Alishan National Scenic Area includes Fanlu, Zhuqi, Meishan and Alishan. The traffic network of these four counties spread throughout the area like the veins of a tree leaf. Travelers shuttle around the area, and are amazed by the forest greenery, stunning sunrise and beautiful clouds. Tea tasting at beautiful tea gardens and visiting Tsou indigenous tribe are some of the must-not-miss recreation activities.
Climate and Topagraphy
Big Temperature Changes and Rugged Mountains
Surrounded by tall mountains, the Alishan area has cool climate, with average temperature around 10 degrees Celsius. The average low temperature is 8 degrees Celsius, while the average high temperature is 15.7 degrees Celsius. Humidity is high and rain is sufficient (Rainy season is April to September, while dry season is from October to March). There is often dense fog, so please pay attention during your travels.
The high altitude fluctuation makes up the terrain of eastern Alishan mountain region, formed by 18 main mountains, such as Datashan, Shishuishan, Doushan, Wansuishan, Tashan, Zhushan and Jianshan. There are streams running throughout these mountain ranges. Due to the topographic relief of the upstream section of Qingshuixi, the waterfalls are especially spectacular at points where the water flows through boulders and rock walls. The tributaries of Qingshuixi at Ruifeng, Ruili and Fengshan form Longgong, Leiyin, Yuntan and Shigupan Wateralls.
The Five Wonders
The Most Iconic Five Wonders, Do Not Miss When You're Here
Sunrise, sea of clouds, railway, forest and sunset are the images of the five wonders that always come to mind when Alishan is mentioned. As soon as dawn arrives in the early morning, a glimpse of sunlight slowly makes its appearance above the mountain, and a new day begins. At dusk, the orange red sunset is another breathtaking scene. On the other hand, Alishan's sea of clouds, one of the top 8 scenes in Taiwan, are usually seen during sunrise and sunset on a sunny autumn day. One of the three remaining mountain railways in the world is in Alishan. It was built to transport wood in the past, but nowadays it has transformed to a tourism train, and shuttles tourists throughout the forest. Visitors who don't want to take the train can take a walk on the trails and enjoy the nature and fresh air. You will discover the charming side of an alpine forest.
Tsou Tribe Style
Visit Indigenous Tribe, Learn Their Culture and Customs
Everything about the Tsou customs – food, clothing, living, raising children, and having fun – is unique. The Mayasvi Festival held every February, and the Life Bean Festival in October retain the complete traditional rituals. These festivals fully reflect the Tsou cultural characteristics.
The houses in the Tsou tribal village all have straw roofs, which is a unique scene. Among them, the Kuba, a men's clubhouse, is the most representative. Kuba is an activity center for men, an important venue for tribal ceremonies, and also a symbol of cosmology and social view in the Tsou culture. Some of the handicrafts that were developed as a way of life, like leather and woodcarvings, and rattan weavings, fully exhibit the Tsou culture's wisdom and sense of aesthetics.
Forest Trail
Be Close to Nature and Enjoy a Breadth of Fresh Air
As you go up the mountain, you'll notice the plants in the forest change as the altitude rises – subtropical broad-leaved forest (Fiscus-Machilus zone), warm broad-leaved forest (Machilus-castanopsis zone), cool temperate mountain coniferous forest (Tsuga-Picea zone), bamboo forest, India-charcoal trema, Ring-cupped oak, Formosan cypress, Taiwan incense-cedar, Luanta-fir, Taiwania, Taiwan Yellow Cedar, Dragon spruce, and Chinese hemlock. From time to time, you can smell the unique fragrance released by the variety of trees in the forest. A walk in the forest will leave you feeling refresh and rejuvenated.
As winter comes to an end, the Taiwan cherry blossoms unveil the beginning of the flower season. They start blooming in early March, and Yoshino Cherry Blossoms bloom up to a month, making it the star of the flower season in Alishan. By late spring, peach blossoms make their debut. During this time, the mountain valley bursts in colors like a paradise. This feast for the eyes often amaze visitors with awe.