Shizhao Restaurant

One of the must-visit attractions in Alishan is the Sisters Ponds (姊妹潭), which sit at an altitude of over 2,100 meters. Comprising two natural mountain lakes of different sizes, visitors can explore the panoramic views along the trail encircling the ponds, and admire the clear, emerald green, and tranquil waters from various angles. The larger of the two ponds, known as the ""Elder Sister Pond,"" even features a pavilion made of cypress wood at its center, providing a serene spot to enjoy the gentle breeze.

Despite the stunning beauty of the Sisters Ponds (姊妹潭), there is a poignant love story behind them. Legend has it that two sisters of the Tsou tribe fell in love with the same man. To avoid disrupting their sisterly bond, they ultimately chose to end their lives together by jumping into the ponds, adding a touch of legend to the Sisters Ponds (姊妹潭). However, according to modern research, this tear-jerking love story was actually fabricated by a photographer in the past to attract tourists for photography. Another more credible version is also circulating among the public, so it's worth seeking advice from our professional guides on-site.

This is just one of the attractions in Alishan. Other must-see sights include the century-old sacred tree grove and the experience of riding the Alishan Forest Railway, ensuring a memorable visit to this mountainous region.

Located within Alishan National Scenic Area, Shouzhen Temple that enshrines the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven (玄天上帝) as its main deity is the highest temple in Taiwan in terms of elevation. In 1927, the Japanese colonial government started to hire plainsmen to log the forests – it was when local aborigines still practiced the custom of human sacrifice. Worrying that their lives might be at stake, the lumberjacks hoped to build up a temple to serve as a place of protection and safety for the righteous, but the Japanese government refused the request. After Taiwan’s restoration, these workers continued to cut down trees for wood, but strange supernatural events never ceased to take place. Finally in 1948, Shouzhen Temple was established and became the largest temple in Alishan.

Every April, this highest-altitude temple in Taiwan will be visited by a significant number of moths who roost on the statue of the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven. Call it a coincidence or whatever, but for the pious worshippers here, such a mysterious wonder is a blessing to celebrate the deity’s birthday, which falls on the third month of the lunar calendar.

The long history of Shenmu Station dates back to the Japanese Colonial Era when timber-rich Taiwan was still an important center for logging. In 1906, a Japanese technician found a 53-meter-high, more than 3000-year-old Formosan cypress standing next to the Alishan Forest Railway line. This giant tree measured 23 meters at its trunk circumference and required 16 adults to reach around it, so huge that it was revered as the sacred tree.

In 1956, the Formosan cypress was struck by lightning twice, causing it to burn inside out. On 1st July 1997 – the day Hong Kong was handed over to China – the sacred tree that had been standing throughout the history finally succumbed to the ravages of time, toppling with a loud crash amidst a torrential downpour. A year later, the Forestry Bureau decided to log what remained of its trunk for safety considerations, and it was laid down at the place where it once stood.

After the fall of the sacred tree, the Chiayi County Government and the Alishan management carried out the construction of Giant Tree Trail (巨木群棧道) along 38 other noted trees within the park. Of course, this walking trail winding through the cypress forest has become a popular landmark in Alishan ever since then.

There are more than a thousand of holes above the cave, which are formed by river erosion over millions of years, in 1000 Year Bat Cave. The lack of sunlight provides a safe haven for bats. Due to the increasing number of tourists, it's hardly to see bats in 1000 Year Bat Cave. However, the black feces scattered on the ground show that there are some bats around. Even so, it's still quite interesting seeing these caves, and someone feel exciting if keeping staring at these.

After seeing 1000 Year Bat Cave, you will see Swallow Cliff (燕子崖) in 50 meters ahead. The mixed layers of sandstones and shale have made the area prone to water erosion. Deep and irregular holes as seen here have become the nesting place of Asian house martins.

Although it's quite tired to walk all the way down, you will enjoy the scenery from mountains, forest, to canyon. Along the way, you will see many bamboos on each side of the trail. In the old days, the Rueili residents used Ma Bamboo (麻竹) to wrap their food, especially for rice dumplings (or also called zongzi). During the Dragon Boat Festival (端午節), the bamboo leaves were used as the main wrapping material.

Alishan Station (阿里山車站) is a world-class train station, located at an elevation of 2200 meters, making it the highest wooden train station in Taiwan. The entire structure is built with cypress wood. It serves as the first station to enter the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, and the station design incorporates thoughtful details, including some photos on the first floor and an observation deck on the third floor.

Departing from Alishan Station (阿里山車站), there are different routes available: the main line (currently suspended), the Zhaoping line, the Shenmu line, and the Chushan line. From the former forestry railway to the present-day tourist railway, taking a train up the mountain allows travelers to enjoy the breathtaking views of the sunrise, sea of clouds, and sacred trees. Board the Alishan Forest Railway from here and embark on an adventure in Alishan! For ticket purchases, it is recommended to buy them the day before by 4:30 pm on the second floor, or 30 minutes before departure on the first floor, to avoid queuing on the day of travel.

No matter which trail you plan on taking in Alishan Forest Recreation Area, the Earth God Temple will always greet you on the way. Located at the intersection of many hiking trails, the temple kindly provides clean drinking water to all visitors and therefore serves as a great spot to rest your hiking boots.

The original Earth God Temple is said to be first established during the Qing dynasty, which can still be seen today sitting right next to the current one. As you may know, Alishan boasts a large number of millennia-old trees, and the one standing in front of the temple happens to the entrance of the trail that leads you to the suspension bridge, and its rough appearance makes it a definite crowd magnet. After the tree arch, several routes can be taken from here. If passing the bridge, you will then be led to other attractions such as Giant Tree Trail, Shouzhen Temple, Magnolia Garden and Sisters Pond; if not, you will end up at Alishan Train Station — pick the one that suits you most.