As the weather cools and autumn sets in, the season for enjoying vibrant maple leaves is just around the corner. DailyView’s online popularity meter has ranked the top 100 most talked-about maple leaf viewing spots based on discussions over the past six months, highlighting popular destinations in Taiwan where you can admire stunning sunrises and hidden gems of brilliant red foliage. Before the foliage craze peaks, secure your spot now!
1. Alishan Forest Recreation Area: 360-degree scenic viewpoint for sunrise and sea of clouds
When you think of Alishan, you think of sunrises, sea of clouds, and sacred trees (and foodies might think of Fenchihu boxed lunches first)! But this time, we’re introducing the hidden gem of Ogasawara Viewpoint, where you can enjoy not only a breathtaking sunrise but also dazzling red maple leaves!
To reach Ogasawara Viewpoint, you can take the Zhushan Sun Viewing Trail from Zhiping Station, which takes about an hour on foot. A faster option is to take the Zhushan Forest Railway directly to Zhushan Station. From the station exit, walk about 15 minutes to the right to reach the viewpoint. The platform offers a vast 360-degree panoramic view. Train departure times vary depending on the daily sunrise schedule (check daily departure times here), and are only announced and opened for registration one day in advance. With limited spots available, they get even more competitive during the foliage season!
The maple leaves in Alishan are mainly early-blooming green maples and late-blooming red maple trees. On the way from Zhushan Station to Ogasawara Viewpoint, you’ll find plenty of red maples. On your walk back to the station after watching the sunrise, be sure to take in the sea of crimson leaves all around you!
2. Wuling Farm: Go camping, enjoy sour cabbage hot pot, and admire the “autumn trio” forest scenery
If you’re a foodie with refined taste, Wuling Farm is the place for you. With wooden board campsites and cozy cabins, Wuling Farm is a top pick for camping enthusiasts. Due to high demand and limited availability, campsites get booked up almost instantly once registration opens—so plan ahead if you want to go.
When the temperature drops, nothing beats a warm meal. At Wuling, be sure to try their homemade sour cabbage, chopped and cooked into a rich and tangy sour cabbage hot pot that’s incredibly appetizing. Plus, with minimal light pollution on the mountain, it’s perfect for stargazing at night. It’s recommended to venture slightly away from the campsite to avoid light interference. Additionally, Fuyeh Resort on the farm hosts free nightly stargazing events that non-guests can also join.
Of course, the highlight is definitely “maple leaf viewing.” At Wuling Farm, the joy is not just in the red foliage—you can also enjoy golden ginkgo trees and romantic larch trees. All the most beautiful autumn sights are here, so you won’t have to worry about missing out even when it’s not peak foliage season!
3. Fushoushan Farm: Pick mouthwateringly sweet honey apples
Maple leaf season discussion volume: 81 mentions
Located near Wuling Farm, Fushoushan Farm is a popular side-trip destination for many visitors. From the pink cosmos flower fields in early September, to marigolds, yellow chrysanthemums, and lover’s daisies in October, and the start of the maple foliage season in mid-November, there’s beautiful scenery to enjoy nearly year-round.
For maple leaf viewing at Fushoushan Farm, the top recommendations are “Mandarin Duck Lake” and “Songlu.” Along the Mandarin Duck Lake Trail, you’ll find over 20 different species of maple trees, allowing you to experience a variety of autumn hues. Songlu, once the residence of President Chiang Ching-kuo, has been transformed into lodging for Fushoushan Farm
Running concurrently with the maple foliage season is the Honey Apple Picking Festival. Though these apples may look small and unremarkable at first glance, one bite reveals an incredibly sweet, honey-like flavor — a mountain fruit that can only be grown at high altitudes with large day-night temperature variations. Late November to December marks the peak season for Lishan honey apples. Combining apple picking with maple leaf viewing is absolutely the “must-do” experience when visiting Fushoushan.