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Amidst the enchanting woodlands of Central Taiwan’s Alishan National Forest (阿里山國家森林遊樂區) lies the Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve’s (台灣一葉蘭自然保留區) flower fields. This region, where the Pleione formasana is protected, features one named hill, Datashan (大塔山), measuring 2,663 meters (8,737 ft).
Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve lies in the mountainous Alishan Township (阿里山鄉) of Chiayi County (嘉義縣). Located in Alishan National Forest, Taiwan Pleione flourishes quite selectively on either bank of Alishan Forest Railway’s Mianyue Line, around 5 km (3 mi) from Alishan Railway Station. Although the route is now disused, you can walk the train tracks to the lilac-infused flowering patch to marvel at the scenery.
Growing at an elevation between 1,800 to 2,663 meters (5,905 60 8,737 ft) on Datashan, Taiwan Pleione thrives in cool, moist areas, and Alishan’s cool climate is perfectly nurturing. As Taiwan Pleione grows best in damp soil, the annual temperature hovering between 54 to 59°F (12 to 15°C), combined with heavy rainfall of 4,000 mm (157 in) and a constant fog belt, is the ideal environment for the single-leaf orchid to flourish.
Although, without protection, the vulnerable Taiwan Pleione survival is threatened. Thus, Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture designated the Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve in 1981 to protect this beautiful perennial species. Another flower that thrives in Alishan is cherry blossoms, and tourists flock to the hillside broadleaf forest in late winter and springtime to admire these romantic-hued blooms.
Besides Alishan’s famous sakura blooms, other well-known areas surrounding the Taiwan Pleion Nature Reserve are Alishan Sacred Trees in the south, Yushan National Park (玉山國家公園) to the east, and Tashan Lookout Point to the west for Alishan’s scenic sea of clouds view. While Jiaolong Falls (蛟龙瀑布) flows in the north of the Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve.
Datashan belongs to the Alishan Range (阿里山山脈), one of Taiwan’s top five sierras across the island. Holding 570 named mountains, Alishan Range is the third largest hilly network, behind the Central Mountain Range (中央山脈) and the Xueshan Range (雪山山脈).
However, in terms of height, it falls to fourth place behind the Yushan Range (玉山山脈), Xueshan Range, and Central Mountain Range. The smallest sierra is the Hai’an Range (海岸山脈), otherwise known as the Coastal Mountain Range.
Datashan’s geological composition dates to the Miocene epoch, comprising sandstone interspersed with dark shale and small amounts of gravel.
Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve’s vegetation is dominated by an evergreen broadleaf forest and temperate conifers in the cloud cover belt. A total of 354 plant species thrive in the mountainous woodlands, with dense groves of cedar, cypress, firs, and hemlock. Besides Taiwan Pleione, other flowering plants are Alishan gentian, safflower, and rhododendron.
Wildlife of mammals and birds are the main inhabitants in the Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve. Taiwan mountain goats, macaques, and red-bellied squirrels are some of the 17 mammal species, while the blue-bellied pheasant, crested eagle, and the great spotted woodpecker comprise some of the 40 kinds of birdlife.
Alishan Forest, formerly one of Taiwan's largest logging bases, was known for the massive felling and transportation of cypress trees to Chiayi for shipping. To facilitate this process, the Alishan Forest Railway was established to transport the heavy and giant logs downhill to Chiayi's low plains.
However, with the destruction of Taiwan's forests, logging was banned in 1989, and afforestation efforts were initiated to increase vegetation. As a result, Alishan National Forest was designated a special scenic area by the local government to preserve the thriving forest's natural ecology.
When you visit the Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve, we recommend these major hiking trails and areas:
A popular trek to Datashan’s towering hill, you’ll walk a roundtrip length of 7.4 km (4.6 mi) across an overgrown railway meandering through luscious cypress forests. Take in the beauty of the natural world, especially during the first 2 km (1.2 mi) when the trail is relatively flat and easy.
The further you walk, you’ll notice the gradient gradually increasing until the final 1.7 km (1 mi), where you’ll have to climb a grueling series of steps towards the Datashan Observation Deck. The physical demands of the hike discourage large crowds of tourists from frequenting this trail, which means you may have stunning views to yourself, depending on the time of day you choose to embark on this journey.
From the Datashan Observation Deck, you’ll admire breathtaking vistas of the vibrant Alishan Forest doused in the ethereal sea of clouds, considered one of the top five wonders of Alishan. Admire the imposing Yushan (玉山) in the distance against the jagged spine of the majestic Central Mountain Range.
The most ardent adventurers will love the rugged elements of the Mianyue Line Trail (眠月線完成的路線). You’ll walk on the railway tracks of the old railways, crossing high bridges and arched tunnels and scrambling along the crumbling cliffs of this 8 km (5 mi) scenic passage.
Starting from Zaoping Station, you’ll follow the disused Mianyue Line train tracks as you venture deep into the lush forest. Inhale the fresh, wooden scent of firs and camphor trees that tower above you, shielding the sunlight from penetrating the forest floor.
At the 4.4 km (2.7 mi) mark, you’ll reach a stone tunnel perfectly embedded in the mountain wall. As it wraps the hill’s curvature, it's a beautiful relic of the railway line and a stunning spot to stop and admire the scenery. At the tunnel’s end lies a landslide, where you’ll take great caution to descend with the help of iron ladders and safety ropes.
Next, you’ll reach a 7 meters high (24 ft) barrier-free railway bridge. Again, use caution when crossing the wooden slat overpass, but take in the bountiful beauty of the flourishing forest canopy around you and the mystical layer of fog cascading across the scene.
While strolling along the Mianyue Line, you'll come across several abandoned stations dotted along the way. Take in the awe-inspiring sight of how nature has reclaimed these human-made structures, with lush foliage growing over cement and stone. Along your journey, keep a lookout for the beautiful Taiwan Pleione orchids, with their lilac blooms adding a touch of charm to the woodlands and cliffs.
Marvel at nature’s grandiose arboreals as you undertake the two-phased path of Alishan’s Giant Tree Trail. Be in the company of some of Taiwan’s most ancient trees, as 41 Taiwan red cypresses tower above you, telling their age.
Along Trail 1, you’ll encounter several impressive trees, including the Thousand-Year Cypress (千歲檜神木), the Tree of Three Generations (三代木櫻木花道), and the Tree Spirit Pagoda (樹靈塔), which honors the tree spirits of felled trees during the logging industry. As you approach the trail’s end, you’ll notice the massive 50 meters (164 ft) fallen Alishan Sacred Tree (阿里山神木遺跡), a 2,300-year-old cypress. A spiritual symbol of Alishan, it rests on the forest floor where it naturally fell.
Branching into Trail 2, you’ll be drawn to No. 28 Giant Tree (28號巨木), the tallest cypress of the Giant Tree Trail. This mammoth tree features endemic plants growing from its body, such as the native Rhododendron kawakamii Hayata and the catenulated shield fern. You’ll need to crane your neck to fully admire this fascinating tree’s soaring height of 43.5 meters (143 ft) as it reaches the heavens.
Hop onboard the Alishan Forest Railway for a picturesque ride through the shaded, misty mountain woodlands. While the Alishan Forest Railway operated to transport timber, it's now solely used for recreation and is a major tourist attraction. Thus, some routes have been disused for years, while the main journey loops through Alishan’s top attractions like Sister Ponds, Zhaoping Sunrise Platform, the Magnolia Garden, and the Giant Tree Trail.
Scenic throughout the seasons, enjoy the pastel blanket of cherry blossoms in the springtime and the crimson shade of maple leaves in autumn. With dense clouds of fog dreamily drinking in the forest, the views from the steam-engine train are enchanting, and it's a train ride you’ll never forget.
A beautiful alternative to the often crammed Zhushan Sunrise Trail, the Dui Gao Yue Trail (對高岳登山步道) affords you mesmerising outlooks of Alishan’s scenic sea of clouds resting on the tufted emerald hills at daybreak, dusk, and any time of the day.
Both starting and ending at Dui Gao Yue Pavilion, this viewpoint rises above Zhushan Sunrise Platform and is a lesser-known secret spot to evade the crowds and enjoy the glowing colours of the rising sun.
What makes this trail so alluring are the verdant, misty forest paths and the breathtaking vistas of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area from the Dui Gao Yue Platform, which is surrounded by clusters of crimson Taiwan red maple. The vibrant emerald foliage of the forest is further enhanced by the speckled presence of Taiwan white fir.
If you want to feel lost in nature and away from Alishan’s top attractions, then explore the lush nature in the quiet countryside setting of Ding Shizhou Trail Group (石棹步道群). Comprising five separate trails with a total mileage of 5km (3 mi), discover a network of picturesque paths, each highlighting one natural wonder.
Soak in the fresh aromatic scent of the Tea Trail, immerse yourself in a pink flower shower along the Sakura Trail, and marvel at the floating sea of clouds along the 1,600-meter (5,249 ft) high Cloud Trail. You can combine these walks with the dense Fog Trail gliding through a bamboo forest or the Xia Trail that outlines the wavy hillside where ravishing tea plantations grow in abundance.
Stay in Alishan Township for a stunning serene setting, or choose nearby Chiayi City (嘉義市), connected to Alishan Forest via the Alishan Forest Railway. Whichever option you decide on, you’ll be immersed in southern Taiwan’s scenic landscape of forests and mountains or leafy cities and plains.
A magical wonderland of emerald woods, crisp mountain air, and peaceful nature, Alishan Township is sure to melt every heart with its dream-worthy beauty. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will love their stay in this hillside community, where life beats at an intoxicating relaxed pace.
Immerse yourself in the romantic and enthralling story of Sister Ponds (姊妹潭), a place where nature's beauty meets the depths of human emotion. Two mountain lakes, barely 50 meters (164 feet) apart, hold a tragic fabled tale of two Tsou tribe sisters who fell in love with the same man. Despite the heartbreaking legend, the tranquil jade lakes are a sight to behold in the midst of the dense forest. Two thatched wooden 'love' pavilions, built with Taiwan red cypress, stand at the edge of the pond to honor the sisters' bond.
Next, embark on the Zhusan Sunrise Trail, a 1.8 km (1.1 mi) journey that takes you through a lush forest, showering you with the natural splendor of Alishan. Admire the breathtaking beauty of Alishan's sunrise, a magical moment that’s the perfect start to the day. The soft glow of the dawn sun gracefully illuminates the vast morning sky with hues of orange, red, and pink, casting a serene backdrop of misty blue mountains.
Then, indulge in the enchanting world of Alishan's cherry blossoms and let your senses be captivated by the romance of these alluring flowers. The Cherry Blossom Trail is an exquisite sight to behold, with tight bundles of trees showering the area with an explosion of rose-coloured cherry blossoms. Walk through the path of the Forest Trail, and let the captivating fragrance of cherry blossoms engulf you.
Chayi City is a charming destination that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, this city is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Food lovers will enjoy sampling the local cuisine, which is influenced by the region's Hakka and indigenous cultures. With a history that spans more than 300 years, Chiayi is a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
First, visit the historical and well-preserved Hinoki Village (檜意森活村), once a residential base for Alishan loggers. These Japanese-styled homes were constructed from hinoki and cypress logs from Alishan’s forests. What’s more, this Japanese community was also the storage center of timber in low-lying Chiayi before being shipped elsewhere. Walk about this charming community, complete with coffee shops and boutique stores, to immerse yourself in history.
Next, experience Taiwan’s evening hustle and bustle at their famous night markets. Ideally located centrally in Chiayi City, Wenhua Road Night Market (文化路夜市) is one of southern Taiwan’s hot spots to sample food and marvel at its merry aesthetic of rows of red Chinese lanterns leading towards Chenghuang Temple. Some of the local dishes to try at this night market include turkey rice, beef offal soup, and fish head casserole, while for dessert, you can indulge in soya milk tofu pudding or starfruit juice.
Finally, for breathtaking panoramic views of Chiayi City, head to the Sun Shooting Tower (嘉義市忠烈祠), which stands tall at 62 meters (203 ft). This bronzed aluminum tower, located in the lush Chiayi Park, is inspired by Alishan's massive trees, with its design resembling the sacred tree's cracked center. The structure has a 40-meter-long (131-foot-long) linear hollow down the middle, and you can take an elevator to the top floor to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
You’ll first need to take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) or local express train (TRA) to Chiayi City. The 7322 bus collects passengers from Chiayi High-Speed Rail and Chiayi City Train Station and transports them to Alishan.
Another way to reach Alishan, you could board the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi City Train Station, taking you up the mountain and offering sweeping views from the wooden carriage.
Once at Alishan Forest, walk along the Mianyue Line to the Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve, a 5 km (3 mi) journey from Alishan Railway Station.
Explore Taiwan Pleione Nature Reserve (台灣一葉蘭自然保留區) with the PeakVisor 3D Map and identify its summits.
