Alishan Forest Day Tour: Cedar Trails & Mountain Views

Walk among centuries-old giant cedars on misty alpine trails.

A full-day small group tour from Taichung to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, led by an English or Chinese-speaking guide. The itinerary covers the ancient Sacred Cedar Trails through towering forests, Longyin Temple with its suspension bridges, and Fenqihu Old Street, a historic railway town. Alishan entry tickets are not included and must be purchased on arrival. Minimum four participants required per departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Alishan and Surroundings

• Hotel pickup in Taichung
• Drive through scenic mountain roads
• Visit Longyin Temple and explore halls
• Walk Tianchang and Dijiu suspension bridges
• Explore Fenqihu Old Street and try local snacks
• Visit Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
• Walk ancient cedar trails and enjoy viewpoints

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Taichung hotel and a scenic drive into the mountains, climbing toward Alishan's cool climate and forest canopy. Your guide navigates the winding roads while pointing out the landscape shift from lowland city to alpine terrain. The route passes through Fenqihu Old Street first, a historic trading hub along the Alishan Railway where traditional wooden storefronts still line the street and the famous Fenqihu bento boxes reflect the area's tea and goods heritage. You'll have time to walk the street, see the mountain views, and understand why this spot sits at the gateway to the national scenic area.

The core of the day unfolds on the Ancient Sacred Cedar Trails, where you walk among centuries-old giant trees on peaceful forest paths. Nearby, Longyin Temple offers a blend of Buddhist culture and nature: you'll explore the decorated halls, learn about local traditions, and cross the Tianchang and Dijiu suspension bridges for panoramic valley views. These moments (standing on a swaying bridge over a cloud-filled valley, or surrounded by massive cedar trunks) are what photographers and nature lovers come for. The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area itself is known for its sea of clouds phenomenon, historic railway, and rich biodiversity, though the specific timing of sunrise or cloud formations depends on the day and season.

The tour runs 11 to 12 hours total, including the drive from Taichung and back. Transport is in an air-conditioned minivan or coach with a professional driver who speaks English or Chinese depending on which option you select at checkout. Hotel pickup and drop-off within the defined Taichung zone, fuel surcharges, highway tolls, and parking are all included. Alishan Forest Recreation Area entry tickets are not part of the package and must be purchased when you arrive. Your guide can help with this. The tour suits all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible, though the forest paths themselves vary in terrain.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Taichung zone.
• round-trip transport in an air-conditioned minivan or coach.
• professional English or Chinese-speaking driver-guide.
• fuel surcharges, highway tolls, and parking fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

Chinese Guide07:30Includes pickup

English Guide07:30Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 48 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TREVOPEDIA

Is this one for you?Book the English guide if that's your working language, or the Chinese guide if you prefer Simplified Chinese: both cover the same route and stops, so the choice is purely about which language your guide speaks. The 11- to 12-hour duration means a full day away from the city, suited to travelers with time to spend on the drive and the forest itself rather than a quick morning trip.

Traveler reviews

4.07★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Do I need to buy Alishan entry tickets before the tour, or can I get them when I arrive?

Alishan Forest Recreation Area entry tickets are not included in the tour package. You'll purchase them on arrival at the gate. Your guide will assist with the process and can answer questions about which trails and areas suit your interests.

What's the difference between the English guide and Chinese guide options?

Both options include a professional driver-guide in an air-conditioned vehicle covering the same itinerary. Choose English if that's your primary language, or Chinese if you prefer Simplified Chinese. The route, stops, and inclusions remain identical.

How long is the drive from Taichung to Alishan, and what's the road like?

The total tour is 11 to 12 hours including transport both ways. The scenic mountain drive winds through picturesque roads as you climb into Alishan's alpine climate. The road is navigable by coach, though it gains elevation steadily.

What should I bring for walking the cedar forest trails?

Comfortable walking shoes suited to forest paths, layers for the cooler mountain climate, and a camera or phone for the viewpoints are essentials. The trails are peaceful and well-maintained, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

Is lunch included, and are there places to eat on the tour?

Meals and beverages are not included in the tour package. Fenqihu Old Street has local snack vendors and the famous Fenqihu bento boxes available for purchase, and there are dining options in the Alishan area where your guide can recommend stops.

What's the minimum group size, and what happens if not enough people book?

The tour requires a minimum of four participants per departure. If the minimum is not met, you can book an alternative date or request a full refund.