By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Republic of China, and the famous Alishan Forest Railway has also turned 100 years old. Starting at 10:00 AM this Sunday (the 25th), the Chiayi Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau will host the “Forest Railway Centennial – Celebrating the Future: Alishan Forest Railway 100th Anniversary Celebration and Commemorative Stamp Souvenir Sheet Issuance Ceremony.” The organizers will distribute free “Alishan Forest Railway 100th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp Souvenir Sheet” memorial cards to the first 100 attendees. In addition, there will be the launch of a new book chronicling 100 years of Alishan forestry history and the premiere of the film “A Century of Alishan Memories.”
Alishan’s most famous No. 31 steam locomotive and cypress carriages will make an appearance on the 25th. (Photo provided by the Chiayi Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau)
The development of forestry in Alishan dates back to traces of activity during the Dutch colonial period, but it wasn’t until the Japanese occupation era that more large-scale operations began. At that time, the Alishan Forest Railway was built to support forestry development and has now reached its 100th year. The immense human, material, and financial resources invested, along with the technical challenges involved, were once considered a crazy endeavor by experts. Today, the Alishan Forest Railway is one of the world’s renowned mountain railways. Though the main line spans only 71.4 kilometers, it climbs from lowland to an altitude of 2,274 meters, traversing three forest zones — hot, warm, and temperate — with breathtaking scenery along the way.
Alishan Hotel is a historic high-mountain resort destination in the area. (Photo provided by Monochrome Editing Room)
The book “Cypress Forests and Mountains – Stories of A Century of Alishan Forestry,” published by the Chiayi Forest District Office through oral history collection, takes the centennial development of Alishan forestry as its perspective. The book features interviews and records of many retired employees of the Alishan Forest Railway, presenting their viewpoints to help readers experience the diverse faces of Alishan. The “A Century of Alishan Memories” documentary premiered that day, is a captivating production created by the Chiayi Forest District Office using photos and footage related to Alishan over the past 100 years. For more details, please contact Beimen Station at 05-276-8094 or Alishan Station at 05-267-9833.