Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is renowned for its "Five Wonders": the Forest Railway, Sacred Trees, Sea of Clouds, Sunrises, and Sunsets. It is the most famous and popular forest recreation area in Taiwan, shining like a gem on the Alishan mountain range. The Alishan Forest Railway is a famous scenic railway that allows visitors to take a scenic train from Chiayi Railway Station, gently swaying through the forest until reaching its final stop at Alishan (the railway is managed by the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Asset Management Office, and both main and branch lines are fully operational). Alternatively, visitors can drive along Provincial Highway 18, winding up to reach Alishan National Forest Recreation Area at an altitude of 2,216 meters in less than two hours at kilometer marker 88.2. The Alishan mountain range is one of the five major mountain ranges in Taiwan; however, Alishan is not a single mountain but refers to the entire mountainous region. It has possessed abundant cypress wood resources since ancient times and was the largest timber plantation in Taiwan from 1912 to 1960. After extensive logging over the years, the original cypress forests were nearly depleted, but today, visitors can still find nearly forty giant red cypress trees along the first and second phase giant tree boardwalks, evoking memories of the magnificent sacred tree forests of the past. The famous Alishan Sacred Tree was struck by lightning in 1956 and partially fell in 1997, which led the Forestry and Nature Conservation Bureau to lay it down in its original location for visitors to enjoy in June 1998, in deference to the natural ecosystem, respect for life, and to ensure visitor safety. In 2006, after a vote, the "Alishan Fragrant Forest Sacred Tree" was selected as the second-generation sacred tree, standing 45 meters tall and measuring 12.3 meters in circumference, making it a must-visit site in Alishan. Within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, there is abundant ecology, including some of the most unique plants such as the rare Huperzia squarrosa, Taiwan's endemic Cyatheaceae, and Alishan's top ten species of shrubs, as well as Taiwan's one-leaf orchid. The area is also home to various wildlife, including Formosan macaques, Elliot's pheasants, Temminck's tragopans, Alishan thrushes, and Alishan salamanders, creating a lively environment. In addition to the sacred trees, Alishan features many other attractive sites: the Forest Railway, the ethereal Sisters Ponds, the magnificent sea of clouds, the beautiful sunrise at Zhu Mountain, the Zhenjun Temple, the century-old Ciyun Temple, historical forestry sites, and a variety of blooming cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring. Alishan National Forest Recreation Area represents Taiwan's misty forest belt and is an internationally recognized sightseeing destination, welcoming travelers from all around the world to experience the rich and beautiful landscapes of Taiwan's mountains.
Photo provided by Chiayi Branch
Photo provided by Chiayi Branch.
