“Alishan Cherry Blossom Season” Steam Train Back in Service – Admire the Poetic Beauty of Cherry Blossoms Among the Trees

▲ This year’s Alishan Cherry Blossom Season will feature the “Wednesday-only” No. 31 Steam Train, taking visitors through the cherry blossom woods. (Photo / From the Facebook fan page of Alishan National Scenic Area Administration)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Don’t miss out—this year’s cherry blossom finale, the “Alishan Cherry Blossom Season,” kicks off today for a one-month run in Alishan, featuring limited-time steam train rides that take you through blooming cherry forests. Currently, the “Thousand Island Cherry” and “Ryukyu Mountain Cherry” in the Alishan Scenic Area have both entered full bloom, transforming the landscape into a pink wonderland where various cherry blossoms compete in beauty. Nearly 30,000 people headed up the mountain last weekend to catch the early sights.

The allure of the Alishan Cherry Blossom Season is irresistible, drawing huge crowds up the mountain every year. The Chiayi Forest District Office has also released the latest bloom updates: the “Thousand Island Cherry” and “Ryukyu Mountain Cherry” are now in full bloom. Meanwhile, the Yoshino Cherry known as the “Cherry King,” a key indicator of blossom conditions near the Alishan Work Station, is currently 50–60% in bloom with plump buds in excellent condition. It is expected that when the flowers reach full bloom, Alishan’s pink-and-white cherry landscapes will be overwhelmingly beautiful, dazzling all who see them.

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In addition to cherry blossom viewing, during the Alishan Cherry Blossom Season every Wednesday (3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9), designated trains on the Zhaoping Line will be operated by the “No. 31 Steam Locomotive pulling cypress wood carriages,” offering visitors the chance to ride a steam train through the cherry groves and enjoy a rare poetic view.

It is expected that large crowds will flock to Alishan to admire the blossoms. During the “Alishan Cherry Blossom Season,” traffic and volume controls will be in place every weekend from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The public is advised to use shuttle buses instead.