🌲☀️ Alishan National Forest Recreation Area: A Summer Escape into Taiwan’s Misty Mountains

#summervacay
📍 Why Visit in Summer?
While Taiwan’s lowlands sizzle, Alishan stays cool (15-20°C) with its ancient cypress forests, sea of clouds, and sunrise views over Jade Mountain. Summer adds fireflies, tea harvests, and lush greenery—perfect for hiking and forest bathing.

🗓️ 2-Day Itinerary: Sunrises, Tea & Forest Trails

Day 1: Arrival & Forest Immersion

Morning:
From Chiayi: Take the Alishan Forest Railway (2.5h scenic ride; book tickets 1+ month ahead).
Check into a mountain hostel (e.g., Alishan House) or tea homestay.
Afternoon:
Sacred Tree Trail: Walk among 2,000-year-old red cypresses.
Shouzhen Temple: A quiet Zen spot with cloud-wrapped views.
Evening:
Sunset at Zhaoping Park: Golden light through the "Three-Generation Trees".
Dinner with mountain veggies and Alishan高山茶 (high-mountain tea).
Day 2: Sunrise & Tea Culture

Pre-Dawn:
Sunrise at Zhushan (4:30 AM): Take the small train to watch dawn break over Jade Mountain.
Morning:
Fenqihu Old Street: Stroll this railway town, try Alishan lunchboxes (便当) and wasabi tofu.
Afternoon:
Tea Plantation Tour: Sip Alishan oolong at Shizhuo’s tea farms (30min drive).
Optional: Batongguan Trails for waterfall hikes.
🌿 Summer Highlights:

✅ Firefly Season (May-July): Twilight dances in the woods.
✅ Tea Picking: Join locals harvesting summer tea leaves (July-Aug).
✅ Cloud Ocean: Misty valleys best seen at dawn.

📌 Pro Tips:

Transport: Train + shuttle bus is easiest (self-drive roads are narrow).
Packing: Warm layers (mornings are chilly!), rain jacket, hiking shoes.
Tickets: Alishan entry ~NTD 300; sunrise train extra (~NTD 150).
"Alishan isn’t just a forest—it’s where the air tastes like tea and time moves with the mist." Ready to breathe deep? 🍃🚂