By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Thanks to the joint efforts of the Chiayi Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau and the Alishan Forest Railway Management Office of the Taiwan Railways Administration, the operational route of the forest railway will be extended 10 kilometers from Fenchihu to Alishan, reaching Shizilu Station, as well as 6.9 kilometers from the Alishan Sacred Tree Station to Fenchihu, arriving at the First Branch Line. The only unopened section of the line now is the 7.4-kilometer stretch between Shizilu and the First Branch Line.
The Alishan Forest Train connects and showcases the beautiful scenery unique to Alishan. (Photo provided by the Chiayi Forest District Office)
Due to damage caused by Typhoon Dujuan, a section of the forest railway at the 58-kilometer mark has been severely affected. Although repairs have not yet been completed, cruise-style train services are currently running weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays during July and August. On Mondays, the train runs from Chiayi to Shizilu; on Wednesdays, it runs from Alishan to the First Branch Line.
The sight of the forest train during cherry blossom season. (Photo provided by Alishan in the Clouds)
•Movement I: The First Striving Movement — The Alishan Bump-and-Go Express
The first movement of the reopening — On July 3 (Monday) at 8:50 AM, the Alishan Forest Railway departs from Alishan heading to the First Branch Line, then continues upward via Erwanping toward Zhushan. The First and Second Branch Lines are hidden gems that are difficult for regular tourists to reach, and they are also one of the unique features of the Alishan Forest Railway. Commonly known as the “Alishan Bump,” the train moves in a zigzag (“Z”) pattern here to save on construction costs, using engineering methods adapted to limited space.
The residents of Shizicun originally settled here as loggers. (Photo provided by the Chiayi Forest District Office)
•Movement II: The Alishan Forest Train Forges Forward to Fenchihu
On July 5 (Wednesday), in the Shizilu community, the second movement of the reopening was celebrated: the maiden voyage of the Alishan Forest Railway’s service resumption from Fenchihu to Shizilu. On one hand, it announced to all sectors that major progress has been made in the railway restoration, now connecting Fenchihu to Shizilu. On the other hand, it also helps promote the Shizilu community, which has long been engaged in community-based forestry managed by the Chiayi office.
The Alishan Forest Railway’s Zhaping Line with its four cedar wood carriages (Photo provided by Alishan in the Clouds)
•Movement III: Looking Forward to Meeting Again at Pingzhena
Although repairing Tunnel No. 42 at the 58-kilometer mark in Pingzhena presents extremely high difficulty — the site is remote, with no direct access by road or machinery — the Chiayi Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau continues its efforts. The design phase has now been posted online for tendering, with hopes of achieving full-line railway connectivity as soon as possible.
【Info】
Alishan Forest Railway
Tickets can be booked and information found on the TRA Alishan Forest Railway webpage
Phone: Chiayi Ticket Office 05-2256918, Alishan Station 05-2679200