Alishan
Cypress forests, a mountain railway and sunrise views that depend on the weather make Alishan an overnight trip from Chiayi.
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Alishan is a mountain area in Chiayi County, in central-southern Taiwan, reached by road and by the Alishan Forest Railway from the city of Chiayi. Visitors come for the cypress forests, the tea gardens and early-morning views, when clouds sit in the valleys below the peaks. The forest railway is a narrow-gauge line built in the early 20th century to haul timber, and riding it is part of the trip.
Plan at least one night, and two if you want a second chance at the sunrise. Sunrise views depend on the weather, so an early start can bring a clear morning or a wall of cloud. Days fit in forest walks, a tea farm visit and a ride on the forest railway at an easy pace. Mountain weather changes fast in every season, so keep one morning open for the view.
Alishan in five
- Book the forest railway aheadTimetables on the Alishan Forest Railway and the mountain bus are limited, so check the operator's booking page for your date before you leave Chiayi.Getting around
- Take the high speed rail to ChiayiChiayi is the usual gateway, since the high speed rail stops there and the bus and forest railway climb from the city. Plan that connection before you leave Taipei.
- Pack a warm layer for sunriseThe mountain is much cooler than Chiayi city, especially before dawn when visitors wait at the viewpoints. Bring a jacket, even in summer.Clothing
- Check typhoon and rain closuresHeavy rain, typhoons and landslides can suspend the forest railway and mountain roads, sometimes at short notice. Check the Central Weather Administration and the railway's notices, and keep trip cover in place.Travel insurance
- Carry cash and offline mapsSome small stalls and tea shops take cash only, and mobile signal drops in the forest. Save maps and bookings offline before the bus starts climbing.Phones and eSIM
Need to know
- Currency
- New Taiwan dollar (TWD)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check before you book Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, clear
- FebruaryCold, early blossom
- MarchCherry blossom
- AprilMild, clear
- MayRains begin
- JuneRainy season
- JulyTyphoon risk
- AugustTyphoon risk
- SeptemberRain, typhoons
- OctoberClear, cool
- NovemberClear, sea of clouds
- DecemberCold, clear
Right now in Alishan
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 28°
- Humidity
- 76%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Alishan
04:40 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today18°8°100%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed19°8°100%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu20°8°38%Thursday: Fog. High 20°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Fri19°9°100%Friday: Rain. High 19°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sat18°9°100%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 18°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun20°7°100%Sunday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Mon18°7°100%Monday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 04:05 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 32.64 TWD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Chiayi cityabout 2 hours by bus down the mountainThe railway town at the foot of the mountain, with the high speed rail and more restaurants.
- Sun Moon Lakeabout 2 to 3 hours by roadA lake in the central mountains, a longer drive for a second day.
- Fenqihua stop on the forest railway rideA stop on the forest railway, known for its boxed lunch and a rest on the way up.
Before you go to Alishan
Rules for Alishan, checked
- Many passports need no visa for short stays in Taiwan. Check current entry rules with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you book.Source
- Declare cash above the legal limit on the arrival form. Check the current amount with Taiwan customs before you fly.
- Stay on marked trails in the forest recreation areas and follow closure signs. Staff can close paths after rain or for maintenance.
- Check typhoon warnings and road or railway closures with the Central Weather Administration before you travel.Source
- Carry your passport at all times, since hotels and checkpoints may ask for ID.
Plan around Alishan
Regions, entry rules and transport for a Taiwan trip
Read the guideGetting around TaiwanRail, bus and mountain transport compared
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for the trip
Read the guideVisas and entryWho can enter visa-free and what to check
Read the guideWhere to stayLodges on the mountain and in Chiayi compared
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData plans and signal on the mountain
Read the guideAlishan FAQ
How do I get to Alishan from Taipei?
Take the high speed rail to Chiayi, then a bus or the Alishan Forest Railway up the mountain. Timetables are limited, so check them before you travel.
Is Alishan worth it?
Yes, for the cedar and cypress forest, the sunrise viewpoints and cooler air in summer. It suits an overnight stay, since the sunrise walk starts before dawn.
How many days do you need in Alishan?
Two nights cover one sunrise, a forest walk and the railway ride. One night works if you come up from Chiayi, but the early start is harder.
Is the Alishan Forest Railway running?
It runs on a limited timetable and stops during heavy rain, typhoons and after landslides. Check the operator's notices on the day you travel.
When is the best time to visit Alishan?
March, April, October and November are the most comfortable months for clear skies. Winter is cold, and summer brings rain and typhoon risk.
Do I need a car on Alishan?
No. Buses and the forest railway serve the main areas, but a taxi helps for early starts and trailheads off the bus route.
Should I stay on the mountain or in Chiayi?
Stay on the mountain for sunrise and forest walks. Stay in Chiayi if you want more restaurants and an easier bus connection for a day trip.