Cruise trains on the Alishan Forest Railway’s Zhushan Line go on sale, offering views of sea of clouds

By MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
The Alishan Forest Railway is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The route runs from Shizihdao Fork via Duigao Yue to Zhuoshan, often shrouded in a magnificent sea of clouds. It is the first sightseeing mountain railway built by the Taiwanese people. The Alishan Forest Railway Management Office has specially launched the “Forest Life Leisure Cruise” train, which makes a stop at the hidden gem station “Shizihdao Fork.” Upon arrival at the final destination, visitors can also follow volunteer guides to the Ogasawara Platform to admire the beauty of the Yushan mountain range.

The “Forest Life Leisure Cruise” departs from Alishan Station at 8:50 AM on January 13, 2016. It makes a stop at the hidden gem station “Shizihdao Fork,” then enters the Mianyue Line where passengers can get off for photos. Volunteer guides will explain the origin of the station name and how train crossings are managed. Upon arriving at the terminal Zhuoshan Station, participants will join the celebration ceremony for the 30th anniversary of the Zhushan Line’s opening. After the ceremony, volunteer guides will lead the group to the Ogasawara Platform to enjoy views of the Yushan mountain range.

On the return journey, the cruise train will make stops at Duigao Yue Station and Zhaoping Station. Duigao Yue Station is usually only used for train crossings and rarely offers passenger service, but it provides great views of the Yushan mountain range. Zhaoping Station is the old Alishan Station, notable for its exterior design that mimics the old Alishan train depot. The first floor lobby houses a large carved camphor tree stump, filling the area with a subtle camphor fragrance upon arrival. The second floor features wooden sculpture displays for visitors to explore. The cruise train is scheduled to return to Alishan Station around 12:11 PM.