Whether you’re a Taiwan local or a visitor from abroad, Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most well known attractions. From the little trains, local culture and traditions to the spectacular, romantic pink cherry blossom, all are familiar impressions of Alishan. However, it is also one of Taiwan’s five great mountain ranges. The lush forest, trails and alpine vista are all must-not-miss attractions!
Bordering Qishan River (Nanzixian River), the Alishan Mountain Range is located on the west side of Yushan Mountain Range, with the south bank of Zhuoshuixi in Jiji, Nantou on its north side, and Jiguanshan in Yanchao, Kaohsiung on its south side. The direction of the mountain ridges point toward north-north-east-south-west. The average altitude of the mountain ranges, made up by 18 mountains, is 2,000 meters. Some of the mountain ranges are Jinlunshan, Zhushan, Duigaoyueshan, Datashan and Tashan, etc. Although it’s not as high as the Taiwan 100 Mountains that reach 3,000 meters, Alishan’s breathtaking
Meet the Imposing Mountains
Datashan
Datashan is the tallest peak of the Alishan Range, with an altitude of 2,663 meters. It’s regarded as the Holy Mountain by the local Tsou indigenous tribe. The Xiaotashan on the western side and several mountains nearby are collectively known as the Tashan Mountains. The prestigious Tashan Trail is located here, and the starting point is next to Meitan of Jiemei Lakes. The front section of the trail is parallel to the Alishan Forest Railroad, and it leads to the Qiyan Viewing Platform. The vast vista offers a birds-eye-view of the surrounding scenery.
Zhushan
With an altitude of 2,489 meters, Zhushan was an important attraction to see the sunrise since the Japanese colonial era. Due to the prominent terrain offering a wide field of vision, radiant sunlight scatters everywhere at sunrise. It’s quite a spectacle to see the sunlight diffused by a sea of clouds in the valley. You can get to Zhushan Station and the Zhushan Sunrise Observation Deck by following the steps at the Zhushan Sunrise Trail archway next to Chaoping Station. You can also walk another 10 minutes or so to the Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout to fully
Xiaoliyuanshan
Xiaoliyuanshan was named after Ogasawara Tojiro, a Japanese technician from the Governor’s Mansion of Chiayi, Taiwan, during the Japanese colonial era, after he and his team climbed up Wansuishan to survey the area. With an altitude of 2,488 meters, Xiaoliyuanshan Lookout is not only an outstanding place to view sunrise, but also a great place to see Alishan, Yushan and Central Mountain Range. Hence, it’s one of the famous mountains within Alishan.
More in Alishan Than Hiking Trails!
The climate in Alishan is cool, and has high humidity and abundant rain. The annual average temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius. The five well-known wonders of Alishan are sunrise, sea of clouds, railroad, forest and sunset! The early morning dawn unveils a new day, while the breathtaking orange sunset in the evening ends the day in a perfect note. Alishan’s Sea of Clouds is one of Taiwan’s top 8 scenic attractions. It is usually seen on sunny days when clouds roll in during sunrise or at dusk. One of the three mountain railways remaining in the world is in Alishan. It was built to transport timber in the old days, and nowadays it’s a tourism train that shuttles tourists through the forest. Visitors who don’t want to take the train can hike on the trails to be closer to nature, enjoy fresh air and experience the charm of the alpine forest.
