A Century-Old Scenic Spot May Go Dark: Alishan Forest Railway Faces Closure Crisis

ByMOOKScenic Spots Home Editorial Team

Built during the first year of the Taishō era(in the year1912year), the century-old Alishan Forest Railway, also known as the Sen-Tie Line, is Taiwan’s only still-operating high-altitude forestry railway system, with all its routes located within Chiayi City and County, making it a renowned living fossil attraction in Taiwan. However, the Alishan Forest Railway has recently faced funding shortages, and may have to cease operations in the future, prompting many members of the public to express deep regret.

Due to the mountainous terrain and susceptibility to weather conditions, accidents such as falling trees occurred as early as 2010, and later, typhoons further significantly impacted operations, leading to financial difficulties that may force the railway to close.

[Alishan Forest Railway Spring Festival Ticket Booking Info]

During the Spring Festival, the Alishan Forest Railway’s main line (between Chiayi and Fenchihu) will operate an additional round-trip service between Chiayi and Fenchihu daily from January 28 to February 1, 2017. Spring Festival train tickets will be available exclusively via online booking starting at 6:00 AM on Thursday, January 5, 2017 (excluding phone and automated phone bookings).

To alleviate holiday crowds traveling to the Fenchihu mountain area, starting January 1, 2017, the Zhongxing trains (Trains 311 and 312) originally running between Chiayi Station and Duli Mountain Station on Sundays have been extended to run between Chiayi Station and Fenchihu Station. Trains 300 and 301 have had their schedules adjusted, while Trains 313, 303, 302, and 314 have been suspended. For related train schedule information, please contact the Alishan Forest Railway Chiayi Ticket Office at (05) 2256918 or 2229010, or Beimen Station at (05) 2768094.