Chiayi ｜ Railway fan exclusive：Alishan forest railway cultural experience｜ 2-Day Tour

Do you want to know how train operators couple and assemble cars? Do you want to get a glimpse into how the operators repair and maintain the trains? As a passionate railway fan, you simply can’t miss out on this trip!
The Japanese planned and began construction on the Alishan Forest Railway in 1906 to transport timber. Today it is the only mountain forestry railway in Taiwan that is still in operation.

This 2D1N trip starts at Beimen Station on the Alishan Forest Railway lines. You’ll get exclusive on-site insights into the shunting operations, get access to the repair garage where you can see removed train parts, learn about the characteristics of different rolling stock, retired trains, and train construction methods and characteristics, and of course you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to take the wildest pictures from the best angles possible, to share with other railway fans!

In the early morning of the next day we will take the Alishan Forest Railway Zhushan line, which will take us to Taiwan’s highest train station, Zhushan Station, where we’ll enjoy the magnificent 360-degree panorama and Alishan sunrise!

－ About the Accommodation｜Alishan Accommodation－
# Accommodation Type: "Alishan Gou Hotel" or similar level of accommodation in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area; reservations will be made according to the situation.
# Room type: Website price is for a two persons room.
# Number of occupants: 2 adults
# If you need a 3 or 4 persons room, additional fees will be charged (no adjoining-room combination policy)

－ About the costs｜Railway fan exclusive：Alishan forest railway cultural experience 2-Day Trip－
# Infants under 2 years old: only insurance and administrative service fees are charged.
# Children 2-6 years old: no extra bed, but meals, vehicle, activities, and insurance fees are charged.
# Children over 7 years old: full adult price.

－ Scenic Highlights －
▲ Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
The Alishan Mountain Range is one of the five largest mountain ranges in Taiwan. However, “Alishan,” which means “Ali Mountain,” is in fact not a single mountain, but rather refers to the entire mountain range. The area has been home to a rich stock of Taiwan red cypresses and Taiwan yellow cedars since ancient times. From 1912 until the late 1960s this was the site of the largest forestry center in all of Taiwan. The Giant Trees Plank Trail within the recreation area currently has two sections. Walking along the trail, you’ll encounter 36 red cypress giant trees that have survived through the centuries, which are reminders of the magnificence of these sacred trees.

▲ Alishan Forest Railway "Beimen Station On-Site Shunting Operations"
The Alishan Forest Railway is currently the "highest” narrow-gauge mountain railway in Asia. Traditional manual coupling is still used today on the railway for rolling stock formation. The manual coupling requires greater manpower, and tests operator skills and experience for successful completion of connection operations. Operators’ every move, their concentrated expressions when at work, and the distinctive noises created during coupling of rolling stock are the uniquely fascinating aspects of these operations for railway fans.

▲　Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park
The Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park, located near Chiayi Railway Station, contains the headquarters repair factory, which houses a variety of locomotives and factory equipment. Here you can get up close to admire several decommissioned steam trains, diesel locomotives, power railcars, as well as freight cars, and also have a look at the turntables used for changing the direction of locomotives. These many highlights make this a definite must-see spot for any true railway fan!

▲ Hinoki Village
Originally a dormitory cluster for officials built by the Japanese Alishan-region forestry authority, the buildings here are mainly constructed of Alishan cypress wood. In days past, this was a place where people lived and busily interacted. The village covers an area of about 3.4 hectares, and consists of nearly 30 Japanese-style wooden buildings. Each single brick, tile, and plank helps describe the texture of life for forestry-sector personnel over the past century. During your visit you’ll get an intimate glimpse into the early days of Alishan forestry development.

▲ Shuishan Trail
The Shuishan Trail brings together the heritage Alishan Forest Railway and millennia-old giant trees. It is like walking through a forest time tunnel. During a slow walk along the railroad trail you’ll find a man-made forest of Taiwan red cypresses and cedars along both sides of the railway, creating fresh air that is a perfect invitation to completely relax. The trail’s old empty platform and hoary iron bridge create an even more romantic ambiance. Your hike ends amidst 2,700-year-old giant trees, immersed in the quietude of the forest. The powerful life force encountered fills the visitor with a sense of awe.