Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel Experience Taiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Alishan (阿里山) is one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations—a mountain retreat famous for its sea of clouds, sunrise views, and towering cypress forests. For hikers, it’s a paradise of well-maintained trails that combine natural beauty with cultural stops. Here’s everything you need to know about catching the Alishan sunrise and exploring the forest trails.
Sponsored Popular Items
Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel ExperienceTaiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Where to See It: The classic sunrise spot is Zhushan Sunrise Observation Deck (祝山觀日平台). On clear mornings, you’ll see the sun rising over Yushan (Jade Mountain), Taiwan’s tallest peak.
How to Get There:
Alishan Forest Railway: Catch the pre-dawn train from Alishan Station to Zhushan (about 25 min). Tickets sell fast—buy them the day before.
Hiking Option: Hike the Zhushan Sunrise Trail (about 1.5 hr uphill from the main village) if tickets are sold out or you want an active start.
Timing: Sunrise times vary (around 5:00–6:00 AM). Check the local posted forecast at your hotel or station.
Insider Tip: If it’s foggy at Zhushan, try Xiaoliyuan Trail or Ciyun Temple, which sometimes offer better visibility.
🌲 Forest Trails to Explore
Alishan’s trails are mostly easy-to-moderate, well-signposted, and connected—making it simple to combine multiple into a loop.
1. Giant Trees Trail (巨木群棧道)
Highlights: 1,000-year-old giant cypress trees, including the famous “Sacred Tree.”
Distance: 1.5 km loop.
Difficulty: Easy—boardwalk paths suitable for families.
2. Sisters Ponds Trail (姊妹潭步道)
Highlights: Two serene mountain ponds with legends of sisterly love, surrounded by tall pines.
Distance: 1.8 km loop.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with some steps.
3. Shouzhen Temple Trail (受鎮宮步道)
Highlights: A colourful Taoist temple nestled in the forest. Great cultural stop along your hike.
Distance: Connects easily with Giant Trees Trail.
Difficulty: Easy.
4. Zhushan–Xiaoliyuan–Shouzhen Link
Highlights: Panoramic views, cherry blossoms in spring, sea of clouds after rain.
Distance: ~2 km.
Difficulty: Moderate; a mix of steps and forest paths.
🍁 Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–April): Famous cherry blossoms along the trails.
Clothing: Bring warm layers—temperatures can drop near 0°C before sunrise, even in spring.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots are enough.
Timing: Arrive a day before the sunrise—don’t risk same-day travel from Taipei.
Food: Limited options in the park—bring snacks or eat at local stalls near the station.
Respect Nature: Stay on marked trails to protect fragile forest ecosystems.
✨ Final Thoughts
Hiking in Alishan combines the magic of watching the sunrise over a sea of clouds with peaceful walks among ancient trees. The well-maintained trails are suitable for all levels, making Alishan perfect for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
For first-timers, a combo of the Zhushan sunrise and the Giant Trees + Sisters Ponds trails offers the quintessential Alishan experience. Repeat visitors can venture further into lesser-known trails or stay overnight for star-filled skies.
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Complete guide to Taroko Gorge National Park hiking
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Qingshui Cliff/Kayak/Pacific Ocean Water Sports/Taroko National Park –… Qingshui Cliff/Kayak/Pacific Ocean Water Sports/Taroko National Park AUD 69.62 adds movement, scenery and a more active element to the itinerary. Qingshui Cliff/Kayak/Pacific Ocean Water Sports/Taroko National Park AUD 69.62: experience overview Basic Experience Program | Zero Trace Ocean is tailor-made for novices and those who are afraid of water. Professional coaches will accompany you throughout the whole process and guarantee zero accidents. With warm encouragement and solid education, they will take you to take the first step outdoors, learn about marine ecology and crisis response, and embrace the unknown beauty in safety. Available from trip.com. This makes the experience a…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Kenting Caesar Park Hotel Discovery Western Restaurant Buffet Dinner –… Kenting Caesar Park Hotel Discovery Western Restaurant Buffet Dinner Voucher (No Holiday Surcharge) explores the destination through flavour and regional customs. Kenting Caesar Park Hotel Discovery Western Restaurant Buffet Dinner Voucher (No Holiday Surcharge): experience overview Caesar Group - Western-style barbecue, seasonal seafood, Japanese cuisine;Vegetable and fruit salad bar, handmade desserts;Open kitchen with separate dining areas Available from trip.com. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in > Pingtung local experienceSearch results. The exact duration can depend on the selected date, option or operating schedule. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Sponsored Popular Items
Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Family Package for 2 Adults & 2 Children: Sun Moon Lake Lulu Zaza Café – Hands-On Activity Family Package for 2 Adults & 2 Children: Sun Moon Lake Lulu Zaza Café - 2 Main Courses + Admission Tickets (No Weekend Surcharge) offers a hands-on way to engage with local skills or traditions. Family Package for 2 Adults & 2 Children: Sun Moon Lake Lulu Zaza Café - 2 Main Courses + Admission Tickets (No Weekend Surcharge): experience overview Kids have fun, parents relax;A great place for family outings, combining dining and entertainment in one stop;Eat, play, and enjoy without limits—fun for the whole family. Available from trip.com. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Family Package for 2 Adults & 2 Children: Sun Moon Lake Lulu Zaza Café –… Family Package for 2 Adults & 2 Children: Sun Moon Lake Lulu Zaza Café - 2 Main Courses + Admission Tickets (No Weekend Surcharge) offers a hands-on way to engage with local skills or traditions. Family Package for 2 Adults & 2 Children: Sun Moon Lake Lulu Zaza Café - 2 Main Courses + Admission Tickets (No Weekend Surcharge): experience overview Kids have fun, parents relax;A great place for family outings, combining dining and entertainment in one stop;Eat, play, and enjoy without limits—fun for the whole family. Available from trip.com. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Taipei private car day tour Beitou Hot Spring Museum & Thermal Valley &… Taipei private car day tour: Beitou Hot Spring Museum + Thermal Valley + Beitou Library (departing from Taipei) adds a restorative pause to the itinerary. Taipei private car day tour: Beitou Hot Spring Museum + Thermal Valley + Beitou Library (departing from Taipei): experience overview Depart from Taipei with super flexible scheduling, and let our professional Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese-speaking drivers take you around!;Enjoy convenient transfer service between hotels, airports, and designated locations for hassle-free travel!;Offers a variety of vehicle types to accommodate 1–8 people Available from trip.com. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in > Taipei local experienceSearch…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Paragliding in Puli, Taiwan – how to book and what to expect
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel Experience Taiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Whale watching tours in Hualien – best season and operators
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Hualien whale watching – Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience –… Hualien whale watching | Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience places landscapes, habitats or wildlife at the centre of the experience. Hualien whale watching | Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience: experience overview Hualien is home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins. Boarding the Turumoan Whale Watching Experience boat offers the chance to observe various marine creatures, with a whale and dolphin sighting rate exceeding 90%.;Eco-tour with professional guided commentary by Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation volunteers, exploring stories of mountains, seas, and whales;Each trip includes a beautifully designed whale and dolphin postcard, letting you "mail" home with these…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
