Wuji Railway Introduction
The Alishan Forest Railway is a famous mountain railway in Taiwan, known both domestically and internationally. Originally built for transporting timber, it has now transformed into a scenic tourism train. The main line of the Alishan Forest Railway spans 72.7 kilometers, connecting Chiayi City with Alishan. After a restoration period of 15 years, the entire line is set to reopen on July 6, 2024, allowing visitors to take a train directly from Chiayi Station to Alishan Station. Major stations along the route include Chiayi, Beimen, Zhuzhai, Zhangnaoliao, Duli Mountain, Liyuanliao, Jiaoliping, Shuishaliao, Fenqihu, Dulin, Shizilu, Erwanping, and Alishan, totaling 13 stations. The entire journey takes about 4 hours and 56 minutes, with a 1-hour stop at Fenqihu, allowing tourists to savor local delicacies. Currently, there are five main branch lines in the area: - Zhushan Line: This is Taiwan's first self-built high-altitude railway, designed for those heading to Zhushan to catch the sunrise, offering magnificent morning views. - Zhaoping Line: This branch connects Alishan Station to Zhaoping Station, with a length of about 6 kilometers and a travel time of approximately 7 to 10 minutes. It passes through Zhaoping Park and the Taiwan One-leaf Orchid Educational Area, making it an ideal route to Sisters Pond. - Shenmu Line: This branch traverses dense forests, leading directly to the towering Giant Tree Area, making it an important choice for experiencing stunning natural landscapes. - Mianyu Line: Originally a railway branch dedicated to timber transport, this 9.2-kilometer line has now been transformed into a hiking trail. It was reopened on May 1, 2022, becoming a new option for hiking enthusiasts. The scenic trail features multiple bridges and tunnels, with a one-way journey taking about 4 to 5 hours. - Shuishan Line: This branch was originally a forest railway leading to Dongpu, starting from Zhaoping Station, and currently extends to Shuishan Station, measuring about 1.6 kilometers. Along the path, visitors can see remnants of the old railway and the Shuishan Giant Tree (Red Cypress), which is approximately 1,080 years old and one of the largest giant trees in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. A round trip from Zhaoping Station takes about 1 hour, making it very suitable for families and general tourists. In addition, the early remnants of steam locomotives No. 25, No. 26, and No. 31 have been meticulously restored and are back in operation, allowing visitors to experience this historic steam train journey. The Alishan Forest Railway is not only an important attraction for nature lovers but also a part of understanding Taiwan’s history and culture.
