Text by MOOK Scenic Spots House / Photo by Alishan, Strolling Above the Clouds
As winter approaches, the maple leaves on Alishan gradually turn red, and those within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area are even more vibrant and luscious. Travelers can get ready to head up the mountain for some maple leaf viewing.
Morning light at Alishan Botanical Garden spills over a carpet of red leaves. (Photo by Alishan, Strolling Above the Clouds, the same below)
The maple leaf viewing spots in Alishan Forest Recreation Area are mainly distributed around Mt. Ogasawara, Zhushan, Alishan Botanical Garden, Mt. Duigao, the area around Zhapu Station, and Ciyun Temple.
Taiwan red narrowleaf maple leaves cover the tracks at the Alishan Mt. Duigao Viewing Platform.
The maple leaves on Mt. Tajen are also quite beautiful, but it requires some effort and time to get there. The maple leaves along the Mianyue Line are even more stunning, but unfortunately, it is currently closed and not open to the public.
From the viewing platform at Mt. Ogasawara, you can gaze at distant peaks and the sea of clouds, complemented by the beauty of Taiwan red narrowleaf maple—it’s breathtaking.
The red leaves of Alishan may not present grand, spectacular scenes, but instead blend with the diverse features of Alishan’s Five Wonders, forming a uniquely beautiful autumn foliage landscape.
The flowing sea of clouds paired with red leaves resembles a fairyland.
The timing of Alishan’s maple foliage is generally consistent each year. The red leaves along Provincial Highway 18 usually appear from late October to early November, and by late November, the leaves in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area will start to take over the show.
The steam train at Zhapu Station offers a scene reminiscent of the Japanese countryside.
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