Ride the Alishan Forest Railway Cruise Train & Get a Sneak Peek at the “Longest in Taiwan” Taiping Skywalk

▲ The June itinerary of the Alishan Forest Railway cruise train offers tourists an up-close view of the “longest in Taiwan” Taiping Skywalk. (Photo / Taiwan Railways Administration)

Reported by Lai Wen-hsuan / Taipei

In June, the Alishan Forest Railway cruise-style train debuts the “Happy • Taiping” journey, bringing travelers to the pleasantly mild-climate village of Taiping. Aside from an early close-up view of the nearly completed, longest-in-Taiwan “Taiping Skywalk,” visitors can also enjoy leisurely walks through the lush bamboo groves and refreshing scenery of the Filial Piety Trail and Immortal’s Well. The three scheduled trips are available by reservation only, with each package priced at NT$700. For booking rules and other important notes, please visit the Taiwan Railways Administration Alishan Forest Railway’s “Forest Railway Cruise Journey” page.

Each NT$700 Taiping Forest Railway “Happy • Taiping” cruise-style train package includes the train fare from Chiayi to Liyuanliao (one way) and from Duli Mountain back to Chiayi, as well as the cost of a DIY ebony jelly workshop and guided tour.

▲ The Alishan Forest Railway cruise-style train launches the “Happy • Taiping” journey in June. (Photo / Taiwan Railways Administration)

The journey will take travelers to Taiping Village in Meishan Township. The winding 36 bends of Provincial Highway 162A have made Taiping Village one of the nation’s most famous sightseeing spots. The soon-to-be-completed “Taiping Skywalk,” stretching 281 meters in length, features a long suspension bridge connecting two mountaintops that seems to stretch endlessly. Situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, visitors can take in sweeping views of Meishan and often enjoy mist-shrouded scenery. Once officially opened in September, it will become Taiwan’s longest and most beautiful suspension bridge.

Some sections of this journey are slippery, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes. However, the package price does not include shuttle bus transfer fees or travel insurance. Upon arriving at Liyuanliao Station, passengers must take a shuttle bus at a fee of NT$250 per person (same price for children and seniors, no discounts). Each trip is limited to 100 participants. Children under 6 years old who do not occupy a seat may ride for free but will not receive any souvenirs.

The Alishan Forest Railway “Happy • Taiping” cruise-style train operates on June 7, 14, and 28, for a total of three trips. Tickets for the Forest Railway cruise-style train journey are available by reservation only and are not sold at station counters. For booking rules and important notes, please visit the Taiwan Railways Administration Alishan Forest Railway’s “Forest Railway Cruise Journey” page.