Exclusive list revealed: Recommended accommodations in Alishan, Chiayi

Writer \ Fun Bar Ting Chiang

Alishan in Chiayi is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, not only because of the captivating sunrise, sea of clouds, and small trains, but also due to the serene high-altitude air and lush forest environment that captivate visitors. However, due to geographical factors, the quality of accommodations in Alishan can be somewhat uneven, making it difficult for travelers to choose. Today, let us introduce 10 safe, legal, and uniquely distinctive Alishan accommodations, so you can not only explore Chiayi’s Alishan to the fullest but also enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.

▲ Map of the areas around Alishan, Chiayi. (Photo / Alishan National Scenic Area)

Before introducing accommodations in Alishan, Chiayi, you may first want a brief overview of the distribution of scenic spots in Alishan. We will cover accommodations in the Alishan Scenic Area, the Tsou Northern Four Villages, Fenqihu, Dongpu, and at the foot of Alishan Mountain, including nearby features and attractions. This will help you confidently select legal homestays while giving you a clear idea of how to explore Chiayi’s Alishan.

Recommended Accommodations in Alishan, Chiayi

Alishan Accommodations: Alishan Forest Recreation Area

Built during the Japanese colonial period, this Alishan Guest House is a building entirely made of cypress wood. It is not only Taiwan’s highest-altitude resort hotel at 2,200 meters, but has recently also been recognized as the highest-altitude cultural venue in Taiwan, and is the highest-rated hotel on Alishan. It allows travelers to enjoy premium services comparable to those on the plains, even at high altitude, which is why it is very popular among international visitors. It is truly a prestigious top-choice accommodation on Alishan.

Accompanied by the aroma of cypress, this storied Alishan Guest House adds an extra sense of stepping back into the Japanese colonial era. During cherry blossom season, you can even admire the blooming Yoshino cherry trees right outside the guesthouse. For those traveling to Alishan who want to experience retro-style lodging, this is the perfect choice.

Official Website:Alishan Guest House

Alishan Grand Hotel is also one of the top-quality accommodations on Alishan in Chiayi and is among the most recently renovated hotels on the mountain in recent years. Therefore, room bookings are very popular, and it’s often fully booked during holidays. Travel experts usually recommend or help arrange stays in Block A of Alishan Grand Hotel, as it not only offers modern facilities and rooms but also boasts a unique design style.

Additionally, Alishan Grand Hotel not only provides free shuttle buses between the hotel and the Alishan Visitor Center, but it is also located next to Zhaoping Station, making it very convenient for visiting Zhushan to watch the sunrise. There’s also a loop trail where you can stroll and admire the lake and mountain scenery of Sister Lakes, enjoying the tranquility surrounded by forests. You can savor the slow pace of Alishan's attractions while wandering. That’s why it ranks among our top ten recommended Alishan, Chiayi accommodations.

Official Website:Alishan Grand Hotel

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If you’re the type of traveler who needs to visit a convenience store or chain shop every day, we recommend staying at Yingshan Hotel, which is very close to both a 7-11 and Starbucks. Whether you crave instant noodles in the middle of the night or a coffee early in the morning, it’s no problem. The hotel also offers thoughtful sunrise-viewing shuttle services and even jacket rentals, so you won’t have to worry about getting cold while chasing the sunrise.

Official Website:Yingshan Hotel

If you can’t book a room in the top three Alishan scenic area hotels during weekends or holidays, consider exploring the Tsou Northern Four Villages located near the southern section of Route 169 accessed via Route 18 Shizhao: Leye, Dabang (including Tefuye), Laiji, and Lijia. In addition to being not too far from Alishan attractions, you’ll also get to experience Alishan tribal culture for a fun and in-depth trip.

Alishan, Chiayi Accommodations: Leye TribeSurroundings

Leye, known as Lala Wuya in the Tsou language, means “a place with clusters of maple trees.” Unlike the cypress villages and vintage charm of other Alishan scenic spots, it has a more unique small-village feel. Muganana Homestay, opened in 2018, is arguably the newest homestay on Alishan. Its exterior features a fresh all-white design, while the interior is decorated with a cozy, homey style personally arranged by the host. They even offer homemade afternoon tea, creating a very relaxing atmosphere.

Official website: Mungana Homestay

Applause Homestay is located on the Misty Trail and Fushan Ancient Trail in the Leye Fushan Tribe of Alishan. It is also situated right between the Alishan Scenic Area and Fenqihu, making transportation very convenient. In terms of architectural style, it is also quite unique. Unlike the fresh and clean design of Mungana, Applause Homestay features a strong indigenous style. The space is brought to life through the intersection of indigenous totem motifs and natural wood materials, allowing travelers to more deeply experience the tribal culture of Alishan in Jiayi.

Official website:Applause Homestay

Laigi, called “Lalaji” in the Tsou language, is a tribe located at the foot of Tsou sacred mountain — Mount Tata, and is also known as the “hometown of wild boars.” According to Tsou legend, this hidden paradise was discovered while hunting a wild boar. With abundant natural resources nearby, the Tsou people decided to settle here. In recent years, the most well-known story is probably that of Hanna, a South African woman who married into the tribe and opened the “Laigi Tribal Kitchen,” where she serves delicious cakes, bread, and meals. A fun story indeed. If you visit the Laigi Tribe in Jiayi Alishan, don’t forget to try some of their treats.

The Lanhou Homestay that we’re introducing today is also centered around Tsou cultural elements. Not only does its exterior feature a mix of stone and wood construction styles, but the room themes are also named and designed based on tribal culture. Most uniquely, in the evening, guests can enjoy a passionate Tsou cultural evening party filled with song and dance.

Official website:Lanhou Resort Homestay

Accommodation in Jiayi Alishan:Around the Tefuye Tribe

The Tefuye Ancient Trail is a very popular hiking route around Jiayi Alishan in recent years. It was originally a hunting path for the Northern Tsou people, stretching 6.32 kilometers in total with an estimated one-way walking time of about 4 hours. The latter part of the trail was converted into the “Shuisan Line” railway during the Japanese colonial period to transport timber. Today, remnants such as old railway tracks, boardwalks, and cypress bridges still exist. The first part of the trail is gentle and easy to walk, while the latter part is slightly steeper. The entire trail is embraced by rich forest scenery, making it a great place to breathe in forest phytoncides.

The closest to the Tefuye Ancient Trail is the Secret Tour Homestay, which, as its name suggests, is a small cottage tucked away in a secluded mountain paradise. Here, you can enjoy the light and shadows across the mountains, immerse yourself in a tranquil undisturbed environment, and fully experience the serenity and beauty of nature.

Official website:Secret Tour Homestay

Accommodation in Jiayi Alishan: Around Fenqihu

Fenqihu Hotel, located at the midpoint station of the Alishan Highway and Railway, not only enjoys convenient transportation but also boasts a prime geographical setting surrounded by mountains on three sides. From here, you can admire the mysterious beauty of ancient forest trees emerging and fading within the drifting clouds and mist. Aside from the famous Zhushan Sunrise, the Dashan Mountain Sunrise near Fenqihu is also highly renowned.

Moreover, Fenqihu Hotel’s interior decoration mainly features Japanese-style rooms. There is also a tea art house and a geta (wooden clog) museum. The hotel also offers free guided tours of national forest trails, introductions to the cultural history of Fenqihu Old Street, four-season firefly tours, fragrant herbal green grass baths, and Alishan cypress baths, among other services for nearby scenic spots. If you're unsure how to plan your Alishan sightseeing, you might want to refer to their comprehensive travel recommendations.

Official website:Fenqihu Grand Hotel

Accommodation in Jiayi Alishan: Around Dongpu

When traveling to Jiayi Alishan attractions, aside from approaching from Chiayi City, many travelers also choose to come via Sun Moon Lake and continue on to Alishan, or head to Sun Moon Lake after visiting Alishan. In such cases, consider staying around the Dongpu Hot Springs. Not only can you enjoy the famed Beautiful Women’s Spring, but you can also explore nearby attractions such as Lover’s Valley and Rainbow Waterfall, adding more richness and enjoyment to your Jiayi Alishan trip.

Dongpu Dilun Hot Spring Resort Hotel is located at the entrance of the Dongpu Hot Spring area and is the largest hotel in the vicinity. Thanks to its prime location by the Chianan River, it not only offers abundant natural landscapes but also allows for an immersive experience of the ancient Bunun culture, delivering a deeply relaxing journey that is authentic, traditional, and therapeutic.

Official website:Dongpu Dilun Hot Spring Resort

Accommodation near Alishan, Chiayi: around the base of Alishan

If you really find staying on Alishan Mountain in Chiayi too inconvenient, you might want to consider the Cloudscape View Hotel located at the foot of Alishan, which is closer to both Chiayi city center and the airport. Their highlight is that every room features a large open-air balcony where you can gaze at the Alishan mountain range shrouded in misty sea of clouds. In addition, the hotel also offers a children's playground and go-kart track, making it a great choice for families looking to relax and vacation together in Alishan.

Official website:Cloudscape View Hotel

Alishan Accommodation Map in Chiayi

[Authorized reprint from Tripbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Experts. Original article: “Chiayi Alishan Accommodation Recommendations: Unveiling Our Top Picks | TOP10 Alishan Stay Options in Chiayi”]