Alishan Travel Guide｜Family-Friendly Private Car Tour for One-Day or Overnight Trips (2025 Edition)

Planning a family trip to Alishan? This guide is written especially for travelers from Singapore and Malaysia. From transportation and tickets to itinerary and lodging, everything you need is right here.

If you're dreaming of seeing the sunrise, riding the forest train, and staying in a peaceful mountain hotel—without the stress of driving uphill—our private small-group charter tours to Alishan are your most relaxing option.

Book Your Tour Now

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Table of Contents

• Why visit Alishan? Top highlights at a glance

• Where is Alishan and how to get there from Taichung or Chiayi

• Best months to visit Alishan: cherry blossoms, summer mist, autumn leaves

• Alishan entrance and train ticket prices

• Where to stay in Alishan: four recommended styles

• Sample itineraries: 1-day, 2-day-1-night, 3-day-2-night

• Self-driving vs charter: Why families prefer private car tours

• Why choose Escape Travel’s private Alishan tour

• Alishan FAQ

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Why Visit Alishan? Why It’s So Popular

Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most iconic mountain destinations. At over 2,000 meters above sea level, it's ideal for family trips and multi-generational travel. Top reasons to visit include:

• Sunrise at Zhushan: Watch the golden sun rise above the sea of clouds—unforgettable and accessible.

• Sacred Tree Trails: Stroller-friendly, flat walking paths surrounded by thousand-year-old cypress trees.

• Alishan Forest Train: Ride a century-old mountain railway through blooming cherry trees or autumn leaves.

• Fenqihu Old Street: Taste the famous railway lunchboxes, stroll past wooden houses, and explore this nostalgic town.

• Scenic Year-Round: From spring blossoms to autumn leaves, cloud seas to starlit skies—every season offers something unique.

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Where Is Alishan? How to Get There from Taichung or Chiayi

Alishan is located in Chiayi County, central Taiwan.

• From Chiayi City: about 2 hours by car

• From Taichung HSR Station: around 2.5–3 hours

Common Transportation Options

1. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus (7322 / 7329)

• Duration: 2–2.5 hours

• Best for: Budget travelers or backpackers

• Note: Limited schedule, need to line up early during peak season

2. Self-driving / Rental Car

• Duration: About 2 hours

• Best for: Experienced drivers

• Note: Winding mountain roads can cause motion sickness; parking is limited

3. Escape Travel Private Charter

• Duration: About 2 hours

• Best for: Families and those traveling with children or elderly

• Benefits: Hotel pickup, professional mountain driver, customizable scenic stops (like tea plantations or old towns)

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Best Time to Visit Alishan

February–March: Cherry Blossom Season

• Highlight: Stunning mountain-wide cherry blooms

• Tip: Visit on weekdays and book hotels early

April–May: Tung Blossoms and Fresh Greenery

• Highlight: Flowering tung trees and springtime atmosphere

• Tip: Mild temperatures, perfect for easy hikes

June–August: Summer Cool Escape and Misty Mountains

• Highlight: Refreshing mountain climate, beautiful afternoon mist

• Tip: Start early to avoid afternoon showers

October–November: Maple and Ginkgo Leaves

• Highlight: Bright red and golden fall foliage

• Tip: Best time for photos and clear views

December–January: Cloud Seas and Starry Skies

• Highlight: Clear winter air, chance to see shooting stars

• Tip: Bring warm clothes and rain gear

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Alishan Tickets and Forest Train Info

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Admission

• Foreign visitors: NT$300

• Taiwanese citizens: NT$200

Zhushan Sunrise Train

• Ticket: NT$150 one-way

• Purchase: On-site ticket counter

Forest Shuttle Trains (Sacred Tree, Zhushan, Zhaoping Lines)

• Start selling at 4 AM

• Tip: Have your guide or driver assist with early booking to avoid long queues or ticket shortages

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Where to Stay in Alishan: Four Styles

1. Mountain Hotels

• Examples: Alishan House, Hotel Indigo

• Best for: Easy access to sunrise, walkable location

2. Forest Inns

• Examples: Sakura Hotel, Sacred Tree Guesthouse

• Best for: Immersive forest stays and night photography

3. Tea Plantation Homestays

• Areas: Shizhuo, Longyun, Ruili

• Best for: Scenic tea fields, tea-tasting experiences

4. Fenqihu Stopover

• Examples: Fenqihu Hotel, Old Street B&B

• Best for: Train fans, local food, and slower pace

Note: During cherry blossom season and holidays, book rooms 3–6 months in advance. If you can’t find a hotel on the mountain, stay in Chiayi City and use a charter service to catch the sunrise.

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Sample Alishan Tour Itineraries

One-Day Tour

• 02:30 – Pickup from Chiayi hotel

• 04:30 – Sunrise at Zhushan by train or private car

• 06:30 – Forest walk and sacred tree trail

• 09:30 – Visit Sister Ponds, taste tea eggs

• 12:00 – Fenqihu bento lunch and old street

• 15:00 – Return to Chiayi or Taichung

Two-Day, One-Night Tour

• Day 1: Depart from Chiayi → Fenqihu lunch → Tea plantation walk → Stay overnight in Alishan → Stargazing or night cherry blossom viewing

• Day 2: Sunrise at Zhushan → Forest trails → Cultural center → Return to city in afternoon

Three-Day, Two-Night Tour (Extended Route)

• Day 1–2: Same as above

• Day 3: Extend to Sun Moon Lake for a boat tour or visit Tainan’s historic city center

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Self-Driving vs Charter: What’s Best for Families?

Planning

• Self-driving requires independent route planning and research

• Public bus follows fixed schedules and needs early arrival

• Escape Travel’s private charter handles everything for you

Mountain Roads

• Self-driving means handling narrow, winding roads—can cause motion sickness

• Public buses are long rides and may require standing, especially hard for kids or seniors

• Private charter offers a smooth, flexible ride with a professional driver

Luggage and Equipment

• Self-driving: Bring your own child seats and manage luggage

• Public bus: Carry all your gear yourself

• Private charter: Free child seats and luggage storage included

Photo and Guide Support

• Self-driving and public buses offer no assistance

• Escape Travel: Drivers help take photos, recommend scenic spots, and provide English/Mandarin support

Language Support

• Self-drive and public buses: No interpretation

• Private charter: Bilingual support available for international guests

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Why Choose Escape Travel's Alishan Private Tour?

• 7- to 9-seater vehicles with free baby seats and hiking sticks

• English and Mandarin support, designed for overseas families

• Customized plans with hotel pickup and full coordination

• Optional tea farm visits, bento town stops, and sunrise tips

• International payment accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay)

• Early bird discounts and private guide services available

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When is the best time to visit Alishan?
A: February–March (cherry blossoms) and October–November (autumn colors) are ideal. Other seasons offer cool weather and stargazing.

Q: Is the entrance ticket included?
A: No. Foreign visitors pay NT$300. We can help arrange tickets.

Q: Is it easy to take a public bus up to Alishan?
A: It’s possible, but not ideal for families. Buses are limited, especially in peak season. Private charter is more convenient and comfortable.

Q: Where does the private car pick up from?
A: We offer pickup from Chiayi City, Chiayi HSR Station, or Taichung. Hotel doorstep pickup is available.

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Book Your Alishan Charter Tour Now

Want to enjoy cherry blossoms, watch the sunrise, and stroll among ancient trees—without the hassle?

Tell us your preferred dates, number of travelers, and needs. We’ll reply within 24 hours with a quote and suggested itinerary.

Book Your Tour Now

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Visiting from Singapore or Overseas?

Don’t want to transfer between buses or carry heavy luggage up the mountain?
We offer hotel pickup, private transfers, and English-speaking support.

 

Book Your Tour Now