2-Day Alishan Itinerary: Best Hikes, Where to Stay, Tips & More
If there is one place in Taiwan that completely surprised me, it was Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.
After spending most of my time exploring Taiwan’s cities, eating my way through night markets, and visiting coastal areas, arriving in Alishan felt like a completely different Taiwan.
Over the course of two days, I covered many scenic hikes, went to a few amazing outlooks, tried the famous Alishan high-mountain tea, and discovered why this region is considered one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan.
In this 2-day Alishan itinerary, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting, to include getting there from Chiayi by bus, where to stay, some of the best hikes, tea experiences, and share my recommendations.
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✅ Location: Chiayi County, Taiwan
✅ Famous For: Sunrise Views, Forest Railways, Hiking, Tea Farms, Ancient Cedar Forests.
✅ Elevation: Around 2,200 meters or 7,200 ft.
✅ Recommended Stay: 2 days / 1 night.
✅ Best Time to Visit: Spring or Autumn.
✅ Temperature: Alishan can feel colder then cities like Taipei or Kaohsiung. Bring layers and a rain jacket.
Where is Alishan National Forest?
Alishan National Scenic Area is located in the mountains of central Taiwan within Chiayi County. Alishan is over 2,000 meters above sea level and famous for misty forests, cooler temperatures, and breathtaking views.
How to Get There
Getting to Alishan Scenic Area does take a little more effort compared to other destinations in Taiwan, but I think the journey is part of the experience.
I was in the city of Chiayi already, so my Alishan guide is solely based on transportation from Chiayi and not Taipei, which is also possible.
There are private day tours to Alishan.
But I recommend staying the night in Alishan and the best way to get to Alishan from Chiayi is either bus or train.
I had the option to take either the bus or train to get to Alishan and ultimately decided to take the bus. The bus was the quicker option of the two, but the train does sound like an interesting journey. Next time!
Bus to Alishan
Taking the bus to Alishan is budget-friendly and relatively quick. The journey took around 2 – 2.5 hours.
The bus departs from Chiayi TRA Station and Chiayi HSR Station and travels directly to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and vice versa.
I booked bus tickets at a Family Mart, although I read as of May 2026, that is no longer an option.
If you don’t purchase bus tickets to Alishan in advance, you can use your EasyCard and simply tap on/off. You just don’t get assigned seats.
The bus you want to look out for is the 7322.
One-way, the price was NT$244 or around $7.70 USD.
Alishan Forest Railway
Another option to get to Alishan is by taking the Alishan Forest Railway.
The main line goes from Chiayi to Alishan and back. I did not do this, but it is apparently a very scenic and memorable journey.
The journey does take around 4-5 hours.
I was just short on time and felt taking the bus would save me time so I could enjoy more of Alishan National Park.
For updated timetables, prices, and more information, visit the Alishan Forest Railway website.
Private Tours
Another option to get to Alishan besides driving yourself is to take a private tour or private transfer.
The benefits of going on a private tour or getting a transfer is that you save a lot of time and you have a personal guide or knowledgeable staff.
Here are a few private transfers to/from Chiayi and Alishan.
✅ Alishan: One-way Private Transfer to or from Chiayi
Best Time to Visit Alishan
One of the best things about visiting Alishan National Scenic Area is that every season offers something different.
Alishan is famous for cherry blossoms in the spring while summer months bring cool and misty weather.
Because of the elevation, Alishan is known to be cooler then many of the coastal cities, so it’s a popular escape during those warm summer months.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Alishan, thanks to cherry blossom season. Weather is perfect for hiking but expect crowds and a lot of tourists.
Summer (June to August)
In Taiwan, summer can be really hot and humid, so Alishan is a nice escape because of the cooler weather. Visit the tea farms and enjoy the shaded trails. Expect rain this time of year.
Autumn (September to November)
The weather starts to cool down come fall season in Alishan. The weather tends to be cooler and drier making it excellent for hiking. Autumn is the perfect blend of nice weather, beautiful scenery, and less crowds.
Winter (December to February)
Winter brings colder temperatures although snowfall is rare. Early mornings and evenings can be down right chilly. Prepare and bring layers, especially if doing the morning sunrise at Alishan.
The last time I visited Alishan National Scenic Area, it was February, so technically winter. The weather was beautiful during the day and chilly at night. I hit cherry blossom season perfectly in Alishan.
Where to Stay
If planning an Alishan itinerary, I highly recommend staying overnight at least one night. Once all the day trippers leave for the day, Alishan feels completely different.
Choosing where to stay in Alishan can make a big difference as well. Many visitors stay inside the Alishan National Forest area but there are tea villages nearby and the town of Fenqihu that are great options.
If you want to get a head start on your day like I did, I recommend staying within Alishan National Park.
Dafeng Hotel
During my 2 days in Alishan, I stayed at Dafeng Hotel.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Dafeng Hotel was the location and price. The hotel was close to the town center, hiking trails, attractions within the park, and near transportation.
The hotel itself was simple but very comfortable and cozy. It was the perfect base for exploring Alishan National Park.
The rooms at Dafeng Hotel were large, the bathrooms were clean and modern, and all necessities were included. Breakfast was even included with my stay, although it was at a nearby restaurant and not the hotel itself.
Dafeng Hotel
Address: 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, 中正村46號
Check Prices Here.
Getting Around Alishan
Alishan is a large park with a lot to see. So relying on public transportation within the park can tremendously help you get from one attractions to the next.
Depending on your Alishan itinerary, there is always the option to walk between hikes and things to do, which we did primarily.
But for some of the further hikes, sunrise, or after an exhausting day, travelers can take public transportation within the park, primarily by train or bus.
By Train
The train in Alishan is reliable and quick although can be somewhat infrequent, so pay attention to train times, which are posted at each station.
There is a special train on the Zhushan Line if you are interested in doing the famous Alishan sunrise.
There are Train Stations in Alishan which include Alishan Station, Sacred Tree Station, Zhaoping Station, and Zhushan Station.
By Bus
There are shuttle buses within Alishan that are convenient and arrive/depart often.
There are Shuttle Bus Stations at: the Main Entrance Terminal, Visitor Center, Alishan Guest House Station, Shuishan Forest Bathing Trail Station, Zhaoping Station, Xianglin Station, Duegaoyue Station, and Zhushan Station.
Some of the buses arrive at stops very frequently while other stops like Duegaoyue and Zhushan Station, the buses are less frequent.
The bus stops have a ticket counter where you can pay the fare and show the driver or assistant the ticket.
On Foot
The majority of Alishan, we covered on foot. We found Alishan to be pretty pedestrian friendly, well maintained, and most hikes and attractions were close enough to each other.
On the map, everything looks spread out but in reality it’s pretty close. We walked from the Visitor Center to the Zhaoping Station several times. We did take a bus once from Zhaoping Station to Zhushan Station.
My 2-Day Alishan Itinerary
My 2-day Alishan itinerary is based on my trip to Alishan National Scenic Area. Spending 2 days gave me enough time to experience the region without feeling too rushed.
Many travelers visit Alishan as a day trip from Chiayi, I think staying overnight makes a big difference, especially if you want to catch the sunrise or experience the park without many tourists.
This 2-day Alishan itinerary focuses on a mix of scenic hikes, tea experiences, local food, and some of the most popular things to do in Alishan.
Feel free to follow my itinerary or adjust parts to fit your own travel style.
Day 1 in Alishan
Arriving in Alishan
There is a bus drop off and pick up location at the Alishan National Forest Recreational Area Entrance.
From here, you have to enter the National Park and pay the Admission. If coming by bus keep your ticket because the entrance fee is half off, from NT$300 to NT$150.
Admission for Residents
General Visitors: NT$200
Visitors Arriving via Public Transportation: NT$150
Military, Police, Firefighters, and Students, & Children ages 7-12: NT$100
Children ages 3-6 & Seniors aged 65 and older: NT$10
Admission for Non-R.O.C Citizens
General Visitors: NT$300
Visitors Arriving via public transportation: NT$150
Ages 3-6 & Seniors aged 65 and older: NT$10
✅ Tip: If arriving to Alishan National Park via public transportation, present your bus ticket and pay NT$150 instead of the full NT$300.
Checking into Hotel and Breakfast
We walked from the park entrance to our hotel, Dafeng Villa. It was about a 10-minute walk to the town center where the hotels and restaurants are.
We dropped off our luggage at Dafeng Hotel and went to a local breakfast place called 聯寶早安 (Lianbao Good Morning) for one of my favorite Taiwanese dishes, scallion pancakes.
聯寶早安
Address: 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, Zhongzheng Village, 29號
Hours: Everyday from 6:00 – 13:00
Exploring Alishan and Hiking
After breakfast, we decided to hike a few of the nearby trails, before going back to our hotel to check-in to our room. We hiked the Shuishan Forest Bathing Trail, Pond Shore Boardwalk, and the Giant Tree Plank Trail.
Shuishan Forest Bathing Trail
Our first hike in Alishan was the Shuishan Forest Bathing Trail to see the Shuishan Giant Tree.
This trail is 2,360 m total in length and starts at the Shuishan Forest Bathing Trail Station and ends back at the Zhaoping Station. We walked from the Zhaoping Station, so it was most likely longer.
The main attraction along the Shuishan Forest Bathing Trail is the Shuishan Giant Tree. Compared to all the other trees in the forest, this one is by far the largest.
The Shuishan Giant Tree has a circumference of 16 meters and is 30 meters tall. It’s the largest tree in Alishan.
Pond Shore Boardwalk
One of the more accessible and popular trails in Alishan is the Pond Shore Boardwalk to hike around the Sisters’ Ponds.
The Sisters’ Ponds in Alishan are naturally formed ponds.
I did this trail twice, since the first day was rainy. But it’s doable in any weather.
The trails around the Sisters’ Ponds are well maintained, flat, and easy to hike.
Giant Tree Plank Trail
Another one of my favorite trails in Alishan is the Giant Tree Plank Trails. There are two trails here, trail 1 is 600 meters and trail 2 is 450 meters.
The trees here are giant Cypress trees. The boardwalks along the trail are well maintained and elevated to protect the topsoil and tree roots from hikers.
Along the trail, may of the trees are numbered and have information boards.
Many of Alishan’s trees were cut down due to logging during the Japanese occupation from 1895 – 1945. Thankfully, many of the red cypress trees were sparred because they are crooked or hollow.
No. 28 Giant Tree is the largest and tallest of the Giant Trees in this particular area. It’s diameter is 4 meters with a height of around 45 meters.
Dinner in Alishan
If staying one night in Alishan, there are a few recommended restaurants. Selections are limited at night, but thankfully a few restaurants are open past 20:00.
Two that I recommend are Shan Bin Restaurant and 山芝鄉風味館 (Shanzhi Township Flavor Restaurant). Both serve local Taiwanese and indigenious dishes to the area.
For those that are budget conscious, there is a 7-Eleven in Alishan.
Shan Bin Restaurant
Address: 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, 19號
山芝鄉風味館
Address: 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, Zhongzheng Village, 23號
Alishan High Mountain Tea Experience
One of the best night I’ve had in a while and a thing to do in Alishan that I highly recommend is to visit a tea store and do a tea tasting.
The region is famous for its high-mountain tea. Because of the cooler temperatures and mountain climate, Alishan is known throughout Taiwan for producing quality oolong tea.
We popped in a local tea shop called 日出商店 (Sunrise Shop) and did a tea tasting. The owner of the shop prepared multiple small cups for us and explained the different flavors and methods for brewing tea.
We were here for at least two hours. The owner spoke great English, so we learned a lot about Taiwan and its tea culture. It was a fantastic night in Alishan.
日出商店
Address: Taiwan, 台灣嘉義縣阿里山鄉中正村32號
Day 2 in Alishan
Watching the Sunrise in Alishan
Watching the sunrise in Alishan is easily one of the most popular things to do in Alishan and is worth it, but be warned it can be crowded and you have to get up early.
Waking up before dawn and taking the early morning train was an experience in itself. There is a train that goes to Zhushan Station for the Mt. Ogasawara Viewing Platform.
The day I went, it was so bright already, I didn’t get much of a sunrise. But staying behind as the crowds left and viewing the surrounding mountains was almost an even better experience.
Mountain Ali Tea No. 35
After spending time at the Mt. Ogasawara Viewing Platform, we went to a nearby tea house called Mountain Ali Tea No. 35.
Thankfully they are open early and past lunch. We stopped in a bit later where we got a tea and a local Alishan beer. Just sitting outside enjoying amazing beverages with a spectacular view was a memorable experience for me.
Mountain Ali Tea No. 35
Address: 605, Taiwan, Nantou County, Xinyi Township, Shenmu Village, 103號
More Hiking in Alishan
The primary reason to visit Alishan is to hike so our second day primarily consisted of more hiking.
After visiting the Mt. Ogasawara Platform we didn’t make the train back and hiked into town.
Due to the weather being completely different, it was actually sunny, we hiked from the Zhaoping Station to the Sisters Ponds and then to the Xianglin Service Area.
Zhushan Forest Road
Keep in mind that trails in Alishan might be closed without notice. We initially intended to take the Zhushan Footpath from Zhushan Station, but the trail was closed for maintenance.
Instead, we walked the Zhushan Forest Road back to Zhaoping Station. It was still a beautiful and peaceful hike.
Sisters Pond Trail
The weather in Alishan can change rapidly and be different from one day to the next. Our first day in Alishan, the weather was cloudy and rainy the next day it was hot and sunny. We decided to redo some of the previous day hikes.
We walked from the Zhaoping Station to the Sisters Pond through the Magnolia Garden to the Xianglin Service Station.
On the way to Sisters Pond, we ran into a troop of Formosan Rock Macaques. I saw the same troop the previous day, as I noted one monkey with some serious facial scars.
We continued along the path to the Sisters Ponds, again the trails are well maintained and marked. We did the loop around the ponds, walked past the Magnolia Garden and stopped at Xianglin Service Area for lunch.
Lunch at Xianglin Service Area
In my Alishan itinerary, I recommend stopping by the Xianglin Service Area at least once for lunch or a filling snack.
This area is full of stalls serving both souvenirs and indigenous food to try. I always love the sweet sausages and the Bamboo Rice.
Here the sausages were made from wild boar and the bamboo rice is a mix of rice, vegetables, and meats stuffed in a bamboo tube and teamed, served in the bamboo.
You can also find Alishan souvenirs here and various beverages.
Here, you can also see the beautiful Alishan Shouzhen Temple. It’s a temple built in the late 1940’s and is beautifully designed with intricate carvings and vibrant colors.
Journey Back to Chiayi
After spending 2-days in Alishan, we grabbed our luggage from the hotel and headed back to the Alishan National Forest Recreational Area Entrance to hop on our bus back to Chiayi.
The bus route is the same as the way up and took around 2 – 2.5 hours. We purchased our tickets in advance, but you can also buy them if any are available or use your EasyCard.
Conclusion
After spending 2 days exploring Alishan National Scenic Area, it quickly became one of my favorite places in Taiwan and I can’t wait to go back!
The hiking was phenomenal, even though i stuck to shorter hikes. The misty mornings in the ancient cedar forests is something I’ll never forget.
While getting to Alishan does take a bit more planning, the beauty of this place is absolutely worth the journey from Chiayi. I highly recommend spending at least one night in Alishan to get a better experience.
My Alishan itinerary covers everything I did during the few days I spent in the park. From trying high mountain tea and eating Taiwanese food to hikes and photographing wild monkeys.
I hope you found my Alishan guide helpful. If you have been and want to share all about your trip or have recommendations, feel free to leave a comment. Safe Travels!
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