[2024 Cherry Blossom]Chiayi 2-Day Tour: Alishan and Zhushan Forest Railway | Taiwan
Marvel at Alishan's most distinguished forest railways and admire the lush surroundings of Zhushan on this 2-day package tour. Witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom during spring for a picturesque view. Experience a ride on the renowned forest railways in Alishan and marvel at the stunning sunset and sunrise.
- Take advantage of the inclusive accommodation and delicious meals
- Maple foliage tours and discounts here
- Over The Planet x HSR Combo! Up to 25% off on add-on HSR ticket with selected products. See here for more offers!
Options
4 Guests per Room
What's included in [2024 Cherry Blossom]Chiayi 2-Day Tour: Alishan and Zhushan Forest Railway | Taiwan
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at exit 3 of Chiayi HSR Station
Gather at ProFun Travel Service (next to Chiayi Railway Station), where a staff member will meet you to explain the Alishan travel itinerary and collect the relevant vouchers.
Take the bus to Alishan Forest Recreational Area
Arrive at Alishan Forest Recreation Area. (We recommend that you visit the Alishan shopping street for lunch. Please note that lunch is not included and will be at your own expense.)
The guide will lead the group to Alishan Forest Recreation Area for a leisurely stroll along the forest paths to fully enjoy the fresh air.
The route is as follows: Start at the Visitor Center (take the shuttle bus) → Zhaoping Station → Sister Lakes / Four Sisters / Three Brothers / Golden Pig's Blessing / Eternal Love → Magnolia Garden → Shouzhen Temple → The Temple of God Tutala → Xianglin Elementary School (the highest academic institution) → Thousand-Year Cypress → Tree Spirit Pagoda → Xianglin Sacred Tree → Merit Monument → Ciyun Viewpoint → Three Generations Tree / Elephant Nose Tree / Xianglin Arch Bridge / Alishan Work Station → Shouzhen Temple (take the shuttle bus) → Alishan Visitor Center.
(The entire tour takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.)
Seasonal views of cherry blossoms in Alishan
Get lost under the stunning cherry blossom foliage in Alishan only in March and April
Sister Lakes
View clouds and sunset from the observation deck
Enjoy dinner
Food and Drinks
Day 2
Take the sunrise train to view the sunrise (round-trip tickets for the sunrise train will be provided).
Please go to Alishan Railway Station to board the sunrise train to Zhushan Station to view Taiwan's famous sunrise and sea of clouds (the one-way journey takes approximately 25 minutes).
The departure times of the train may vary by season. Please check with the counter for the exact schedule.
Enjoy breakfast in Alishan Hotel
Explore freely. Recommended route: Giant Tree Plank Trail (proceed on your own)
The Shuisan Giant Tree Trail is a breathtakingly beautiful path that feels like a fairyland. The trail is approximately 1.6 kilometers long and is just a five-minute walk from Zhaoping Station. Since it has recently been renovated and is not widely known, it offers a tranquil, otherworldly experience with few visitors. Named after the Shuisan Giant Tree, the trail leads to a sacred cypress tree that is 2,700 years old. (The round-trip takes about 1.5 hours.)
Hotel check-out
Head out for Fenqihu (Lunch is not included)
Upon arriving at Fenchihu Old Street, you can explore Fenchihu Station, the historic steam locomotive, the Square Bamboo, and Fenchihu Old Street itself. While strolling through this century-old street, be sure not to miss the local delicacies such as railway cakes, grass cakes, iron eggs, Fenchihu-special tofu, and aiyu jelly.
On weekdays, the train departs from Fenchihu Station at 14:30; on weekends, it departs at 15:00
If the Alishan railway tickets are sold out, travelers will be transported by minivan directly, additional attractions will be added
GoRan ChaXiang Sightseeing Tea Farm (Change to Chukou Niubu Aberdeen Prairie after 1 July)
Hinoki Village
On weekdays, arrive at Chiayi Railway Station by 17:00; on weekends, arrive by 17:30. (If you decide to go to Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station, you can take a free BRT shuttle bus from the rear station of Chiayi Railway Station to Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station.)
Food and Drinks
— What You Can Expect —
Experience Taiwan's stunning Alishan with a 2-day overnight package tour, which includes accommodation. Start with a walking tour of the Alishan Forest Recreational Area and explore Sister Lakes in the afternoon. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset from the observation deck, accompanied by the area's natural scenic beauty. Wake up early to witness the magnificent sunrise at Zhushan.
Start your adventure with a morning mountain hike, followed by an exploration of Fenqihu's nostalgic old street to immerse yourself in its retro atmosphere. Spice up your day with an authentic Taiwanese boxed lunch.
Want a fantastical night? Every April to June, Alishan is full to the bream wit fireflies like stars on earth. There are up to 23 types of fireflies, which is 1/3 of the species in Taiwan. Come to Alishan for a romantic night full of surprises! (optional activity: NT$350 per traveler; sign up with the on-site staff)
Frolic on the boundless grassland of Chukou Niubu Aberdeen Prairie, a.k.a Ali Love Silk Road No. 18. Take photos with the sweet and romantic installation art sprinkled all over the area.
Discover the charm of Alishan on this package tour and book now with Over The Planet!
— Accommodation Info —
Hotel & Rooms:
- Yingshan Hotel: Double/Quadruple Room
- Wanguo Hotel: Log Double Suite/Scenic Quadruple Suite
- Alishan Dengshan Hotel: Japanese Double Suite/Japanese Quadruple Suite
- Alishan Gou Hotel: Kaofeng Hotel/Shermuh Hotel available with a surcharge
- In the event of full capacity, requests for a specific hotel will not be accommodated. A hotel of a similar grade will be arranged, or full refunds will be granted instead
- The bed type is dependent on on-site conditions, and specific requests will not be granted
- Alishan Gou Hotel does not provide breakfast at the moment and and other food at other hours. The supplier will offer a NT$100 7-11 voucher per guest. This voucher has no expiration date and no restrictions on applicable stores. Hot breakfast is also available for purchase next to Chushan Station. Travelers can buy the breakfast first and enjoy it while waiting for the sunrise
- To promote sustainability, all hotels no longer provide disposable amenities (e.g.: tooth brush, tooth paste, hair brush, shower cap, shaver, q-tips, etc.). Please bring your own personal toiletries to minimise your environmental impact
— Over The Planet x HSR Combo —
"Over The Planet x HSR Combo" is an exclusive offer in partnership with Taiwan High-Speed Rail. Enjoy 25% off on HSR ticket with selected products, Book your HSR seat and popular attractions all at once. Save time, energy and money, optimize your travel, relish moments at your own pace, and elevate your Taiwan journey. In addition to the cherished memories, earn TGo points for your HSR account and Over The Planet Points. Book now to secure this exclusive deal and start planning for future vacations.
- Book the 'Over The Planet x HSR Combo' packages to qualify for a 25% discount on HSR tickets
- Finish the booking process for the 'Over The Planet x HSR Combo' package, and make sure the order status is marked as 'completed'
- The purchase link for 25% off HSR Ticket will be specified on the e-voucher
- Please book HSR tickets according to the departure date and the number of travelers
*Note: The HSR ticket booking must be confirmed 7 days before the departure date. Please note that Over The Planet reserves the right to cancel orders
Inclusions
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- One night accommodation in Alishan
- Admission fee to Alishan Forest Recreational Area
- Shuttle from Chiayi Railway Station to Alishan and Fenqihu
- Sunrise train (sunrise train round-way tickets included)
- Alishan Forest Railway Main Line one-way ticket: From Fenqihu to Chiayi Railway Station
- Travel liability insurance (NT$2.5 million) and medical insurance (NT$200,000)
- Alishan tourist minibus (Zhaoping Line & Xianglin Line)
- Tips
- Other fees not mentioned
- Other optional items
- Car seats/seat boosters (NT$ 300 per set, please request in advance)
- HSR Roundtrip Ticket (please purchase the ticket via the link in the voucher)
- A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
- This is a shared tour. Please note that tour guide is not included
- The itinerary is based on the final booking confirmation
- For a group of 5 people, please book 1 double room and 1 triple room. Extra beds are not provided
- Bed type is dependent on on-site conditions, specific requests will not be granted
- Once your reservation of Sakura season or Chinese New Year holidays is confirmed, no refunds or amendments can be made to your booking. Please double check and verify your booking before finalizing your purchase
- Food and accommodation will be basic, since resources in mountain area are restricted
- Fenqihu-Alishan railway departs at 3:00pm on weekends and holidays and arrives Chiayi train station at 5:20pm
- It is recommended to take your following transfers after 5:30pm on weekdays and 6:00pm on weekends; for travelers who plan on taking Taiwan High Speed Rail after the tour, it is recommended to take trains after 6:00pm on weekdays and 6:30pm on weekends
- You may share a vehicle with other travelers, please consider before booking
- As Alishan Gou Hotel is located in the pedestrian area, the itinerary time for the guests in this hotel may change but the attractions will be the same. Please do not book this package if you have concerns
- If Alishan railway ticket is fully booked, we will provide minivan as transportation vehicle free of charge
- For Taiwanese travelers, please provide your Chinese name and ID number in the "Requests & Remarks" section while booking for insurance purpose
- Returning Info: arrive at Chiayi train station at 5:00pm on weekdays and 5:30pm on weekends
- Vehicle Type: 9-seater vehicle
- If you book the pick-up and drop-off locations to be Chiayi Railway Station, and have to unexpectedly change to Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station, an additional fee of NT$100 per traveller will be charged per one-way transfer (same price for adults and children)
- The tour route and destinations may be adjusted based on the guide's actual arrangements and the season. Please follow the guide's instructions on-site for any changes. In case of adverse weather or unforeseen natural disasters, the tour may be canceled depending on the conditions of the day. If there are any changes to the itinerary or meeting times, please follow the guide's directions on-site. Thank you for your cooperation.
- Alishan Gou Hotel does not provide breakfast at the moment and and other food at other hours. The supplier will offer a NT$100 7-11 voucher per guest. This voucher has no expiration date and no restrictions on applicable stores. Hot breakfast is also available for purchase next to Chushan Station. Travelers can buy the breakfast first and enjoy it while waiting for the sunrise
- To promote sustainability, all hotels no longer provide disposable amenities (e.g.: tooth brush, tooth paste, hair brush, shower cap, shaver, q-tips, etc.). Please bring your own personal toiletries to minimise your environmental impact
Meet
Venues
- Profun Travel Next To The Chiayi Railway StationFrom09:00View on Map
Meeting / End Points
- Alishan National Scenic Area
Policies
Purchase Summary
— Over The Planet x HSR Combo Cancellation Policy —
- If you need to cancel orders, please contact Over The Planet customer service
- Travelers who have already booked HSR tickets can only cancel their orders and request refunds once their HSR ticket orders have been successfully canceled
- Cancelation of the tour/experience package:
- Free cancellation 31 days before the selected date
- 10% of processing fees will be charged for cancellation within 21–30 days before the selected date
- 20% of processing fees will be charged for cancellation within 11–20 days before the selected date
- 30% of processing fees will be charged for cancellation within 4–10 days before the selected date
- 70% of processing fees will be charged for cancellation within 1–3 days before the selected date
- Cancellation and modification to the order will not be accepted within 0–0 day before the selected date. Refund cannot be requested either
— HSR Ticket Type —
- Full fare: Passengers over 12 years old
- Senior: Passengers over 65 years old (on the day of the ride). A valid ID with a photo and birthday is required for verification
- Disabled: Passengers with disability identification/certification may purchase a ticket with a 50% discount if the new disability card includes the annotation 'preferential treatment' for 'public transportation' on the back, allowing a companion to receive the discount
- Child: Children under 12 years old (age verification required if taller than 150 cm)
- Free: Children under 115 cm in height or those over 115 cm but verified to be under 6 years old do not require a separate seat (To secure a seat, please purchase a Child Ticket). An adult must accompany them, and each paying adult can bring a maximum of 2 free-admission children
[FAQ]
- The Over The Planet product does not include the HSR ticket. A link to purchase the 25% off HSR ticket will be provided after the booking
- Select the [Over The Planet x HSR Combo] package and complete the booking to receive the e-voucher that contains the HSR discount ticket purchase link. Please refer to "Purchase Notice" for more details
- This is applicable to all HSR trains, but the availability of time and seats cannot be guaranteed. If the offered trains are fully booked, alternative train options or a full refund will be provided
- The physical ticket will be issued approximately 7 days before the HSR departure date and will then be shipped to the designated address in Taiwan or can be picked up at T1/T2 service counters at Taoyuan International Airport
- HSR bookings open 29 days before the departure date. If you book before that, your reservation will be processed when booking opens, and the ticket will be sent afterward
- The HSR ticket in the deal is restricted to specific departure and arrival stations. For example, if your tour starts in Taipei and includes accommodation in Kaohsiung, the HSR ticket will be for Taipei ⇌ Zuoying. There are no refunds for getting off earlier, and you will need to pay the price difference for additional stops
- The 25% off HSR ticket is for roundtrip
- Travelers cannot select specific seats and carriages as seat reservations are assigned by the HSR system