Wuqih Railway Introduction
Alishan Forest Railway is a renowned mountain railway both domestically and internationally. Originally built for transporting timber, it has now transformed into a scenic tourist train. The main line of the Alishan Forest Railway stretches 72.7 kilometers, connecting Chiayi City and Alishan. After a 15-year restoration, the entire line will be opened for service on July 6, 2024, allowing visitors to take the train directly from Chiayi Station to Alishan Station. The main stops along the route include Chiayi, Beimen, Zhuzhai, Zhangnaoliao, Duli Mountain, Liyuan Liao, Jiaoliping, Shuishaliao, Fenqihu, Dulun, Shizilu, Erwanping, and Alishan, totaling 13 stations. The entire journey takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes, with a 1-hour stop at Fenqihu, allowing visitors to savor local delicacies. Currently, the park has five main branch lines: 1. Zhushan Line: This is the first self-built high mountain railway in Taiwan, specially designed for tourists heading to Zhushan to watch the sunrise, offering magnificent dawn views. 2. Zhaoping Line: This branch connects Alishan Station and Zhaoping Station, with a length of about 6 kilometers and a journey time of about 7 to 10 minutes. It passes through Zhaoping Park and the Taiwan Orchid Education Center, making it an ideal route to Sister Ponds. 3. Shenmu Line: This branch traverses dense forests and reaches the towering giant trees in the Sacred Tree area, making it an important choice for experiencing breathtaking natural scenery. 4. Mianyu Line: Originally a railway branch for timber transport, it measures 9.2 kilometers and has now been transformed into a hiking trail. Reopened since May 1, 2022, it has become a new option for hiking enthusiasts. This trail offers beautiful scenery along the way, with several bridges and tunnels, requiring about 4 to 5 hours for a one-way trip. 5. 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 trail, one can see remnants of the old railway and the giant trees in Shuishan (Taiwanese cypress), which are about 1,080 years old and one of the largest giant trees in the Alishan National Scenic Area. Starting from Zhaoping Station, a round trip takes about 1 hour, making it very suitable for families and general tourists. In addition, the restored No. 25, 26, and 31 steam trains have been put back into operation, allowing visitors to experience this historic steam train journey. The Alishan Forest Railway is not only an important destination for nature lovers but also a part of understanding Taiwan's history and culture.
