The cherry blossoms of Alishan are in full bloom—Take a cruise-style train to enjoy the flowers and explore the old street!

▲ Alishan cruise-style train. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive report

Due to the leap ninth month in winter, the blooming period of cherry blossoms in Alishan is later than in previous years. Currently, the main cherry blossoms in bloom are the pale pink ones along Highway 18 from kilometer 84 to 87 on the Alishan Road, as well as the Kawazu-zakura in Fenchihu. Some villages also have pale pink cherry blossoms gradually coming into bloom, while the Kawazu-zakura near the entrance of the Er Yanping Trail at Qiding have just begun to open. It is estimated that in about a week, the blossom display will become more prominent.

The Alishan Forest Railway Administration also stated that the newly launched “Zou People’s Journey to Fenchihu: Cherry Blossoms Accompany Me” cruise-style train tour is paired with a bus tour, and therefore divided into Package A and Package B. Travelers can choose either package, with a limit of 100 participants per session for each package. The price is NT$620.

The tour includes stops at Chiayi Railway Station, the Japanese-style wooden Luman Station building and Luman Tobacco Barn, the Japanese-style wooden Zhushan Station building, the Fenchihu depot, an old street tour, as well as hidden cherry blossom spots and cultural performances by the Zhulu Community. Group ticket reservations can be made up to 29 days before the travel date (inclusive), while individual travelers can book up to 15 days before the travel date (inclusive).

First quarter Alishan Forest Railway cruise train operating dates: (Suspended during Spring Festival travel period)
January: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
February: 4th, 11th, 25th
March: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th