3 April 2018, Taiwan – Alishan is a range of mountains on Taiwan’s spine, averaging 2,500 meters in height. The highest peak is Datashan (大塔山) reaching 2,663 meters. Taiwan’s highest mountain -Yushan at 3,952 meters is easily visible from Alishan on a clear day.
WATCHING THE SUN RISE
Most guests here usually do at least one thing – watch the sunrise. No matter how many times you might have watched a sunrise at other parts of the world, or come across places describing themselves as having a “sea of clouds”, the experience of sunrise-watching at Alishan will be a different one for you – as obviously it is a different place!
You can take the old Alishan train from Alishan station to the top of Chushan, where you will be jostling with other like-minded tourists, and each of you will be trying to take a shot of the breathtaking scene where the sun peeks up from beneath the “sea of clouds”.
* Tips *
Better to hike up a bit further, away from the train station to find some more personal space where you can still view the sunrise without feeling like a sardine. Also, if you’re willing to get up early enough, you could also make the hike up the Chushan Sunrise Trail.
Secondly, if your legs are up to it, do not buy the return train ticket to Alishan station or where you originated. Instead, enjoy a leisurely stroll down (about 4 km downhill, so let gravity help you). You would be subject to the lovely scenery, the cool forest air, and a good exercise!
OTHER INFORMATION
During the months of March to April, the other thing that visitors can look forward to is the Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival.
The current area is covered by more than 19,000 cherry trees, and about 18,000 of them are Yoshino cherry trees making Alishan the only and the largest area of Yoshino cherry trees in the country.
Visited: April 2018
All images © 2018 Catherine Herrera.
They say that the top 5 Alishan must-see sights are: sunrise, sunset, forest railway, sea of clouds and last but not the least, the giant tree and many other old giant trees dotting the forest.