Alishan One-Day Tour Itinerary Recommendation: All-Inclusive for Dining, Entertainment, and Fun, Explore Alishan in 6 Stops!

Alishan is one of Taiwan’s eight natural wonders and Chiayi’s most renowned tourist attraction, famous for its “Five Wonders”: sunrise, sea of clouds, railway, forests, and sunset glow. However, Alishan is not a single mountain, but a scenic area composed of eighteen peaks. In addition to appreciating its natural beauty, the high-mountain railway and Tsou indigenous culture are also important features of Alishan. If you love natural mountain scenery, tea plantations, railways, or are interested in indigenous culture, follow the Alishan one-day tour itinerary arranged in this article to experience it all!

First Stop: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Many visitors come to Chiayi specifically for Alishan, whether it’s for the sunrise, sea of clouds, railway, forests, sunset glow, or to enjoy cherry blossoms, fireflies, maple leaves, or simply to relax, exercise, or take photos. For families with children, people of all ages, and both domestic and international tourists, even if you don’t want to wake up early for the sunrise, the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is an excellent first stop for an Alishan one-day tour, especially for morning photography.

Alishan Admission Tickets

Ticket Type	Price	Applicable To
Full Price	NT$300	Foreign nationals, domestic visitors without ID
Discounted Ticket	NT$200	Domestic visitors with ID
General Concession Ticket	NT$ 150	Passengers using public transportation (bus or coach) with a ticket stub.
Half Price	NT$ 150	Non-domestic students, international student ID holders, and children (7-12 years old)
Domestic Half Price	NT$ 100	Domestic military personnel/police with ID, students (with student ID), children (7-12 years old), those with official bereavement certificates, residents registered in the county/city where the recreation area is located (with proof of residency)
Preferential Ticket	NT$ 10	Children (3-6 years old), domestic seniors aged 65 and above (with ID), elementary school students on non-holiday outdoor educational trips (school teachers leading with official letter), tour guides (with professional license issued by Tourism Bureau)
Free Admission	NT$ 0	Persons with disabilities and their guardian or one essential companion, children (0-2 years old), residents registered within the recreation area (with proof of residency), indigenous people registered in the administrative district (township, village) of the recreation area, and other relevant personnel for official duties or forestry/agricultural needs (with proof of identity).

Note: The table above is for reference only. For the latest information, please check the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket Information or Online Ticket Purchase.

Alishan Transportation

From Chiayi Railway Station to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, the fastest driving time is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. If you only plan to visit Fenqihu and Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, both train and bus services are convenient for these two major attractions, though the journey may take longer due to more stops.

• Bus: Chiayi County Bus 7322/7329, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan Route, Taiwan Tour Bus (package tours)
• Train: Alishan Forest Railway Main Line (only one train per day to Alishan)
• Self-driving: National Freeway 3 → Zhongpu Interchange → Provincial Highway 18
• Chartered Car: Onetaiwantrip Customized Chartered Tour Itinerary

If you want to see the sunrise or make multiple stops along the way, we recommend driving yourself or hiring a chartered car!

Alishan Chartered Tour Recommendations

The advantage of a chartered car is that a professional driver leads the way, allowing you to relax in the car and plan your photography, dining, and souvenir shopping upon arrival. Once you reach your destination, simply arrange a pick-up time with the driver and enjoy your trip without worrying about parking spaces or fees. Especially when hiking in Alishan, you wouldn’t want to carry heavy luggage; a chartered car acts as your mobile locker, eliminating any concerns about carrying weight.

Onetaiwantrip is the top choice for professional chartered tours in Alishan, offering a variety of vehicle types including 5-seater, 7-seater, 9-seater, and other minivan models, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

Chartered Car Price List Reference: Taiwan Car Model Chartered Car Price List

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Attractions & One-Day Tour Route Recommendation

The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is vast with many attractions and hiking trails. It is recommended to allocate at least half a day to experience the classic sights; many people also choose to stay overnight in the park for two days and one night to leisurely enjoy this mountain wonderland.

Here are some classic, must-visit attractions and a one-day tour route that I personally love. Following this route will allow you to experience almost all of Alishan’s unique attractions!

Recommended Attractions in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area:

• Ogasawara Mountain Viewing Platform: Offers views of Yushan Main Peak, best for sunrise. A short uphill walk from Zhushan Station, about 15 minutes, leads to a 360-degree viewing platform.
• Zhaoping Station: A Japanese-style wooden station, perfect for photos with its light-colored wood against the green forest!
• Sister Ponds: Composed of two high-mountain lakes, Elder Sister Pond and Younger Sister Pond, with a terrifyingly beautiful legend behind them. If you have time, take a walk around the lakeside boardwalk.
• Alishan Sacred Tree Remains: A symbolic landmark of the park, estimated to be about three thousand years old, but it collapsed due to lightning strikes and heavy rains.
• Xianglin Elementary School: Taiwan’s “highest educational institution” (highest elevation 😆). Many visitors come here to check in and commemorate their visit.
• Shueishan Giant Tree: The most recommended of Alishan’s new eight scenic spots by locals, but I personally feel the trail along the way is more worthwhile than the giant tree itself!

Image source: Chiayi Branch, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture

Recommended Alishan National Forest Recreation Area One-Day Tour Route:

(Sunrise viewing: Zhushan Station → Ogasawara Mountain Viewing Platform) → Zhaoping Station → Sister Ponds (along the lakeside boardwalk) → Xianglin Arch Bridge → Giant Tree No. 28 → Alishan Sacred Tree Remains → Xianglin Elementary School → Three Generations of Trees → Cherry King (popular cherry blossom viewing spot during cherry blossom season) → Alishan Post Office

Note: If you have enough time and energy, I highly recommend the “Shueishan Healing Trail” (the endpoint is one of Alishan’s new eight scenic spots: Shueishan Giant Tree).Walking along the abandoned old railway, surrounded by trees, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and scattering on every step, you feel as if you are one with nature.

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Recommended Visiting Time: Sunrise or morning hours, as the mountains tend to get foggy in the afternoon. It is recommended to arrive before 2 PM!

Notes: The mountains are often heavily foggy in the early morning and after noon. Remember to bring warm jackets and rain gear.

Reference Information: Official Chinese Guide & Park Map

Second Stop: Fenqihu Old Street

Fenqihu Old Street is located approximately halfway between Chiayi City and Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Visitors to Alishan usually stop here, or they might visit the forest recreation area first to see the sunrise and hike, then return to Fenqihu for a nostalgic railway bento lunch.

The old street area is neither too big nor too small. You can have a simple lunch, enjoy some dessert and coffee, and stroll around the old street. For nature lovers, there are also circular trails for hiking. Because the undulating streets and alleys resemble Jiufen Old Street, it is also known as “Alishan Jiufen” or “Southern Taiwan Jiufen.” Besides nostalgic gourmet snacks, it also sells various retro trinkets and unique souvenirs, making it a must-visit on an Alishan one-day tour!

Image Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Administration

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Fenqihu Old Street

Opening Hours: Sunday-Friday 06:00–18:00; Saturday 06:00–21:00

Must-Try Foods: Railway Mountain Town Nostalgic Railway Bento, Jieziwei Grandma’s Caozaiguo (herbal rice cake), Aiyu Bo’s House (Aiyu Jelly), Century-Old Cypress Donuts,

Daguma Alishan Coffee

Third Stop: Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Park / Alishan Shizhao Trail

For this stop, you can choose one of the two attractions based on your preference:

• Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Park: Learn about traditional Tsou culture, and enjoy tea and coffee plantation scenery.
• Alishan Shizhao Trail: Features natural landscapes such as tea plantations, bamboo forests, cedar forests, sea of clouds, and sunset glow, suitable for hikers and photography enthusiasts.

Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Park

Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Park combines rich activities like theatrical performances, cultural and historical guided tours, and traditional indigenous houses with natural beauty. Surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, and adorned with beautiful flowers and plants, the scenery itself is stunning and clearly well-maintained.

If you are interested in Tsou indigenous culture, you can experience Tsou song and dance performances here, and visit the Tsou Cultural Theme Hall and Handicraft Center. In addition to tasting Alishan tea, you can enjoy food and drinks, watch performances, admire the scenery, and purchase local specialty souvenirs, making it very suitable for families.

Image Source: Yuyupas Official Website

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Park

Opening Hours: 09:30–16:30

Ticket Information: Full Price NT$300, Discounted Ticket NT$200, Half-Price Concession Ticket NT$150 (all include a NT$100 voucher)

Alishan Shizhao Trail

The Shizhao Trail is known as a five-star trail, composed of six paths: “Tea, Mist, Cloud, Sunset Glow, Cherry, and Love,” which can be walked in a loop. Each trail has its unique characteristics, mostly surrounded by tea plantations, bamboo forests, and clouds, offering diverse scenery:

• Cherry Trail: Popular cherry blossom route, shortest and gentlest.
• Cloud Trail: Primarily a Japanese cedar forest boardwalk, often shrouded in mist.
• Tea Trail: Interspersed with tea plantations and bamboo forests, the longest. Walking clockwise, it’s mostly downhill through bamboo.
• Mist Trail: Tea plantations and bamboo forests, most beautiful before sunset.
• Sunset Glow Trail: Beautiful tea plantations, a popular spot for photographers to capture sunsets.
• Love Trail: Also features cherry blossoms and tea plantation scenery.

Image Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Administration

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Shizhao Information Station (Parking available nearby to start the trail)

Opening Hours: 24 hours, each time of day offers different characteristics.

Fourth Stop: A-Jiang’s Home 23 Cafe / Zuo Yi Tea House

This stop offers a choice of unique cafes or restaurants for a relaxing break, where you can enjoy afternoon tea while admiring the beautiful scenery. If you visited Yuyupas in the third stop, A-Jiang’s Home 23 Cafe is conveniently nearby. Zuo Yi Tea House is closer to the Shizhao Trail. However, the locations of the third and fourth stops are not too far apart, so you can still decide based on your preference.

A-Jiang’s Home 23 Cafe

This unique cafe, run by a Tsou couple, combines traditional Tsou architecture with industrial art. It appears like a stone fairy tale village hidden in the mountains. The stone pillars, flowers, and metalwork of the building were all handcrafted by them over two decades, and there are also over a dozen cats to keep you company!

However, this place is very popular, and the rules are a bit complex—reservations are not accepted. You need to get a number and wait to be seated. There are also group size restrictions and no full meals served. It is highly recommended to check their Facebook page beforehand for operating hours and admission information to avoid a wasted trip.

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: A-Jiang’s Home 23 Cafe

Operating Hours: 09:30–12:00, 13:00–16:30. Irregular closing days, please check their Facebook page for confirmation.

Zuo Yi Tea House

This distinctive Japanese-style wooden restaurant specializes in ochazuke (tea over rice) set meals. The prices are on the higher side but the dishes are exquisite and perfect for photos. The restaurant’s biggest feature is its 180-degree panoramic glass windows, allowing diners to enjoy mountain views. Even with slightly higher prices, it attracts many visitors. It has long operating hours, suitable for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, but viewing seats are limited, with only three tables for four people available to enjoy the Alishan mountain scenery while dining.

Image Source: Zuo Yi Tea House

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Zuo Yi Tea House

Operating Hours: 08:30–20:00

Fifth Stop: Xiding Er延ping Trail / Tsou Lu Cultural and Creative Park

This stop can be paired with the third stop. If you have already visited Yuyupas Tsou Cultural Park at the third stop, it is recommended to choose the Er延ping Trail for the fifth stop, as you might catch a sea of clouds or sunset before dusk! Conversely, if you chose the Shizhao Trail for the third stop, you might want to skip another trail here and instead visit the Tsou Lu Cultural and Creative Park to experience indigenous culture and interact closely with sika deer!

Xiding Er延ping Trail

The Er延ping Trail is also a popular Alishan attraction, with its main highlight being the ability to experience sunset, sea of clouds, and tea plantations all at once! Many professional photographers specifically come here to take pictures!

The trail is about an hour one-way, with stairs throughout. Although the slope is not steep and the difficulty is not high, the outbound journey is almost entirely uphill, so it’s not entirely easy. The tea plantation scenery along the trail is beautiful, but sunsets and seas of clouds are unpredictable. If you’re coming specifically for beautiful photos, be prepared for the possibility of heavy fog.

Image Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Administration

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Er延ping Trail

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Recommended Visiting Time: Early morning or evening (for sea of clouds, sunset)

Tsou Lu Cultural and Creative Park

This newly planned multi-functional park, opened at the end of 2022, allows close encounters with sika deer and experiences of traditional Tsou indigenous culture. The admission ticket includes a merchandise voucher and a choice of one performance or activity experience. The most popular activities are feeding the adorable sika deer and experiencing traditional indigenous archery, making it very suitable for families with children or foreign friends interested in indigenous culture!

Image Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Administration

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Tsou Lu Cultural and Creative Park

Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00, closed on Tuesdays

Ticket Information: Full Price NT$350, Discounted Ticket NT$300, Disability Concession Ticket NT$250 (all include one performance & experience choice + merchandise voucher)

Sixth Stop: Qingfeng Taoyue Landscape Foot Spa / Chiayi City (Wenhua Road Night Market)

The last stop is around dinner time. If you want something special, you can dine at Qingfeng Taoyue restaurant and enjoy a foot spa with a view. If you like night markets, don’t miss the bustling Wenhua Road Night Market in Chiayi City. You can even visit both!

Qingfeng Taoyue Landscape Foot Spa

This is a scenic restaurant and foot spa near Renyitan. The foot spa area and dining area are separate. The foot spa area faces the lake and mountains, offering views of Renyitan. The simple canopy design provides a private space without obstructing the view, and you can enjoy drinks and desserts while soaking your feet, which is very relaxing.

The dining area is also meticulously designed, offering views of Renyitan. The entire restaurant features ancient Chinese architecture and red lanterns, reminiscent of A-Mei Tea House in Jiufen. The atmosphere changes dramatically after dark, making it a perfect ending to an Alishan one-day tour.

Image Source: Chiayi Scenic Restaurant – Qingfeng Taoyue

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Qingfeng Taoyue Landscape Foot Spa

Operating Hours: 11:00–21:00, closed on Tuesdays

Notes: On holidays, dining service ends at 20:00, and reservations are not accepted. Foot spa reservations are not accepted on weekdays or holidays.

Chiayi City (Wenhua Road Night Market)

No need for much introduction, right? When in Chiayi, chicken rice and Wenhua Road Night Market are probably must-do activities! After a day of relaxing and breathing in the fresh air in the Alishan mountains, whether you hiked seriously or not, you should definitely replenish your energy at the night market in the evening (?).

Popular must-try foods include Lin Tsung Ming’s Sand Pot Fish Head, Yu Hsiang Wu, Fang Guizi Braised Dishes, Pin An Dou Hua, Huang Mao Yatou Dongshan Duck Head, and Zhen Zhen Oyster Omelet and Seafood Porridge, highly recommended by locals. Just follow the queues. You can also head to A-Hong Shi for a bowl of turkey rice on the next street, and then finish with a sweet treat at the nearby Instagram-famous Tao Cheng Dou Hua. When in Chiayi, you must eat to your heart’s content!

Image Source: Tourism Bureau, MOTC

[Attraction Information]

Google Maps Location: Wenhua Road Tourist Night Market

Operating Hours: 15:30–23:00

Other Alishan One-Day Tour Itinerary Recommendations

1. Relaxed Sunrise One-Day Tour: Watch the sunrise at Zhushan Station / Ogasawara Mountain Viewing Platform, combined with more relaxed stops like Fenqihu, Wulicun Tea House / Traveler’s Tea.
2. Classic Itinerary One-Day Tour: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Fenqihu, Hinoki Village, Wenhua Road Night Market
3. Hidden Gem One-Day Tour: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Shueishan Healing Trail, Shizimingxin Coffee, Teffuyana, Duolin, Dadongshan Hiking Trail
4. Mianyue Line One-Day Tour: Mianyue Line one-day hike (requires prior permit application)

Onetaiwantrip Alishan Chartered Tour

Professional Service Safe Driving

Booking an Alishan one-day chartered tour or multi-day inter-county chartered tour with Onetaiwantrip is convenient and reliable.

Onetaiwantrip is dedicated to cultivating chartered tour services in Central Taiwan, leading the industry with comfortable and luxurious vehicle interiors, professional and highly qualified drivers, and reasonable, cost-effective prices.

Cultivating Taiwan Free Travel for Many Years Insisting on the Best Travel Quality

• The driver has a qualified license and a certificate of good citizenship, so that guests can ride with peace of mind and comfort.
• Our drivers possess a high level of professionalism and in-depth knowledge of routes and tourist attractions in Central Taiwan and the Alishan area.
• Drivers are regularly and strictly assessed, and those who have been complained by guests will not be dispatched to ensure the quality of service.
• Online customer service staff can keep track of guests’ car status at any time and handle any emergencies immediately.
• The cars arranged are all legally operated rental cars (R or T plates), and are definitely not white plate cars without insurance claims.

Alishan One-Day Tour Common Q&A

Q: Which month is best to visit Alishan?

Alishan is suitable year-round, with each season offering unique characteristics. The cherry blossom season in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is typically from March to April each year. Fireflies can be seen from April to June, and maple leaves are best viewed from November to January. The sea of clouds is most likely to be seen in the early mornings and evenings from November to April.

Q: What is the temperature in Alishan?

The average annual temperature in the Alishan area is 10.6°C. The average summer temperature is 14.3°C, with a maximum of 24.1°C; the average winter temperature is 6.4°C, with a minimum of -1.8°C. It is cool throughout the year, with temperatures about 14°C lower than the Chiayi area at the same latitude, and a temperature difference of less than 10°C between summer and winter.

Q: What should I wear to watch the sunrise in Alishan?

Alishan is approximately 2,216 meters above sea level. The weather in the mountains changes rapidly, humidity is high, and there are significant temperature differences between day and night. For sunrise viewing, it is recommended to dress in layers (onion style), and even in summer, a waterproof jacket is necessary. Sunscreen and rain gear should also be prepared. As it often rains in the mountains, it is advisable to wear non-slip, comfortable walking shoes.

Q: How do I get to Alishan for sunrise?

After arriving at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area by self-driving or chartered car, take the Zhushan Line small train to Zhushan Station / Zhuri Sunrise Viewing Platform, or walk further to the Ogasawara Mountain Viewing Platform. If you don’t get a train ticket or prefer to walk slowly, you can also walk from the sunrise trail next to Zhaoping Station to Zhushan Station. You can also stay at hotels within the park the night before, such as Alishan House, Alishan Sacred Tree Hotel, or Alishan Gou Hotel, to avoid having to leave too early.

Q: Will I get carsick on the chartered car up Alishan?

If you are concerned about motion sickness due to winding mountain roads, it is recommended to take motion sickness medication 30-60 minutes before ascending the mountain.

Q: Can chartered cars drive directly into the restricted area?

Some hotels require a transfer to a hotel shuttle, such as Alishan House, Alishan Gou, Alishan Indigo Hotel, etc. (If the hotel is located within the restricted area of the forest recreation area, vehicles cannot enter the restricted area. Passengers will disembark at the small car parking lot in front of the Alishan Visitor Center to transfer to a shuttle bus).

Q: How early should an Alishan chartered car depart?

The one-way travel time to Alishan from various departure points and recommended departure times for a one-day tour are as follows:

Departure Point	Travel Time	Departure time
Departing from Taichung City	170 minutes	06:00-07:00
Departing from Chiayi City	110 minutes	07:00-08:00
Departing from Tainan City	150 minutes	06:30-07:30
Departing from Kaohsiung City	170 minutes	06:00-07:00

Q: Where can I dine and stay when visiting Alishan National Forest Recreation Area?

Currently, the recreation area offers accommodation options such as Alishan House and other legally registered hotels. For detailed accommodation information, please visit the TaiwanStay website of the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications: https://taiwanstay.net.tw/
The area in front of the Visitor Service Center features shops selling local specialties (such as wood products, tea, essential oils, and souvenir clothing), as well as restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Meals and special souvenirs are also available at Xianglin Service Area, Zhushan Service Area, Zhaoping Service Area, and the Simple Market within the park.

*The Xianglin Service Area was rebuilt from the highest-altitude primary school, Xianglin Elementary School.
*The Zhushan Service Area is named “yes mo ho,” which means “sunrise” in the Tsou language.
*The Zhaoping Service Area is named “mi mi yu,” which means “wandering around” in the Tsou language.
*The Simple Market is named “na no ma fe,” which means “delicious” in the Tsou language.

Q: When is the flower season at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, and what flowers can be seen?

The annual flower season at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is from March 10th to April 10th. It begins with mountain cherry blossoms, followed by Japanese cherry varieties. During this time, Rhododendron morii, Malus halliana, and Pleione formosana also bloom successively, transforming Alishan into a sea of flowers.

Q: Are pets allowed in the park?

Since 2013, Taiwan has experienced a rabies epidemic among ferret badgers. According to the rabies surveillance report from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, positive rabies cases continue to be detected in 2016, and there have been 7 incidents of infected ferret badgers biting people to date. Furthermore, deceased ferret badgers and masked palm civets within the national forest recreation areas managed by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, have been confirmed to be infected with rabies after testing. To effectively reduce the chances of contact between pets and wild animals, and to contain the epidemic within the wild animal population, ensuring the safety of pets, owners, and all visitors to the park, Alishan National Forest Recreation Area continues to prohibit dogs, cats, and other mammals from entering its national forest recreation areas, in accordance with the announcement by the Executive Yuan’s Ministry of Agriculture from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.