By Wei Ruyu, compiled & reported
The Chiayi Forest District Office will provide free shuttle services from 10:00 AM on December 31 to 7:00 PM on the same day, and from 1:00 AM to 5:00 PM on January 1, along Highway 18 between kilometers 83K and 95K, to serve visitors coming to Alishan National Scenic Area to greet the first light of 2012 and attend the 2012 Sunrise Impression Music Concert. Visitors are encouraged to make good use of this service.
Famous for its sunrise views, Alishan is a popular spot for many visitors to witness the first light of the new year. (Photo provided by the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
Liao Yiguang, director of the Chiayi Forest District Office, stated that in recent years, the culture of leisure travel among Taiwanese has grown increasingly popular, with greater emphasis on recreational quality. Given the limited parking space within Alishan National Scenic Area, to reduce time spent searching for parking and dealing with traffic congestion, visitors are encouraged to use the temporary roadside parking spaces along Highway 18 between kilometers 83K and 95K. The Chiayi Forest District Office has set up seven temporary shuttle bus stops along the route, and visitors are urged to take advantage of them. All visitors who take the shuttle bus will be eligible for discounted park entrance tickets.
The visitor service center in front of Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a familiar meeting spot for many. (Photo provided by Monochrome Editing Department)
Since December 31, 2011, the Chiayi Forest District Office has implemented routine clearance control measures for large parking lots. Henceforth, large parking areas within the scenic area will no longer accommodate private vehicles but will only be used for tour bus passenger transfers and turnarounds. All tour bus passengers must disembark and have their buses parked in designated lots outside the scenic area to alleviate traffic within. Located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, Alishan Forest Recreation Area experiences significant temperature differences between morning and evening in winter. The Chiayi Forest District Office reminds all visitors to bring sufficient warm clothing and gear to fully enjoy a cozy forest bathing experience in the winter sun.