket
50
No Charge Required
0
Opening Hours
Driving times vary by route. The departure time of Zhushan Sunrise-Viewing Train is around 4:30 pm on the day before the ride, and will be announced on the official website (https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/).
Area & Elevation
Transportation
Map
Alishan Forest Railway
Google Map
Google Map
Route 1
Take National Freeway No. 3 (Second North-South Freeway), exit at ChungPu interchange, and enter Provincial Highway no.18 (Alishan Highway) to Alishan Forest Recreational Area(88.2km).
Route 2
Take National Freeway No.1 (Sun Yat-sen Freeway), exit at Chiayi interchange and enter Provincial Highway no. 18 (Alishan Highway) to Alishan Forest Recreational Area(88.2km).
By Train
Take train to Chiayi Railway station. After exiting the station, purchase tickets at window of Alishan Forest Railway: mainline, Shenmu Line, Chaoping Line, and Chushan Line, and board at Forest Railway platform.
※ Part of the Forest Railway is not open yet. To get into Alishan, passengers can enter Alishan by transferring to buses at Fenchihu Station. Bus tickets can be purchased at the in-station ticket window of Forest Railway. (Sale of tickets: maximum of 10 for each bus per purchase. For further information, refer to https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000228).
※ Contact in-station ticket window of Alishan Forest Railway at: (05)2256918 or 2229010; For more information about Chiayi county bus, dial (05)2788177 or view the website https://bus.cyhg.gov.tw.
※ Part of the Forest Railway is not open yet. To get into Alishan, passengers can enter Alishan by transferring to buses at Fenchihu Station. Bus tickets can be purchased at the in-station ticket window of Forest Railway. (Sale of tickets: maximum of 10 for each bus per purchase. For further information, refer to https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000228).
※ Contact in-station ticket window of Alishan Forest Railway at: (05)2256918 or 2229010; For more information about Chiayi county bus, dial (05)2788177 or view the website https://bus.cyhg.gov.tw.
By bus
Chiayi County Bus (Chiayi⇆Alishan), (Chiayi⇆Fenchihu), Chiayi HSR station⇆Alishan, Chiayi HSR Station⇆Fenchihu Station, Fenchihu⇆Alishan. For more information about bus schedule and adjustment, dial (05)224-3140 or visit https://bus.cyhg.gov.tw.
By Yuanlin bus
YuanLin bus route 6739.
Sun-moon Lake ticket sale office: 049-2856879
For information about schedule, dial 049-2770041 or visit the official website http://www.ylbus.com.tw/Shuili.html
Sun-moon Lake ticket sale office: 049-2856879
For information about schedule, dial 049-2770041 or visit the official website http://www.ylbus.com.tw/Shuili.html
By KuoKuang Bus
KuoKuang Bus (Taipei transit station⇆Alishan) route no.1835. For bus schedule and departure time, contact KuoKuang Bus at 0800-010-138, contact Taipei transit station at 02-25583060, or visit website: http://www.kingbus.com.tw/ticketPriceResult.php?sid=157
By railway and transfer to freeway
1. Take Alishan Forest Railway at Chiayi Station (Chiayi⇆Fenchihu Station). Contact Forest Railway in-station ticket sales window at (05)2256918 or 2229010. Check train schedule at https://afrch.forest.gov.tw/0000115.
Online ticketing system: http://alishan.railway.gov.tw/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
2. Walk for about 600 meters from Fenchihu station to bus stop.
3. Take Chiayi County bus to Alishan.
Tel: (05)2788177
Website: https://bus.cyhg.gov.tw
Online ticketing system: http://alishan.railway.gov.tw/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
2. Walk for about 600 meters from Fenchihu station to bus stop.
3. Take Chiayi County bus to Alishan.
Tel: (05)2788177
Website: https://bus.cyhg.gov.tw
Park Information
| No. | Park Information |
|---|---|
| 1. | Service is not available in the whole railway line (Chiayi to Alishan). Service is resumed between Chai-yi and Fenchihu stations. |
| 2. | Departure time of train on Chushan Line (Sunrise Viewing Train) is adjusted daily. Timetable of Sunrise Viewing Train is announced by Alishan Station the previous day. Visitors can make pre-purchase of tickets at Chiayi Station, Beimen Station, Fenchihu Station, and Alishan Station of the Forest Railway. (13:00~16:00). Contact Alishan Railway station at (05)2679200 for further information. |
| 3. | Proper weather condition is essential for sunrise viewing in Chushan. Refer to the Central Weather Bureau for weather forecast information. |
| 4. | Book tickets online on Alishan Forest Railway Ticketing System: https://afrts.forest.gov.tw/ |
Travel Guide
Travel Guide
Attraction
Map
Featured Landscape
Duli Mountain
After passing Zhangnaoliao, the Alishan Forest Railway encounters a separate mountain and the route cannot climb along the normal slope. So the route has to climb the mountain in a spiral pattern like a snail shell, using tunnels and loops to reach the top of the mountain and then leave. Therefore, the Naoliao Liao Station can be seen continuously from different heights and directions, which is a unique wonder of the Alishan Railway. 1,400 meters from Zhangnaoliao Station, you will reach the entrance of the Independence Mountain Trail. The entire round trip on the Independence Mountain Trail takes about 2 hours, and you can watch the amazing sight of the train turning around the mountain.
Featured Landscape
Alishan Sacred Tree
The sacred tree is a red cypress tree that is more than 3,000 years old. It was discovered by Japanese technician Ogasawara Tomijiro in 1906. The tree is 53 meters tall, and the circumference of the trunk where it meets the ground is 23 meters. After the opening of the Alishan Forestry Railway, it became one of Taiwan's world-famous landmarks. On the morning of June 7, 1956, the sacred tree was struck by lightning and the interior of the trunk was burned into a hollow. On July 1, 1997, due to continuous heavy rain, water accumulated on the trunk and the soft soil, the sacred tree cracked and half fell down. On June 29, 1998, the sacred tree was officially felled, and the Alishan sacred tree thus became history. The fallen tree trunk was left lying in the original place and became a relic.
Featured Landscape
Zhushan Sunrise
In 1984, the Forestry and Conservation Department built the Zhushan line to carry tourists to watch the sunrise. The line passes through a cross-road and turns to Dui Gaoyue to Zhushan. The entire line winds through mountains with an altitude of more than 2,000 meters. Sometimes there is a sea of clouds, and the weather is magnificent.
Train Station
Chiayi Station
Chiayi Station is an intersection station extending from the Alishan Forest Railway, connecting to the Longitudinal Line. Chiayi Station is 30 meters above sea level. It was once the only station in Taiwan that integrated the Taiwan Railways, the Sugar Railway, and the Forest Railway. On the "Platform 1", you can see the Taiwan Railway's 1067mm and Alishan's 762mm track gauges side by side. Currently, the north side of "Platform 1" is the boarding point for Alishan.
Train Station
Beimen Station
It was built between 1910 and 1912 and is a typical Japanese-style station building made of Alishan red cypress. On May 16, 1998, a fire unfortunately broke out, burning down 40% of the right side. It was later renovated using the original building material "red cypress" and was completed on November 7 of the same year. It was damaged in the 1999 earthquake and was repaired again to become what it is today.
Train Station
Luman Station
Also known as "Luman", there are 2 lines in the station. It used to be an important station between Beimen Station and Zhuqi Station. The village where the station is located was once crowded with people and had prosperous commercial activities. However, since the opening of the Alishan Highway in November 1982, no trains have stopped there. With the development of railway culture and tourism, it was renovated and restored to its former appearance in December 2004. The stationmaster's dormitory was renovated in April 2006.
Train Station
Zhuqi Station
Zhuqi, formerly known as "Zhutouqi", is 14.2 kilometers away from the starting point in Chiayi and 127 meters above sea level. It is the last station of the flat section of the Alishan Forestry Railway and the starting point of the railway. This station was built around 1910 and was renovated and rebuilt in 1952 to become what we see today, with a strong Japanese flavor. In the steam locomotive era, water and coal had to be added here first, and the 18-ton flat-land locomotive had to be replaced with a 28-ton mountain climbing locomotive to facilitate subsequent climbing journeys.
Another feature of Takechi Station is the "Triangle Line". When the line was first opened in 1912, Nimanpei and Takezaki were the end and starting stations of the mountain section, so a triangular line was needed to assist locomotives in turning around.
Train Station
Zhangnaoliao Station
Zhangnaoliao Station is 543 meters above sea level. It was named after the camphor trees and camphor oil produced here at that time. Beside the station there are two rows of lush and green century-old camphor trees. This station has a good view. From left to right in front of the station, you can see Duli Mountain, Tanghu Mountain, Jinshi Mountain, and Dakeng Mountain. The station is characterized by a switchback station. The station track is an X-shaped switchback line. Inside the station, one can clearly see the train climbing up Independence Hill in a "spiral" manner, and this is repeated three times, which is very interesting.
Train Station
Duli Mountain Station
The railway will start from Zhangnaoliao Station and circle three times in a spiral to reach the top of Duli Mountain at an altitude of 743 meters, and then leave Duli Mountain in an 8-shaped railway design. This is the most difficult part of the entire Alishan Railway project and also the most unique spiral route.
Train Station
Liyuanliao Station
Famous for the Firefly River Railway, there is a "Sunshine Viewing Platform" built during the Japanese colonial period near the station, which offers a wide view. After 1985, Liyuanliao Station was changed into a call station.
Train Station
Jiaoliping Station
Jiaoliping Station is located at an altitude of 997 meters. In the past, trains going up and down the mountain met here every day. It is also the main transfer station to Ruili Scenic Area.
Train Station
Shuisheliao Station
Shuisheliao Station is a small station located at the foot of the peaks of Dubi Mountain and Sitianwang Mountain. The most interesting thing about this station is that the track is in the shape of an "Ω". The train is exactly 180 degrees from entering the station to leaving the station. It and Erwanping Station are the two "Ω"-shaped tracks of the Alishan Forestry Railway. Shuisheliao Station is now a greeting station.
Starting from the station, you can walk to famous scenic spots around. The way is covered with fir and bamboo forests, with excellent views of Yushan, Tashan, Ruili and Fenqihu. Going south, you can reach Wolong Valley, also known as Shigupan. The stream washes away the boulders in the valley, forming dozens of gullies and caves. The stream water accumulates in the gullies from top to bottom, and then flows to the next gully in the form of a small waterfall. It stretches for two kilometers, like a dragon on the water, earning the name of Wolong Valley.
Train Station
Fenqihu Station
Fenqihu is surrounded by Dadong Mountain, Guanglun Mountain and Motianling on the east, west and north sides. Because it is located in the low-lying terrain in the southwest, it forms a dustpan-shaped basin. In Minnan dialect, basins are called
"Lake boy". It was formerly known as "Duji Lake". Fenqihu is the largest relay station of the Alishan Forestry Railway and one of the famous scenic spots in Alishan. Fenqihu Old Street, Square Bamboo, Ancient Road,
Waterfalls, strange trees and rocks are all the characteristics of Fenqihu.
Train Station
Dolin Station
The most mysterious station on the entire line, its place name "Duoluo" in Zou language means dense forest. The station is decorated with Tsou ethnic paintings and a 30-minute walk will take you to the De’enyana Tribe.
Train Station
Crossroads Station
The intersection of the ancient road and the passage leading to the surrounding tribes was named "Crossroad". It is also the place where the Lintie and Alishan Highway are closest today, which shows its importance. If you get off the bus and walk around, you can visit the shops opened by young people who have returned to their hometowns and taste delicious food made with fresh local ingredients.
Train Station
20,000-square-meter station
"20,000-square meters" means the terrain is wide and the altitude is exactly 2,000 meters. When the Alishan Forestry Railway was opened to traffic in 1912, Erwanping was the terminus of the Alishan Railway. At that time, a triangular line was set up for vehicle dispatching and turning, and there was also a motor vehicle garage. Later, in 1914, it was extended to Numadaira Station, and Erwanping gradually lost its original function as a terminal station.
It is currently the location of the Alishan Youth Activity Center. In front of the right side of the climbing direction, you can see the majestic cliffs of Tashan, which often attracts many tourists to take photos. The sunset, sunset glow and sea of clouds on Tashan Mountain at dusk are all famous scenery.
Train Station
Alishan Station
It is 2,216 meters above sea level and was opened in September 2007. It is now the largest wooden railway station building in Taiwan.
Train Station
Numadaira Station
It was opened in 2013 and is close to attractions such as Sisters Pond. The station adopts high-rise wooden structure and surrounding building construction methods. It is a station that integrates the environment and landscape, and is equipped with an exhibition area and a shopping street.
Train Station
Zhushan Station
Zhushan Station, located at an altitude of 2,451 meters, is famous for its beautiful curved platform, which is also the most beautiful crescent in the hearts of Linyi Railway users. The multiple tracks used for shunting are also a rare classic feature of Linyi Railway stations. During the busy early morning travel time during the peak season or special holidays, the sight of red diesel locomotives lined up in sequence on each track is a scene that railway fans can only encounter by chance.
Service Facilities
Map
Park Facilities
Chiayi Garage Park
The Chiayi Garage Park was formerly known as the "Beimen Repair Workshop" during the Japanese colonial period. It was originally located at the Beimen Machinery Depot when the flat section was opened to traffic in October 1910. As the construction of the railway continued, it was officially opened in 1912. Its main work is to build and repair various locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars on the Alishan Railway. It has a history of nearly a hundred years. Since the opening of the Alishan Railway, the repair factory has always been the base camp for maintenance. Although the trains were purchased from the United States, the Beimen Repair Factory employed one to two hundred people at that time, and they are highly skilled in maintenance, modification, and manufacturing. Broken parts are made by hand, and boilers and steam engines are also produced by themselves. The Alishan cypress carriage is also one of the classic masterpieces of the repair factory. Many precious retired Alishan trains are currently preserved in the Beimen Repair Factory. On August 23, 1993, a fire broke out at the Beimen Repair Factory, burning down the wooden factory building and some old trains. Today, some of the repair shop buildings have been renovated, and a few of the more valuable vehicles are stored in garages. In order to allow the public to visit this historically significant location, it was renamed Chiayi Garage Park in 2005.
Park Facilities
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Alishan's sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset, forest railway and forest are collectively known as the Five Wonders of Alishan. They have long been well-known, and the flower season in March and April every year attracts many tourists. In the forest recreation area, there are recreational attractions such as the Alishan Xianglin Sacred Tree, Sister Pond, Shouzhen Temple, Elephant Trunk Wood, Three Generations Wood, Ciyun Temple, Thousand-Year-Old Cypress, and Zhushan Observation Deck for tourists to stop and admire. There are also Giant Trees Plank Road, Tashan Forest Trail, Duigaoyue Health Trail, and Zhushan Sun Viewing Trail, which are the best places for mountain climbing, hiking, and forest bathing. Alishan Forest Recreation Area is currently managed by the Chiayi Branch and is open all year round. The ticket price is NT$200 on holidays and NT$150 on weekdays. For detailed information on opening hours, ticketing and accommodation, please click on the link (http://www.ali-nsa.net/pda/index.php)
Nearby Attractions
