Alishan's Dawn to Dusk Magic

Our time in Alishan was truly unforgettable, and we were incredibly lucky to experience both the sunrise and sunset over the mountains! While many travellers only stay a single night, often because Alishan is seen as a brief stop for hiking and enjoying the recreational forest, we decided to linger a little longer. Staying true to our goal of slow travel, we spent two nights here to fully soak in the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the serenity of the mountains. We travelled to Alishan by shuttle bus from Fenqihu, a journey of about 45 minutes that offers stunning views as you ascend. Conveniently, you can use a regular train card for the bus, making it easy to travel up to the mountain. The air felt noticeably fresher as we climbed, and the cooler weather brought immediate relaxation. Arriving in the morning, we dropped our bags at the hotel before heading to the famous Alishan Forest Trail. The forest trail is filled with fascinating sights, from the awe-inspiring first- and second-generation trees, some of which are over a thousand years old, to remnants of Japanese culture that reflect Alishan’s past under Japanese rule in the early 20th century. Walking along the trail took us about two and a half hours, and afterwards, we hopped on a scenic train ride back to the main station, adding a bit of charm and nostalgia to our journey. As evening approached, we debated whether to attempt the iconic sunrise viewing the next day, which requires a pre-dawn wake-up call around 4 a.m. We were hesitant but decided it was too unique an experience to pass up. It’s worth noting that sunrise train tickets sell out quickly, so purchasing them the day before is highly recommended. Although we didn’t catch a particularly bright sunrise, watching the world wake up from such an elevated viewpoint was still magical. The experience was made even more memorable thanks to our train driver, who shared jokes and anecdotes to lift everyone’s spirits in the early morning. It was clear he truly loved his job, which added a delightful touch to our journey. Spending two nights allowed us to appreciate the slower rhythm of Alishan, and we left with a deep sense of peace and gratitude for its natural beauty and rich history.