A new secret spot, the Shuishan Giant Tree Trail is located in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. It combines the old Alishan Forest Railway culture with the thousand-year-old divine trees. Walking on the trail is like entering a time tunnel in the forest. Visitors can immerse themselves in different memories of the railway. Everybody is welcome to experience a rich journey of the body and the mind.
04/26 Sat.
Open
21°
19° / 24°
嘉義縣 / 阿里山鄉
More
Weather Forecast
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09.16
Thur.
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09.17
Fri.
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09.18
Sat.
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09.19
Sun.
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09.20
Mon.
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09.21
Tue.
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09.22
Wed.
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| Temperature |
19 ° / 24 °
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18 ° / 24 °
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18 ° / 24 °
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18 ° / 24 °
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18 ° / 24 °
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18 ° / 24 °
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18 ° / 24 °
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| Feel like | 21 ° / 27 ° | 18 ° / 27 ° | 19 ° / 27 ° | 19 ° / 27 ° | 19 ° / 27 ° | 20 ° / 27 ° | 19 ° / 27 ° |
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Probability of Precipitation |
80 % | 80 % | 60 % | - | - | - | - |
| Relative Humidity | 90 % | 82 % | 90 % | 85 % | 88 % | 86 % | 86 % |
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Wind speed Wind direction |
2
W
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2
E
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2
E
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2
E
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2
E
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2
E
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2
SW
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| UVI |
9
Very High
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9
Very High
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9
Very High
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10
Very High
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10
Very High
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10
Very High
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9
Very High
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Sunrise Sunset |
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Central Weather Bureau｜Update Time：2021/09/16 11:17
Alishan Township, Chiayi County
Shuishan Trail
Learn about the Trail
Trail difficulty level
| Hiking Level |
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| Target | General Public | General Public | Those who have better physical energy | Beginner mountain climber with good physical energy and map literacy. | Open to those who have good physical strength, map reading skills, and wild survival skills. | Open to well-trained mountain climbers. | Open to well-trained mountain climbers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elevation | Gently sloping area | In recreational areas, close to settlements or about 1,000 meters above sea level. | In recreational areas, close to settlements or between 1,000~2,000 meters above sea level. | Remote areas or between 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level | Remote areas, wilderness, or between 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level | Remote areas, wilderness, or more than 3,000 meters above sea level | Remote areas, wilderness, or more than 3,000 meters above sea level | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Required Time | It takes half to one day. | It takes half to one day. | It can be done within one day. | It takes one or more days. | Overnight preparation required. | It takes up to three days. | It takes up to three days. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment | Light backpacking (water and small amount of food) | Light backpacking (water and small amount of food) | Light backpacking (water and proper amount of food) | Overnight preparation required. (e.g. drinking water, food, map, warm clothing, first-aid medicine, etc.) Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control. | Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control. | Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control. | Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Flat hiking trails. Relatively even slopes with comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. Accessible for handicapped assistive devices or baby strollers. | An open hiking trail with easy access. Relatively even slopes with comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. It takes half a day or less than one day to complete. | An open hiking trail with easy access. Somewhat steep slope with some difficult sections, but has comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. It takes less than one day to complete. | A hiking trail locates at remote area or with part of the route is in area which requires entrance permission. Application in advance is required. Part of the route is in relatively bad condition with steeper slopes, but basic facilities are provided. It takes one day or between one to three days to complete. | A hiking trail locates at remote area or with part of the route is in area which requires entrance permission. It’s located in high-altitude areas (higher than 3000 meters above sea level). The trail is relatively primitive, with steeper slopes and unstable weather conditions. Part of the route may be dangerous or difficult for climbers. It takes two to three days to complete. Lead from professionals is recommended. | A hiking trail locates at area with inconvenient traffic, and mostly with routes in area which requires entrance permission. It’s located in high-altitude areas (higher than 3000 meters above sea level). The trail is located at primitive area, with bad condition, steeper slopes, and unstable weather conditions. Many parts of the route may be dangerous or difficult for climbers. It takes three or more days to complete. Lead from professionals is recommended. | 1. Level 3, 4 or 5 trails when snow or ice accumulating 2. Informal trails, without clear subgrades or paths, belong to special routes such as original mountain trails, ancient trail relics, prospecting, or technical climbing. |
Hiking Level
Target
General Public
Elevation
Gently sloping area
Required Time
It takes half to one day.
Equipment
Light backpacking (water and small amount of food)
Description
Flat hiking trails. Relatively even slopes with comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. Accessible for handicapped assistive devices or baby strollers.
Hiking Level
Target
General Public
Elevation
In recreational areas, close to settlements or about 1,000 meters above sea level.
Required Time
It takes half to one day.
Equipment
Light backpacking (water and small amount of food)
Description
An open hiking trail with easy access. Relatively even slopes with comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. It takes half a day or less than one day to complete.
Hiking Level
Target
Those who have better physical energy
Elevation
In recreational areas, close to settlements or between 1,000~2,000 meters above sea level.
Required Time
It can be done within one day.
Equipment
Light backpacking (water and proper amount of food)
Description
An open hiking trail with easy access. Somewhat steep slope with some difficult sections, but has comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. It takes less than one day to complete.
Hiking Level
Target
Beginner mountain climber with good physical energy and map literacy.
Elevation
Remote areas or between 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level
Required Time
It takes one or more days.
Equipment
Overnight preparation required. (e.g. drinking water, food, map, warm clothing, first-aid medicine, etc.)
Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control.
Description
A hiking trail locates at remote area or with part of the route is in area which requires entrance permission. Application in advance is required. Part of the route is in relatively bad condition with steeper slopes, but basic facilities are provided. It takes one day or between one to three days to complete.
Hiking Level
Target
Open to those who have good physical strength, map reading skills, and wild survival skills.
Elevation
Remote areas, wilderness, or between 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level
Required Time
Overnight preparation required.
Equipment
Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.)
Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control.
Description
A hiking trail locates at remote area or with part of the route is in area which requires entrance permission. It’s located in high-altitude areas (higher than 3000 meters above sea level). The trail is relatively primitive, with steeper slopes and unstable weather conditions. Part of the route may be dangerous or difficult for climbers. It takes two to three days to complete. Lead from professionals is recommended.
Hiking Level
Target
Open to well-trained mountain climbers.
Elevation
Remote areas, wilderness, or more than 3,000 meters above sea level
Required Time
It takes up to three days.
Equipment
Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.)
Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control.
Description
A hiking trail locates at area with inconvenient traffic, and mostly with routes in area which requires entrance permission. It’s located in high-altitude areas (higher than 3000 meters above sea level). The trail is located at primitive area, with bad condition, steeper slopes, and unstable weather conditions. Many parts of the route may be dangerous or difficult for climbers. It takes three or more days to complete. Lead from professionals is recommended.
Hiking Level
Target
Open to well-trained mountain climbers.
Elevation
Remote areas, wilderness, or more than 3,000 meters above sea level
Required Time
It takes up to three days.
Equipment
Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.)
Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control.
Description
1. Level 3, 4 or 5 trails when snow or ice accumulating
2. Informal trails, without clear subgrades or paths, belong to special routes such as original mountain trails, ancient trail relics, prospecting, or technical climbing.
Reachable by Vehicle
O：Cars、Microbus、Coach Bus
Mountain system
Alishan Mountain System
Administer
Chiayi Forest Dist. Office
Elevation
2,292 ~ 2,317 m
Service Line
+886 52787006
Altitude Difference
25 m
Huts
-
Length of the Trail
1.5 KM
Entry Permit
No
Trail type
Linear two-way
Via Nature Reserve
No
Service Line
Railway,Flagstone stairway
Geologically Sensitive Area
Yes
Route planning
Half day
Debris Flow Torrents
No
Trail Track
Trail route
Trailhead / Trig
Mobile coverage
Observations (From iNaturalist)
Trailhead / Trig
Mobile coverage
Observations (From iNaturalist)
Reminders
Go with your companions and don't take shortcuts.
To ensure your safety, please go with your companions, follow the indicators, do not take shortcuts or self-directed routes, and do not leave your team and walk alone.
Carry Global Positioning System and communication equipment
For hiking, please plan your trip and bring enough equipment and food with you. It is suggested that you should carry Global Positioning System (GPS) and communication equipment such as a satellite phone, mobile phone, radio or satellite positioning equipment such as Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), etc., and should carry enough batteries to ensure emergency communication.
Quickly pass dangerous areas
The road condition in the mountainous area is unstable. Please do not stay or take pictures in dangerous areas such as collapsed or falling rocks and pay attention to your own safety at any time.
It is recommended to complete the mountaineering insurance
There are certain risks in mountain activities. It is recommended that you should complete mountaineering insurance before departure. (Note: General travel insurance does not necessarily cover mountaineering accidents. Please refer to the policy details before applying for insurance. For the mountaineering insurance, please refer to the following instructions in Financial Supervisory Commission's press release and choose the appropriate insurance.)
Information on mountaineering safety
For information on mountaineering safety, mountaineering equipment, and tips for using maps, please visit the website http://goo.gl/QUnv204u. It is recommended to read the information before the trip to ensure your outdoor activities are safe.
Travel Guide
Travel Guide
Featured Landscape
Shuishan Giant Tree
Source｜許崑聖
The lines of the tree knot are amazingly beautiful
Shuishan Giant Tree
Source｜許崑聖
The antique wooden trestle along the "Shuishan" trail was rebuilt from an old bridge. There are two types of wooden bridges: truss bridges and trestle bridges. The Shuishan Trail Antique Wooden Trestle Bridge combines the two construction methods to showcase the unique beauty of the forest railway with a 6-span curved wooden bridge with a radius of 60 meters.
Misty forest and old logging track
Source｜謝坤宏
The Shuishan Line Railway was built by reconstructing part of the Dongpu Line, a branch line of the Alishan Forest Railway during the Japanese occupation.
Afforestation land
Source｜許崑聖
Afforestation land
Visit the private scenic spot-Shuishan Line
Source｜嘉義分署
The Shuishan Trail is about 1.5 kilometers long. The entrance is only 5 minutes away from the Zhuoping Station Trail. It was originally the Shuishan branch line of the Alishan Forest Railway. After it was discontinued, it was planned as a forest trail. The trail is flat and suitable for the general public to walk. Along the way, you can see the winding railway under the fir forest, the original simple platform and the antique wooden bridge. The end of the trail is the Shuishan giant tree (red cypress), which is about 1,080 years old and still green. The tree circumference is more than 16 meters and the tree height is more than 30 meters. It is magnificent and majestic. It can be called the largest giant tree in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. Because the water source of Alishan is nearby, the Shuishan giant tree is also called the water source giant tree.
A touching experience in the secret place of Morizo
Source｜嘉義分署
According to the impression of national tourism, the number of tourists in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area has increased sharply in recent years, but the Shuishan Trail is relatively unknown, making it a secret forest place away from the hustle and bustle of tourism. If you like the nostalgia of the railway, the tranquility of the forest, the chirping of mountain birds, and want to stay away from the crowded attractions in the recreation area, you may want to visit the Shuishan Trail in the recreation area to experience a different kind of quiet Alishan.
Nearby Attractions
