Alishan Sacred Tree Ruins Introduction
In 1914, the Alishan Forest Railway was fully operational, and the towering Alishan Sacred Tree was one of the most representative landscapes of the railway. It complemented the small train shuttling through the mountains and became an important symbol of Alishan, bringing international fame to the area. This magnificent red cypress tree, over three thousand years old, witnessed the history of Taiwan's forestry culture and nature. However, in 1953, the Sacred Tree was struck by lightning for the first time and suffered significant damage, which weakened it; on June 7, 1956, it was unfortunately struck by lightning again, leading to an internal fire in the trunk, ultimately causing its death. After decades of weathering, on the morning of July 1, 1997, heavy rains loosened the soil and caused excessive moisture, making it unable to bear its weight, resulting in one-third of the tree collapsing. To ensure safety for people and vehicles, the Sacred Tree was laid to rest on June 29, 1998, at 10:30 AM after prayers were said, allowing it to return to nature, with a young red cypress seedling planted nearby to symbolize the continuation of life. Today, the remains of the Sacred Tree have become one of the new Eight Scenic Spots of Alishan. Although the Sacred Tree is no longer there, the spirit and historical memory it carried remain deeply rooted in people's hearts, continuing to attract tourists to reminisce about the past and the magnificent nature of this land.