Alishan Sacred Tree Ruins

Chiayi Attractions

阿里山神木遺跡
阿里山神木遺跡

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. The small train that shuttles through the mountain forest complements the majestic tree, becoming an important symbol of Alishan and making it known internationally. 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 first struck by lightning, suffering severe damage and a significant decline in vitality. On June 7, 1956, the Sacred Tree was unfortunately struck by lightning again, igniting the inside of the trunk, ultimately leading to its withering and death. After decades of erosion from wind and rain, on the morning of July 1, 1997, heavy rains caused the soil to loosen and become overly saturated, resulting in one-third of the tree collapsing. To ensure the safety of people and vehicles, the Sacred Tree was laid down on June 29, 1998, at 10:30 AM after a prayer ceremony, allowing it to return to nature, and a young red cypress seedling was planted beside it, symbolizing the continuity of life. Today, the site of the Sacred Tree has become one of the new Eight Scenic Spots of Alishan; although the tree is no longer there, the spirit and historical memory it carried remain.

Address:Alishan Township, Chiayi County 605

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.

Alishan Sacred Tree Ruins Travel Information

Address:Alishan Township, Chiayi County 605


Transportation Methods:1. Take the Chiayi County Bus from Chiayi Railway Station, Alishan Line, and get off at the final stop. 2. Take the Kuo-Kuang Bus from Taipei Main Station to Alishan. 3. Take the Alishan Forest Railway and get off at Alishan Station. *Public transportation has limited schedules, so it's recommended to check the departure times in advance.*


Other Nearby Attractions: Giant Tree of AlishanShenyi WaterfallCiyun Temple Viewing Platform in the New Eight Scenic SpotsQinshan River He Doctor Memorial StoneTree Spirit TowerGiant Tree No. 28 of the New Eight Scenic SpotsThree-Generation Wood and Elephant Nose WoodGiant Tree BoardwalkXianglin Arch BridgeWuchi Forest


Nearby Cuisine: Alishan House RestaurantGao Shan Qing - Zhu Shan Xuan RestaurantAlishan House RestaurantAlishan House RestaurantShanzhi Township Flavor Restaurant999 RestaurantYushan Garden Restaurant999 RestaurantNew Star Light RestaurantYushan Garden Restaurant


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