Zhaoping Station Alishan
Ride the historic Alishan Forest Railway through misty mountains and ancient forests for a truly magical Taiwanese experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Wooden train sightings
Zhaoping Station Alishan
Best Time
Wooden train sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the historic Alishan Forest Railway through misty mountains and ancient forests for a truly magical Taiwanese experience.
"One of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, like a place in a fairy tale land."
🎯 Book Steam Train in Advance
Limited steam train sessions run on select dates; book well in advance!
🏨 Stay Overnight for Full Experience
Don't make it a day trip! Stay overnight to truly explore Alishan's beauty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zhaoping Station
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Step back in time at this historic 1914 station, built with traditional Japanese woodworking.
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Alishan Forest Railway Train Ride
Various routes within Alishan
Experience the magic of riding through lush forests on this iconic, historic railway.
Shenmu Station (Sacred Tree Station)
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
A short train ride from Alishan Station, offering serene forest views and charming wooden architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Journey: Alishan Forest Railway
Timing is Key for Alishan Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Steam Train in Advance
Limited steam train sessions run on select dates; book well in advance!
🏨 Stay Overnight for Full Experience
Don't make it a day trip! Stay overnight to truly explore Alishan's beauty.
🚊 Train to Zhaoping for Easier Hike
Take the train to Zhaoping and hike down to Shenmu to avoid steep uphill climbs.
📸 Respect Photo Zones
Stay behind the lines for photos; staff will move the train for better shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Steam Train in Advance
Limited steam train sessions run on select dates; book well in advance!
🏨 Stay Overnight for Full Experience
Don't make it a day trip! Stay overnight to truly explore Alishan's beauty.
🚊 Train to Zhaoping for Easier Hike
Take the train to Zhaoping and hike down to Shenmu to avoid steep uphill climbs.
📸 Respect Photo Zones
Stay behind the lines for photos; staff will move the train for better shots.
🚗 Car or Driver Recommended
Some scenic spots like Longyun Farm lack public transport; a car or driver is helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Alishan for its breathtaking natural beauty and the enchanting experience of riding the historic forest railway. The serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery make it a highly recommended destination. However, some find the journey to Alishan a bit complicated, and the weather can be unpredictable, sometimes obscuring views.
"Altitude: 2274m Mileage: 72.7km
「楓光旖旎」蒸汽主题列车
Steam-themed train has 4 sessions, running on
• December 3
• December 10
• December 17
• December 24
In Alishan Forest Recreation Area. The cost is NT$2,900 per person, with a limit of 80 people per session. It includes railway ticket (steam train with cypress wood carriages), meals, expert guides, tour fees, and a commemorative item from the Alishan Forest Railway. The vintage carriages are made of cypress wood.
When it’s time for photos, many tourists take pictures outside the designated area. Staff repeatedly remind them not to cross the white line to avoid blocking other visitors from getting a good shot. The train will move to another track to make it easier for everyone to take nice photos. They really understand the photo-taking mentality of tourists!
Zhaoping Station, established in 1914, was rebuilt after a fire and reopened on April 21, 2013. Constructed using Japanese wood-making techniques without nails, it highlights the elegance of traditional Japanese-style railways. The station serves as a transportation hub and cultural site, featuring art exhibits and aboriginal culture. Its eco-friendly design, integrating water recycling and natural light, earned the 2006 Japan Architecture Society Design Excellence Award."
Cheiro Theorem
"Pretty quick ride, but quite a nice experience"
amel akhtar
"One of the four train stations in Alishan Park. You can also take the bus beside the visitor center to here or a short hike of 20 minutes from the entrance. There is a Chao Ping park nearby with seating's just beside the railway tracks where I enjoyed my breakfast peacefully in such a beautiful nature park. There is another spot where you can sit on a wooden bench with stunning views of opposite mountain range. Learn more about the station history on the 2nd floor of the station. Come here and slowly take in the view and fresh air, which I wish I could bottle up. Enjoy!"
Lan zheng sheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Chiayi HSR Station, take Bus 7211 to Chiayi Train Station. Then, board Bus 7322C to Alishan. The journey can take around 2.5-3 hours. +2
While possible, it's not recommended. The travel time is long, and the last bus departs early. Staying overnight allows for a more thorough exploration.
The Alishan Forest Railway operates within the park, connecting stations like Alishan Station and Zhaoping Station. For travel to Alishan from major cities, buses from Chiayi are the primary public transport. +1
Yes, booking a tour on platforms like Klook can simplify the journey, especially for first-time visitors. Some tours offer discounts with specific codes. +1
Within the park, the Alishan Forest Railway is a scenic way to travel between key points like Alishan Station and Zhaoping Station. Walking trails are also abundant.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A typical train ride between stations like Alishan and Zhaoping costs around NT$100. Special steam-themed trains are significantly more expensive and include additional services.
Yes, Alishan offers steam-themed train rides on select dates in December, featuring cypress wood carriages. These are premium experiences and require advance booking.
Trains run regularly within the park, connecting major stations. It's best to check the latest schedule upon arrival or at the visitor center, as times can vary.
For regular services, tickets can often be purchased on the day. However, for the popular steam-themed trains or during peak seasons, advance booking is highly recommended.
Information on entrance fees can vary. It's advisable to check the official Alishan National Forest Recreation Area website or inquire at the entrance for the most current pricing.
📸 📸 Photography
Zhaoping Station with its traditional architecture, the Alishan Forest Railway trains, and the scenic forest trails offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Early mornings can offer misty, ethereal shots, especially with the forest railway. Sunrise views are also popular, though fog can be a factor. +1
When taking photos of the trains, stay behind designated lines. Staff are understanding of photo-taking needs and will often adjust train movements.
Yes, the historic trains, even abandoned ones, at Zhaoping Station are very photogenic and offer a glimpse into the past.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the forests and mountains, and capturing the charm of the historic railway are very popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The relatively flat paths around Zhaoping and Shenmu stations are also good for younger children to explore. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Explore the Giant Tree Cluster Trail and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Remember to wear comfortable athletic shoes and be prepared for varying weather conditions. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Capture the charm of the historic trains, the misty mountain landscapes, and the serene forest. Early mornings can yield dramatic, atmospheric shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Alishan Forest Railway
+1Key stations include Alishan Station, the main hub, and Zhaoping Station, the original terminal, known for its traditional Japanese-style architecture built without nails. Another significant stop is Shenmu Station (Sacred Tree Station), offering access to the famous giant trees. The railway is famous for its various types of trains, including regular passenger trains and, on select dates, a special steam-themed train with vintage cypress wood carriages, offering a truly unique experience.
Travelers often recommend taking the train between stations to fully appreciate the scenery and avoid strenuous hikes, especially the route from Zhaoping down to Shenmu. The cost for a typical ride is around NT$100, making it an accessible way to explore the park.
+1Navigating to Alishan
From Chiayi HSR Station, you'll need to transfer to a bus. Bus 7211 connects the HSR station to the Chiayi Train Station. From Chiayi Train Station, Bus 7322C (or Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus 7322) is the direct route to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. This bus journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and costs around NT$240. You can use cash or a Yo-yo Card.
For those who prefer a more guided experience, booking a tour through platforms like Klook is a popular and convenient option, especially for first-time visitors. Some content creators even share discount codes for these tours. Alternatively, renting a car or hiring a driver offers flexibility, particularly if you plan to visit more remote spots like Longyun Farm.
Experiencing Zhaoping Station
The station itself is a picturesque sight, often described as looking like a scene from an anime, with its elegant wooden structures blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. It serves not only as a transportation hub but also as a cultural space, sometimes featuring art exhibits and showcasing aboriginal culture. Its eco-friendly design has even garnered architectural awards.
Visitors can reach Zhaoping Station via a short train ride from Alishan Station (about 6 minutes) or by bus from the visitor center. It's also a starting point for scenic walks, including the popular route down to Shenmu Station, offering a more relaxed way to explore the forest compared to hiking uphill.
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