A hidden gem within a hidden realm: Explore the 2,700-year-old traces of the Shuishan Giant Tree in Chiayi’s Alishan
Reported and photographed by Yang Xiaorou, Chiayi
When Alishan in Chiayi comes to mind, besides the sea of clouds and sunrises, many people think of the fallen Alishan Sacred Tree. In recent years, aside from the recently discovered Lulin Sacred Tree, the Shuishan Giant Tree has also become a fantastic spot for visitors to admire ancient trees in Alishan. Compared to other clusters of sacred trees, the Shuishan Giant Tree Trail features railway scenery from the Japanese colonial period. In addition to tree canopies with a history of over a thousand years, it carries an extra layer of cultural and historical significance.
▲ The Shuishan Giant Tree Trail follows the railway, surrounded by woods. (Photo / Yang Xiaorou, same below)
▲ The sign for the Shuishan Giant Tree near the Jingguang Mountain Villa behind the Alishan Police Station.
Following the sign near the Jingguang Mountain Villa behind the Alishan Police Station, you can easily find the entrance to the Shuishan Giant Tree Trail. The trail was built along the Shuishan Branch Line of the Alishan Forest Railway, which was used for cypress logging during the Japanese colonial era. As a result, the path is gentle with minimal slope, and wood chips are laid between the tracks, making it suitable for hikers of all ages.
▲ The descent is not steep, and there are no major changes in elevation, making it suitable for families and children.
Starting from Zhapingshan Station to the end of the trail, there is a mileage marker every 100 meters. Along the way, you’ll see tall trees, wildflowers blooming freely, and views of the opposite mountains and nearby villages. Near the end of the trail, you can see the wooden platform of the Shuishan Station and the “vintage-style wooden trestle bridge” built during the Japanese colonial period. Both the platform and the trestle are made of hinoki cypress, preserved to this day after undergoing anti-corrosion treatment.
▲ Mileage markers are placed along the trail. This one is near the end of the trail.
▲ This small red flower, called "long-stalked disc-flower hemp," can be seen throughout the trail.
▲ When there's high humidity, you may also spot beautiful small waterfalls by the trail.
▲ The vintage-style wooden trestle bridge and wooden platform were built during the Japanese colonial period and are made of treated hinoki cypress to ensure long-term preservation.
After crossing the trestle and venturing deeper into the forest, you’ll come across the Shuishan Giant Tree. During the Japanese colonial era, this area served as a water source for Alishan, hence the names Shuishan (Water Mountain) and the reservoir. The Shuishan Giant Tree has a trunk circumference of about 16 meters, which estimates its age at around 2,700 years. However, the Shuishan Giant Tree is actually a “multiple tree”—a cluster of several red cypresses growing together. To measure its age without harming the trees, the circumference method is used, so its actual age is likely less than 2,700 years.
▲ The Shuishan Giant Tree is remarkably massive.
▲ There is a wooden boardwalk platform near the giant tree where visitors can rest and enjoy the embrace of the forest and nature.
A visit to the Shuishan Giant Tree Trail offers a full experience of nature’s embrace and traces of history from the Japanese colonial period. Since it’s a recently promoted attraction, there aren’t many visitors, and the cool, comfortable climate along with the fresh air make it a relaxing destination. However, the path from the trestle to the Shuishan Giant Tree is paved with flagstones often covered in moss, so please walk carefully.
▲ The Shuishan Giant Tree is located at the far end of the Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
▲ The stone-paved path is often covered in moss, and the mountainous area is frequently rainy and humid, so safety should be a priority while walking.
Shuishan Giant Tree Trail
Location: Near the level crossing by Jingguang Mountain Villa behind the Alishan Police Station; follow the railway to get there
Length: Approximately 1.6 km in total, takes about 1 hour to complete
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