Cherry Blossom Viewing and Forest Railway Rides on Alishan During Chinese New Year – 6 Must-Know Transportation Options

▲ The Alishan Forest Railway, which was severely damaged during Typhoon Morakot, has been confirmed to resume service between Zhushan and Fenchihu on January 27. (Photo / Courtesy ofAlishan National Scenic Area Administration’s official Facebook page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As Lunar New Year approaches, Alishan, a renowned tourist hotspot, is expected to see a significant rise in visitor numbers. To avoid traffic congestion due to the heavy influx, the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration has formulated six major transportation plans for the holiday period and advises travelers to stay informed.

Alishan has entered its cherry blossom season. The Forestry Bureau previously announced that the Alishan Forest Recreation Area will remain open 24 hours a day during the Spring Festival to allow visitors to fully enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Additionally, the Alishan Forest Railway, which was heavily damaged during Typhoon Morakot, will reopen the Zhushan to Fenchihu route on January 27, with visitor numbers expected to be even higher than in previous years.

“Alishan’s Six Major Transportation Plans for Chinese New Year”Are as follows:
1. Free Shuttle to Fenchihu:The shuttle route from Shizhao (under the Shizhao Gas Station on Provincial Highway 18 at the 61K mark, next to Provincial Highway 156) to Fenchihu will operate from February 1 to February 3, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, running in both directions.
2. Free Shuttle to Alishan Forest Recreation Area:The shuttle service along Provincial Highway 18 between the 86K and 95K marks and the Alishan Forest Recreation Area will run from January 31 to February 4, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ten temporary bus stops will be set up along the route, with additional unscheduled traffic controls implemented if necessary.
3. Section Between Yuntan and Yuantan on County Road 166 in Zhushan Township:This road section has narrow lanes and high visitor concentration. Please avoid stopping your vehicle on the roadside.
4. The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration has printed 2014 Chinese New Year transportation brochuresand placed them at various tourist service centers, highway rest areas, and service stations set up by the administration for visitors to pick up.The Taiwan Tourism Information Websitealso provides relevant information.
5. The Disaster-Repair Section at the 80K Mark on Provincial Highway 18, Alishan Highway:will implement two-way traffic control and guidance measures during the Spring Festival. Visitors are advised to drive carefully and slowly through this area.
6. The “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Alishan Line”:will add a temporary bus stop at the Leye Performance Venue (at the 61.5K mark) during the Spring Festival (February 1 to 3). Visitors who wish to take the “Shizhao–Fenchihu Free Shuttle” may disembark at this stop.

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The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration also kindly reminds the public that traffic jams are common on Alishan during the Spring Festival. Visitors are urged to cooperate with traffic control measures. Moreover, as temperatures can vary greatly between day and night in the mountains, those planning to stay for extended periods or overnight should ensure they are well-prepared for the cold. For more travel information, please visitthe Alishan National Scenic Area official website.