By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
The 2017 Alishan Flower Festival began on March 10, 106 (2017), and lasted until April 10. To improve the quality of flower viewing and sightseeing, the Directorate General of Highways, Chiayi County Government, the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Chiayi Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau, bus companies, and other entities worked together to implement holiday traffic management measures during the first three consecutive weekends (March 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 — totaling six days) of the flower season. In 106, to offer the public more diverse transportation options, individual visitors taking public transport to enter the park during the traffic management period could enjoy a discounted admission ticket price of NT$150 (original price NT$200) upon presenting their bus ticket. The relevant traffic management measures are as follows:
A passing steam train and cherry blossoms form a stunning view. (Image source / Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
I. Visitor Volume Control: 10,000 group visitors, 2,000 accommodated visitors, 2,000 individual visitors, plus 2,000 people ascending the mountain outside controlled hours, totaling 16,000 visitors per day.
II. Reserved Transfer Service
(1) Group Visitors: Must register via the Chiayi Forest District Office’s Group Visitor Diversion and Park Reservation System, then present tickets at the parking area 300 meters past Wuhuliao Bridge on Highway 18, km 29, to purchase entrance tickets.
(2) Individual Visitors
1. Short-Distance Travel (Highway 18): The public can use the Hsin Chen Bus ticketing system available at major convenience store chains including Uni-President, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life to reserve and book tickets based on desired travel date, time slot, and parking availability (at km 61, Baxin New Village). Then, arrive at the designated transfer point at the scheduled time to board the bus up the mountain.
2. The reservation system for short-distance individual visitors will open for booking and seat allocation starting at midnight on Thursday, February 23, 106 (2017). Additional bus services and reservation slots may be added flexibly depending on demand.
III. Passenger Car Control
(1) Control Periods: During the first three weekends of the flower season (March 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 — six days in total), small vehicles from the Chiayi end are restricted from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM, large buses from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and vehicles from the Nantou end from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
(2) Controlled Section: From km 65.5, Hubudi on Highway 18 at the Chiayi end to the Tataga section on Highway 21 at the Nantou end. Small vehicles are prohibited except for those holding relevant documentation (such as work permits or accommodation certificates) or in special circumstances (such as weddings, funerals, or celebrations).
IV. Public Transport Transfer Services: Buses are available for transfer at the Chiayi HSR Station, Chiayi County Bus Office – Chiayi Railway Station, km 61 Baxin New Village on Highway 18, and Tataga on Highway 21.
Starting in March 106, the Directorate General of Highways used CMS (changeable message signs) and other channels along Highway 18 to promote the relevant control measures. For detailed information, please visit the “106 Alishan Flower Festival Traffic Management Plan” page on the Directorate General of Highways’ official website. Before departure, be sure to confirm the relevant measures and road conditions to help better plan your trip and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey.
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