Alishan Sunrise & Forest Railway in 2 Days: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Chiayi turkey rice, the Alishan Forest Railway, Fenqihu lunch boxes, sunrise at Zhushan and giant-tree trails — Taiwan’s classic mountain journey.

TaiwanNatureBy trainHikingPhotogenic
Length2 days / 1 nights
CitiesChiayi, Fenqihu, Alishan
CurrencyTWD Taiwan dollar
Best time to goCherry blossoms in Mar–Apr and the best sea-of-clouds chances in autumn–winter; mornings are cold all year and summer afternoons foggy.

Day-by-day overview

Day 1Chiayi × Fenqihu × Alishan

08:00🍽 Food
Turkey rice breakfast in Chiayi
MealBreakfast
The BRT bus links Chiayi HSR with the city.
🍜 Must-eat
09:00🚗 Transport
Alishan Forest Railway (Chiayi → Fenqihu)
Type / No.Train
Trains are few — book early online or in the app; tourist shuttle buses are an alternative.
🎟 Book ahead
12:00🍽 Food
Fenqihu Old Street and railway bento
MealLunch
🍜 Must-eat
13:30🚗 Transport
Continue by train or bus to Alishan
Type / No.Bus / coach
LocationAlishan 🧭
Entry to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is ticketed.
15:00🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out15:00 / 11:00
LocationAlishan 🧭
Few hotels on the mountain and they fill fast; nights are cold.
16:30📍 Sight
Zhaoping Park and Alishan Station
Suggested time1.5 hrs
TicketsFree
📸 Photo spot
18:30🍽 Food
Dinner on the mountain
MealDinner
Restaurants close early.

Day 2Zhushan sunrise × giant trees × Chiayi

04:30🚗 Transport
Zhushan sunrise train
Type / No.Train
Departure follows sunrise time — confirm and buy tickets the day before.
🎟 Book ahead
05:30📍 Sight
Sunrise and sea of clouds at Zhushan
Suggested time1.5 hrs
It can be near freezing — wear a thick jacket.
📸 Photo spot🌸 Seasonal
08:30📍 Sight
Giant Tree Trail, Sister Ponds, Shouzhen Temple
Suggested time2.5 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
Gentle boardwalks — take it slowly.
🚶 Lots of walking📸 Photo spot
11:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Check your ID, phone and belongings; most hotels will hold luggage.
12:00🚗 Transport
Bus down to Chiayi
Type / No.Bus / coach
Winding roads — take motion-sickness tablets if needed.
15:00📍 Sight
Hinoki Village
Suggested time1.5 hrs
TicketsFree
A cluster of restored Japanese-era cypress houses.
📸 Photo spot
17:30🍽 Food
Wenhua Road Night Market
MealDinner
🍜 Must-eat
19:30🚗 Transport
HSR home from Chiayi
Type / No.Train

🎟 Book these before you go

🌦 Monthly temperatures: Alishan

City / monthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Alishan
High / low
12°
2°
13°
3°
15°
5°
16°
8°
18°
10°
19°
12°
20°
13°
20°
13°
19°
12°
18°
10°
16°
7°
14°
4°

(typical averages — check the forecast before you go)

FAQ

How many days does Alishan Sunrise & Forest Railway in 2 Days take?

It’s planned as 2 days / 1 nights with 15 stops (4 sights and 4 meals). Copy it and add or remove stops to suit your pace.

What should I book in advance?

We recommend booking or buying ahead: Alishan Forest Railway (Chiayi → Fenqihu), Zhushan sunrise train.

How do I make this template my own?

Tap “Use this template”, enter a name and start date, and an editable copy is created. Add your flights and hotels, adjust times and stops, then export a PDF or image to share.

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Note: opening hours, prices, timetables and entry rules change often — check official sources. This page offers general suggestions, not bookings or professional travel advice.

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