The only cherry blossom railway in Taiwan: Top 5 cherry blossom spots in Alishan

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The Alishan Cherry Blossom Season is one of Taiwan’s major cherry blossom highlights. This year, the season kicks off on March 10 and runs until April 10, spanning a full month of blooms. Here, you can not only enjoy cherry blossoms aboard a steam train, but also see crimson mountain cherries, Fuji cherries, as well as the King Cherry (Yoshino cherry) here. At night, you can even admire the beautiful night blossoms along with the starry Milky Way.

1. Zhaoping Station
Alishan’s most iconic experience is a railway journey. Take a train from Zhaoping Station to the Alishan Police Station along the railway line, where you can admire beautiful mountain cherries and snow-white Yoshino cherries — an experience unlike any other. Moreover, on the opening day of the Alishan Cherry Blossom Season, steam trains and cypress wood carriages will appear together.

2. The King Cherry at the Alishan Work Station
The King Cherry, located at the Alishan Work Station, is the highlight of cherry blossom viewing during the Alishan Cherry Blossom Season. This King Cherry is a Somei Yoshino variety. When it blooms each year, its snow-white, densely packed petals cover the entire six-meter-tall century-old cherry tree. Once the King Cherry blossoms, other Yoshino cherries across the area will gradually bloom within a week.

3. Japanese-style cherry blossom avenue
The cherry blossom path along the Sakura Avenue features very Japanese-style street lamps, which become even more enchanting and romantic when lit up at night, making you feel as if you’re in Japan during cherry blossom season.