Chiayi Departure｜Alishan Train Private Day Tour (Forest Railway & Sacred Tree Trail)

Itinerary

－ Route －

Why Choose Escape Travel

Direct private car from Chiayi to Alishan — no transfers, no hassle

English- and Chinese-speaking drivers available — smooth communication guaranteed

Flexible and relaxed schedule — ideal for family, elderly, or first-time visitors

See giant sacred trees, ride the forest train, and explore historic mountain streets — all in one day

※ Escape Travel is a licensed travel agency. All tours include official receipts and travel protection. 

Tour Highlights

Alishan Forest Recreation Area

Explore Taiwan’s most iconic high-mountain forest park — stroll along scenic trails, admire the ancient sacred tree groves, and ride the historic red forest train through the misty woods.

Fenqihu Old Street

Enjoy local bento boxes, traditional snacks, and railway nostalgia at this charming old town nestled in the mountains.

Couple Trees + Tataga Lookout (Optional)

Admire these iconic intertwined trees and take in sweeping mountain views and cloud seas from the Tataga highland viewpoint.

Plum Dream Factory + Dongpu Hot Springs (Optional)

Perfect for families and those seeking to relax — experience local plum culture, shop for souvenirs, or soak in natural hot springs.

Route Options

Recommended Route

Chiayi → Alishan Forest Recreation Area (Sacred Trees + Forest Train) → Fenqihu Old Street → Return to Chiayi

Optional Route 1

Chiayi → Alishan Forest Recreation Area → Couple Trees → Tataga Lookout → Return to Chiayi

Optional Route 2

Chiayi → Alishan Forest Recreation Area → Xiding Sea of Clouds → Erwanping Trail → Return to Chiayi

※ Routes and timing are flexible and may be adjusted based on real-time traffic and weather conditions.

►Days：1day

►Departure Location：Chiayi

►EndLocation：Chiayi

►Schedule Time：10hrs

►Language：中文/English

Must-See Attractions

Alishan Forest Recreation Area

Taiwan’s most iconic alpine forest destination. Famous for its towering sacred trees, forest railway, cherry blossoms, maple trails, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Alishan Forest Train

A nostalgic red train weaving through the woods — a must-ride experience for visitors of all ages.

Fenqihu Old Street

A charming old street in the mountains, known for its retro bento lunch boxes, nostalgic train station, and traditional snacks — a favorite for foodies and train lovers.

Couple Trees (Optional)

Two intertwined sacred trees symbolizing eternal love — a peaceful, romantic stop.

Tataga Scenic Lookout (Optional)

At high elevation, this viewpoint offers expansive views of the Yushan mountain range and cloud seas — ideal for photography and short hikes.

Plum Dream Factory (Optional)

A family-friendly stop combining agriculture, local products, and DIY plum-themed experiences.

Dongpu Hot Springs (Optional)

Nestled in a mountain valley, this natural hot spring area is the perfect place to relax, especially during winter.

Who Is This Tour For? 

Travelers who want to walk forest trails, see ancient trees, and ride the Alishan train

Visitors who prefer a direct, no-transfer journey to Alishan

Families with kids or elderly who want a comfortable, no-hassle day trip 

Nature lovers looking for mountain air, misty views, and a peaceful reset

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many people can join this tour?

A: We recommend 1–6 people for the most comfortable experience. For larger groups, we can arrange 9-seaters or multiple cars. Please contact us for details.

Q: Will the tour be tiring or rushed?

A: Not at all! It’s a private tour, so you can set your own pace. We’ll help you adjust the schedule based on your energy and interests.

Q: Do I need to book the forest train tickets myself?

A: You can buy them on-site, or let the driver help pre-book a specific time slot. Just let us know in advance.

Q: Is there an entrance ticket for Alishan?

A: Yes, there is an entrance fee to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. You can purchase tickets at the gate or ask your driver to assist.

Q: Can the driver help take photos?

A: Absolutely! If parking is allowed, your driver will gladly help take group photos. You can also bring a selfie stick for more freedom.

Q: Will the driver join us on the trails?

A: Our drivers offer transport and basic introductions. For in-depth guided tours, we recommend booking a local guide separately.

Q: Are there fixed departure dates?

A: No. We offer flexible scheduling. As long as the driver and car are available, we can arrange the tour. We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance.

Q: Is this tour suitable for international travelers?

A: Yes! We can arrange English-speaking drivers. All international guests are welcome.

Q: I’m not sure which date works best yet. Can I ask first?

A: Of course! Message us anytime — we’ll help you check driver availability so you can plan with peace of mind.

Q: How do I pay? What are the payment options?

A: We accept credit card payments and Taiwan local bank transfers. Once you book, we’ll provide a secure payment link and assistance.

Q: Is Alishan cold? What should I wear?

A: Yes, it can get chilly — especially in spring and autumn. Bring a light jacket, and dress warmly in winter. Weather can change quickly, so prepare for fog or rain.

Q: Can I watch the sunrise on this tour?

A: This day trip focuses on daytime sightseeing. If you wish to see the sunrise, we recommend a 2-day 1-night tour or contact us for a custom early departure option.

Book This Tour ｜Click here to reserve your Alishan day tour｜Message us on LINE to check available dates

Guest Reviews

“We took our parents to Alishan and were worried about train transfers, but this private tour made everything smooth. We could stop wherever we wanted — super comfortable!”

— Ms. Chen, Tainan

“We were amazed by the giant trees and took the forest train. Everything was smooth, and our English-speaking driver was so friendly!”

— Jason & Claire, Canada

More Popular Private Tours

｜Yangmingshan Day Tour｜Yehliu Queen’s Head & Coastline｜Cingjing Farm｜Alishan｜Sun Moon Lake

Fee Description

－ Include －

The tour price includes the driver’s service fee, tolls, fuel, parking, insurance (up to NT$6,000,000 per person), as well as the driver’s meals and accommodation.

－ Not Include －

Excludes attraction entrance tickets, mountain or park admission fees, meals and accommodation for travelers, optional self-paid activities, personal expenses, and any additional transportation or related costs resulting from itinerary changes during the trip.

－ Overtime Costs －

Daily vehicle usage: Up to 10 hours

Overtime charge: NT$500 per hour

(If overtime exceeds 15 minutes, it will be charged as half an hour. If it exceeds 45 minutes, it will be charged as one full hour.)

Examples:

09:00 ~ 19:00 → No additional charge

09:00 ~ 19:20 → Charged for 0.5 hour

09:00 ~ 19:50 → Charged for 1 hour

※ Delays caused by traffic congestion, crowds, or other uncontrollable factors will still be charged according to this policy. Please consider this when planning your booking.

Cancellation Policies

Escape Travel｜Private Car Tour Cancellation & Refund Policy

To ensure the rights and interests of both our guests and our company, cancellations due to personal reasons will incur service fees based on the schedule below:

Cancellation Fee Schedule

41 days or more before departure: 5% of the total tour cost

31 to 40 days before departure: 10% of the total tour cost

21 to 30 days before departure: 20% of the total tour cost

2 to 20 days before departure: 30% of the total tour cost

Within 1 day before departure: 50% of the total tour cost

Same-day cancellation or no-show: No refund will be provided

About Cancellation Reasons & Documentation

For cancellations due to personal reasons—such as change of plans, unverified illness, or general weather concerns—the above fee schedule applies.

In the following exceptional circumstances, a partial or full refund may be considered upon submission of valid documentation:

Severe illness or medical emergency (official medical certificate required)

Death of an immediate family member (official documentation required)

If the vehicle arrives at the agreed pick-up location on time and traffic conditions are normal, the trip is considered ready to begin and cannot be cancelled for free.

Force Majeure Refunds

If the tour cannot proceed due to force majeure events (e.g., typhoon, earthquake, road closures), 5% of the total tour cost will be deducted as administrative and processing fees. The remaining amount will be fully refunded.

Notes

Important Notes (Please Read Carefully)

By completing your booking and payment, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Tour Departure & Postponement

In the event of natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain), road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances that may affect travel safety, Escape Travel reserves the right to decide whether the tour will proceed as scheduled. In such cases, we will coordinate with guests to postpone the tour or issue a refund according to our cancellation policy. 

In-Vehicle Rules

To maintain a clean and pleasant ride, the following activities are strictly prohibited inside the vehicle: eating and drinking, smoking, applying sunscreen, removing shoes, kicking seat backs, spitting out the window, and littering. If you feel unwell during the trip, please inform the driver immediately and request a vomit bag. Any damage or soiling of the vehicle interior must be compensated in cash on-site according to the repair or cleaning cost.

Weather Conditions

If poor weather prevents full enjoyment of certain scenic spots, please understand that this does not qualify as a valid reason for cancellation or refund.

Itinerary Flexibility

Delays, route changes, or missed stops due to traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors may require flexible itinerary adjustments. Escape Travel will not be held liable for compensation in such situations, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Personal Belongings

Please keep your cash and valuables secure at all times. Escape Travel is not responsible for any lost or damaged personal items during the tour.