Ultimate 3 Day Alishan Itinerary: Sunrise, Forest Magic & Scenic Train

A complete guide to hiking, sunrise viewing, and riding the famous Alishan Forest Railway

Planning a romantic mountain escape in Taiwan? Alishan delivers everything you’re dreaming of: misty forest trails, legendary sunrises, charming train rides, and just enough adventure to make your heart race (in the best way). After spending three magical days exploring this stunning mountain destination, I’m here to share everything you need to know for the perfect Alishan experience.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes This Alishan Itinerary Special
2. Your 3-Day Alishan Adventure Snapshot
3. Pre-Trip Planning: Book These First!
   • Transportation: Private Car & Alishan Forest Railway
   • Where to Stay: Location is Everything
   • The Essential Permit: Your Ticket to Mianyue Trail
4. Gear, Clothing & Maps
5. The Hiking Adventures: What You’ll Actually Be Doing
6. Your Detailed Day-by-Day Adventure
7. Safety Considerations and Backup Plans
8. Budget breakdown
9. Final Thoughts

What Makes This Alishan Itinerary Special

This isn’t your typical tourist route. I’ve crafted a 3-day, 2-night adventure that balances stunning natural beauty with comfortable accommodations, challenging hikes with leisurely exploration, and iconic experiences with hidden gems.

Hiking Trails

• Mianyue Trail (眠月線) – 5.5 to 6.5 hours
• Shizhuo Trail (石棹步道) – 1 to 2.5 hours
• Giant Tree Cluster Trail (巨木群步道) – 0.5 to 1.5 hours

Exploring Train Stations for Meals/Snacks

• Fenqihu (奮起湖) – 1.5 hours
• Alishan Station (阿里山車站) – 1 hour

Scenic Highlights

• Alishan Forest Railway Ride
• Sunrise Experience at Alishan

Your 3-Day Alishan Adventure Snapshot

Starting point: Chiayi Station (Day 1, ~10:00 AM)
Ending point: Chiayi Station (Day 3, ~4:00 PM)

Day 1: Forest Trails and Giant Trees

• Private car transfer to Alishan
• Shizhuo Trail hike (2-2.5 hours)
• Lunch in historic Fenqihu village
• Giant Tree Cluster Trail exploration
• Sunset viewing from your hotel

Day 2: The Legendary Mianyue Trail

• Epic Mianyue Trail adventure (5.5-6.5 hours)
• Rest and refreshment at Alishan Station
• Second sunset viewing (because why not?)

Day 3: Sunrise and Scenic Railway

• Pre-dawn sunrise viewing experience
• Scenic Alishan Forest Railway journey back to Chiayi

Pre-Trip Planning: Book These First!

Transportation: Getting There and Back

Going Up: Private Car Service

Recommended service: Tripool TAXI
App name: tripool旅步 (available on Play Store and Apple Store)

Why we loved it: Easy to use, transparent rates, accepts foreign phone numbers, and our driver was friendly and professional.

Detailed booking process:

• Pick up location: Choose Chiayi HSR Station (嘉義高鐵站)
• Drop off: Your hotel
• Service type: Select “hourly ride” (essential since you’ll stop for hiking and lunch)
• Duration: Choose 6 hours (within 200km) – this gives you flexibility for the Shizhuo hike and Fenqihu lunch
• Passengers and luggage: Fill in your details and choose any add-ons you need
• Cost: TWD 4,683 total (November 2024 pricing)

Coming Down: The Legendary Alishan Forest Railway

This is the trickiest booking!

Official booking website: [Alishan Forest Railway official site]

Current timetable (as of July 2025):

• Departure: 11:50 AM from Alishan Station
• Arrival: 3:45 PM at Chiayi Station
• Fare: TWD 600 per ticket

The booking strategy (this is crucial!):

• When to book: Passengers can book trains within 14 days (excluding the day of travel), and can book tickets for up to two weeks later to Sunday every Friday and Saturday.
• Ticket release time: 6:00 AM Taipei time every Friday and Saturday
• Tickets sell out FAST – be ready right at 6:00 AM
• Pro tip: Start checking the website 1-2 days before release to confirm the exact date and time, especially if your trip dates aren’t flexible

If tickets are sold out:

• Hire a private car for the return journey
• Refresh the booking site regularly for cancellations
• Try buying tickets directly at Chiayi Station on the day

Note: There are themed trains available, but they’re usually packaged experiences that don’t fit this itinerary.

Where to Stay: Location is Everything

Alishan Hotel (Luxury Option)

This is where we stayed, and honestly, there’s nothing to complain about except the price. But we didn’t regret spending the money – the location inside Alishan Recreation Area saves so much travel time.

What makes it special:

• Prime location right inside Alishan Recreation Area
• Giant Tree Cluster Trail is literally next to the hotel
• All meals included (and they’re delicious!)
• Shuttle bus service from Alishan Station
• Two building options: modern (more popular) and historical (recently remodeled)

Booking: Use Booking.com or Agoda

Cost: ~USD $500–600 per night

Alishan Gou Hotel (Budget-Friendly)

We met a couple our age on the Mianyue Trail who stayed here. It’s basic but comfortable, and the location is still prime – inside Alishan Recreation Area.

Advantages:

• Budget-friendly option
• Closer to Zhaoping Station (saves ~15 minutes each direction for Mianyue Trail)
• Has an on-site restaurant
• Shuttle service from Alishan Station

Booking: Use Agoda or Klook, but book early – it’s usually fully booked

Cost: ~USD $120–250 per night

The Essential Permit: Your Ticket to Mianyue Trail

This is time-sensitive – apply 60-30 days ahead for best chances!

This might seem intimidating, but it’s actually straightforward once you know the steps.

Official website: 自然保護區域申請進入系統
For English: Scroll to the bottom and change language settings

What you’re actually applying for: “Taiwan Aspidistra Nature Reserve” (Chinese: 台灣一葉自然保留區)
Note: It’s NOT called “Mianyue” – the Mianyue Trail just happens to cross into this nature reserve.

Step-by-step application process:

1. Fill in basic info: Name, ID number, and email
2. Select route: Choose “Mianyue Line Railway”
3. Starting/ending point: “Mianyue Railway Line – Tashan Station (Alishan end)” or in Chinese “眠月線鐵道 – 塔山車站 (阿里山端)”
4. Purpose: Select “Public needs for environmental education” or in Chinese “民眾為環境教育之需要”
5. Select your hiking date
6. Contact information:
   • Birthday format: yyyy-mm-dd
   • Phone number: Use a Taiwanese number (starts with 091, has 10 digits total). Ask a Taiwanese friend, relative, or use your hotel’s phone number
7. Submit application

Timing strategy:

• Application window: 60 to 5 days in advance
• Best timing: Apply 60-30 days ahead for best chances
• How it works: If more than 350 people apply, you enter a lottery 30 days prior
• Within 30 days: You can still apply if under 350 applicants; otherwise, you’re waitlisted

The email confirmation process:

1. Immediate confirmation: You’ll get an email from “paapplysrv@forest.gov.tw” right after applying
2. Results email: Comes 30 days before your hike date (if you applied early enough)
3. Final approval: A third email arrives three days after the results email
4. Permit download: Available 4 days before your visit

Permit logistics:

• Cost: Completely free!
• Printing: Any 7-Eleven store can print it
• Digital version: We just kept it on our phones and had no issues

Insider tip: We heard foreigners and Taiwanese enter different lottery systems, with foreigners having better odds, but we can’t confirm this. The permit system didn’t hit maximum applications during our dates.

Gear, Clothing & Maps

Essential Gear

• Headlamp: Absolutely essential for Mianyue Trail’s dark tunnel sections. Phone flashlight works but having both hands free is much safer
• Day pack and water bottles
• First aid kit: Always smart for mountain day hikes
• Hiking boots or trail running shoes with good traction
• (Optional) Hiking poles: Optional for these trails since elevation gains are minimal. On Mianyue Trail’s suspended sections, poles might actually be useless or dangerous – depends on your comfort level

Clothing layers

• Sun hoodie / base layer
• Middle layer (weather dependent)
• Soft shell jacket
• Thin jacket
• Rain coat/hardshell (good insurance even if no rain forecast)

Sun protection

• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses

Download Maps and Get Familiar with Trails

Google Offline Maps: Download offline maps for the entire Chiayi HSR Station to Alishan area. Cell signal can be weak (we used Google Fi roaming), so offline maps are invaluable for general location and direction.

Trail-specific navigation:

• 健行筆記 website/app: Taiwan’s version of AllTrails, but difficult to use without Chinese language skills
• Komoot: Highly recommended! You can build custom routes with start/end/waypoints. Works especially well for Mianyue Trail starting from your hotel

Trail maps with my annotations:

Shizhuo Trail: The trail comprises five sub-trails: Mist, Tea, Cloud, Sunset, and Sakura. Start at Dingshizhuo Lookout (石棹觀景台, green dot on maps), follow the road down to the parking lot for the Mist Trail trailhead. Maps are posted throughout the trail system, so don’t worry too much about getting lost. Follow Mist → Tea → Cloud trails, ending at Shizhaozixun Station (石棹資訊站, yellow dot) where your driver can collect you.

Mianyue Trail: I’ve created a detailed Komoot route – save this route to follow along. The trail follows the old railway line with dramatic mountain views and several challenging sections including tunnels and suspension areas.

Giant Tree Cluster Trail: This trail is right outside of Alishan Hotel and perfectly marked throughout. Just follow the signs and enjoy the ancient forest giants!

The Hiking Adventures: What You’ll Actually Be Doing

Shizhuo Trail (石棹步道): The Perfect Warm-Up

Duration: 1-2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This trail system is like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Composed of five interconnected trails (Mist, Tea, Cloud, Sunset, and Sakura), it’s perfect for getting your mountain legs under you.

The route: Start at Dingshizhuo Lookout (石棹觀景台) – marked as the green dot on trail maps. From the parking lot, follow the road down to find the Mist Trail trailhead. I recommend following Mist Trail → Tea Trail → Cloud Trail, ending at Shizhaozixun Station (石棹資訊站) where your driver can pick you up (or walk 15 minutes back to the lookout).

Optional extensions: During cherry blossom season (March-April), definitely add the Sunset and Sakura trails – they’re absolutely magical when the trees are blooming.

Giant Tree Cluster Trail (巨木群步道): Ancient Giants Await

Duration: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy

This is nature’s cathedral. Walking among trees that have stood for hundreds of years is humbling and magical. The trail is well-maintained and perfectly marked – just follow the signs and your heart as you wander among these ancient giants.

Mianyue Trail (眠月線): The Crown Jewel

Duration: 5.5-6.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

This abandoned railway line turned hiking trail is pure adventure. You’ll cross suspension raiways, walk through dark tunnels (headlamp essential!), and experience some of Taiwan’s most dramatic mountain scenery.

Important safety notes:

• This trail requires the permit you applied for earlier
• Not suitable if you’re afraid of heights – there are genuine suspended sections
• Hiking poles might actually be dangerous rather than helpful on suspended sections
• Two bathrooms available: one mid-route (clean, with running water) and one at Stone Monkey Station (reportedly not as clean)

Your Detailed Day-by-Day Adventure

Day 1: Forest Immersion and Local Flavors

Morning (10:00 AM): Meet your pre-booked driver outside Chiayi HSR Station
First stop: Ask driver to drop you at Dingshizhuo Lookout (石棹觀景台) for Shizhuo Trail
Hiking time: 2-hour Shizhuo trail adventure through the five interconnected trails
Lunch destination: Fenqihu (奮起湖) – explore this historic mountain town and definitely visit the famous millet donut shop (小米甜甜圈)
Afternoon: Continue to Alishan Station, take shuttle to your hotel, check in
Important: Book your sunrise bus for Day 3 at check-in
Evening hike: Giant Tree Cluster Trail (perfect for settling in)
Dinner: Sunset viewing from Alishan Hotel rooftop + dinner at hotel

Day 2: The Epic Mianyue Trail Challenge

Morning: Hearty breakfast at hotel (you’ll need the energy!)
All-day adventure: Mianyue Trail hike starting directly from your hotel
Trail highlights: Dark tunnels, suspension bridges, abandoned railway stations, dramatic mountain views
Facilities note: Two bathrooms on trail – one mid-route (clean, with running water) and one at Stone Monkey Station (reportedly not as clean)
Afternoon: Return to hotel for well-deserved rest
Optional late afternoon: Visit Alishan Station for Taiwanese mountain tea or snacks
Dinner: Second sunset viewing + hotel dinner

Day 3: Sunrise Magic and Railway Romance

Pre-dawn: Take sunrise bus from hotel to viewing platform
Sunrise locations: Either 小笠原 (Ogasawara) or 祝山 (Zhushan) viewpoint
Morning: Experience the legendary Alishan sunrise, walk back to hotel
Check-out: Prepare for departure
Departure: Board the scenic Alishan Forest Railway at 11:50 AM
Journey: Enjoy the winding mountain descent with breathtaking views
Arrival: Chiayi Station at 3:45 PM with hearts full of memories

Safety Considerations and Backup Plans

Height concerns: Skip Mianyue Trail if you’re not comfortable with heights – the suspended sections are genuine

Weather contingencies:

• If conditions look dangerous, consider the shorter 2 Sisters Pond Trail (near Alishan Gou Hotel) instead of Mianyue
• Eryanping Trail (二延平) makes a great alternative to Shizhuo Trail

Transportation backup plans:

• Train sold out: Hire return car service, keep refreshing for cancellations, or try day-of tickets at Chiayi Station

Extended stay option: If you have an extra night, staying at a traditional tea house adds another dimension to the experience

Budget Breakdown

Transportation:

• Private car (uphill): ~$160 USD
• Scenic train (downhill): ~$20 USD per person

Accommodation:

• Alishan Gou Hotel: $120-250 per night
• Alishan Hotel: $500-600 per night (includes all meals)

Food:

• Included with Alishan Hotel
• Budget $30-50/day for other options

Permits: Free!

Total estimated cost: $400-1,200+ depending on accommodation choice

Final Thoughts: Why This Alishan Adventure Will Steal Your Heart

Alishan isn’t just a mountain destination – it’s a complete sensory experience that stays with you long after you return home. The combination of ancient forests, historic railways, challenging hikes, and that incredible sunrise creates something truly magical.

Yes, it requires planning (those train tickets and permits!), but every minute of preparation pays off in unforgettable moments. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need to reconnect with nature, this itinerary delivers romance, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime.

The key is in the details – from knowing exactly which emails to expect for your permit to having backup plans for sold-out trains. That’s what transforms a good trip into an extraordinary one.

Questions about this itinerary? Drop them in the comments below – I love helping fellow travelers navigate the wonderful complexity of planning the perfect Alishan adventure!

Have you been to Alishan? Share your favorite memories in the comments! And if this guide helps you plan your trip, I’d love to hear about your experience.

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