Ring in the New Year at Alishan with free shuttle service and park entry discounts

By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

The Chiayi Forest District Office has arranged free shuttle services for visitors coming to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area to welcome the first light of 2012 and attend the 2012 Sunrise Impression Music Concert. The service will be available from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on December 31 and from 1:00 AM to 5:00 PM on January 1, along Highway 18 between kilometers 83 and 95. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this service.

Chiayi Forest District Office Director Liao Yiguang stated that in recent years, the public’s interest in leisure travel has grown, with an increasing emphasis on recreational quality. Given the limited parking space within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, the office hopes visitors will make use of temporary roadside parking spaces along Highway 18 between kilometers 83 and 95. Seven free shuttle bus stops have been set up along the route. All visitors who take the shuttle buses will also enjoy discounted park entry tickets.

Starting December 31, 2011, the Chiayi Forest District Office has implemented regular clearance control measures for large parking lots. Moving forward, these large parking areas within the recreation area will no longer accommodate private vehicles, but will only be used for tour bus passenger transfers and turnarounds. All tour bus passengers must disembark and park their vehicles in designated parking lots outside the recreation area to alleviate traffic congestion within the area. Located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, Alishan Forest Recreation Area experiences significant temperature differences between morning and evening in winter. The Chiayi Forest District Office reminds visitors to bring sufficient warm clothing and gear to fully enjoy a comfortable forest bath in the winter sunshine.