Alishan Sacred Tree Site Introduction
In 1914, the Alishan Forest Railway was fully opened, and the towering Alishan Sacred Tree became one of the most representative landscapes of the railway. It harmoniously complemented the small trains that wove through the forests, becoming an important symbol of Alishan and bringing international fame to the area. This majestic 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 first struck by lightning, suffering severe damage and a setback in its health. On June 7, 1956, it was unfortunately struck again, causing a fire within the trunk that ultimately led to its decline and death. After decades of erosion and harsh weather, on the morning of July 1, 1997, heavy rains loosened the soil and saturated it with water, causing a third of the tree to crack and fall. To ensure the safety of people and vehicles, the Sacred Tree was laid down on June 29, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. after a prayer ceremony, allowing it to return to nature, and a young red cypress seedling was 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 tree is no longer standing, the spirit and historical memory it carried remain deeply embedded in people's hearts, continuing to attract visitors to reminisce about the past and the magnificent nature of this land.
