The new Alishan attraction, the Alpine Supply & Transfer Station, carries a beautiful wish for blessings.

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Photos provided by the Forestry Bureau

The small vehicle parking area within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is at the core of the recreational zone. To avoid traffic and pedestrian flow issues caused by category A and B public transport vehicles entering this area, the Chiayi Forest District Office has since 2010 successively overcome the challenges of relocating the CPC Corporation gas station, completed the soil and water conservation work for the new gas station site, and set up a parking lot. The new station was then handed over to CPC Corporation for continued construction and was opened on February 9, 2013. The Forestry Bureau’s Chiayi Forest District Office subsequently took over the construction of the transfer station. After more than three years of construction, it has finally officially opened to visitors.

Carrying the meaning of “transfer” and “fortune,” it offers blessings for Alishan and its travelers.
 
After Typhoon Morakot, the Executive Yuan approved the “Alishan Forest Recreation Area Comprehensive Improvement Plan” in 2010, with the revitalization of the Alishan entrance service area being a major goal of the plan. With the opening of the transfer station, it not only successfully resolves the safety issue caused by the intertwining of small vehicles and large buses within the recreation area due to limited forest road width, but also provides a safe and comfortable waiting area for travelers using public transportation to reach the mountain and park, as well as for those taking shuttle buses during peak seasons. In addition, it offers diverse functions such as dining, nursing rooms, and restrooms, and provides large-scale park guide maps and self-guided interactive tour guide kiosks, allowing travelers to enjoy the fun of planning their own itineraries while waiting.

The transfer station is located near the junction of Provincial Highways 18 and 21. It currently provides transfer services for three bus companies from four counties and cities. The maximum annual capacity of public transport vehicles is estimated to exceed 13,000 trips and 550,000 passengers. During New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, flower season, and consecutive holidays, the off-site shuttle capacity exceeds 200,000 passengers annually.

Aerial views of the three main cherry blossom trails   The stunning sky bridge adorned with snow-white blossoms