Things to Do in Taiwan

• Longshan Temple is a must-see for those with an interest in history, architecture, and religion.
  
• This is an active place of worship, so please be respectful.
  
• The temple is free to enter but donations are accepted.
  
• Due to very thick crowds and stairs to some areas, the temple is not ideal for wheelchair users.
  

Watching the sunrise over the Alishan National Scenic Area feels like being in a dream—thick white clouds cover the valley below and towering mountaintops look like tiny islands in an endless ocean. It’s worth visiting during the day too, with treetop boardwalks, forests, and temples making for incredible photos.

The Basics

A visit to the Alishan National Scenic Area is one of the main attractions of central Taiwan and a popular day trip destination from Chiayi or Taichung. Multi-day tours from Taipei often combine a tour of Alishan with regional sights, such as Sun Moon Lake and Puli.

To make the most of your visit, start early and ride the historic Alishan Forest Railway to Chushan to watch the sunrise. Additional highlights include a hike through the forests to the Sister Ponds and the Sacred Tree, the Giant Tree Plank Trail boardwalk, and the Shoujhen Temple, the area’s largest temple.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There is an admission fee to enter the Alishan National Scenic Area.
  
• Pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing (it can be chilly up in the mountains even in summer), mosquito repellent, and a raincoat.
  
• Tickets for the Alishan Forest Train must be booked in advance and can sell out weeks in advance during peak season (July–August).
  
• Many viewing areas are wheelchair accessible.
  

How to Get There

The Alishan National Scenic Area is in Chiayi County in central Taiwan. Take a high-speed rail train from Taipei to Chiayi. Then, take a bus, taxi, or the famous Alishan Forest Railway (one departure daily) to Fenqihu, where direct buses run to Alishan. From Alishan Train Station, various routes of the Alishan Forest Railway run into the park, including the sunrise train to Chushan (book your tickets the day before (times are announced daily).

When to Get There

It’s possible to visit the Alishan National Scenic Area year-round. Summer (July–August) is the busiest season, when it’s worth booking train tickets, tours, and accommodation well in advance. Autumn (September–November) is a particularly enchanting time to visit, when the multihued trees fill the landscapes with color.

Alishan Tea

Alishan’s misty high-altitude mountains provide the perfect terrain for growing Oolong tea, and the region is home to numerous tea plantations. The tea, which is irrigated using pure mountain spring water and harvested by hand, is renowned for its sweet, floral flavor and being rich in antioxidants. Alishan Tea is sold worldwide, and many teahouses and restaurants in the Alishan area can offer you a freshly brewed cup to sample.

• The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a must-visit for those with an interest in Taiwan’s history.
  
• Don’t forget to bring your camera to take photos of the stunning memorial hall, entry, and park.
  
• Guided tours are available in Mandarin, English, and Japanese. Book ahead for English and Japanese tours.
  
• The 89 steps leading to the memorial hall are steep and high. There is an elevator too, as well as an entrance on the ground floor next to the stairs.
  

• Each location has different rules and etiquette, such as whether the pools are segregated by gender and whether swimsuits are required.
  
• Bring a change of clothing and a bag for wet swimsuits, plus towels for the public hot springs.
  
• Photography is not allowed in the pool areas.
  
• Individuals with health issues, such as high blood pressure and heart problems, should not use the hot springs.
  

• If you’re visiting in summer, bring an umbrella and a hat as heat protection. 
  
• This is a must-see for travelers interested in Buddhist architecture and history. 
  
• There are coffee shops and vending machines at the complex.
  

• Huaxi Street Night Market is a must for foodies. 
  
• The market is covered so it’s a good option when it’s raining.
  
• Don’t forget to bring cash, as many small vendors don’t accept anything else.
  
• This area was formerly a red-light district and there are still a number of massage parlors in operation, so it may not be suitable for young children.
  

• Jiufen is ideal for travelers interested in history, culture, and shopping.
  
• Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes. There are a lot of stairs and cobblestone streets in Jiufen.
  
• Bring sun protection, rain protection, and water if visiting in summer, which is also the wet season.
  
• Full-day tours from Taipei can last upwards of eight or nine hours.
  

• Use plenty of insect repellent before you climb Elephant Mountain, because there are lots of mosquitoes at the top.
  
• For travelers of a moderate fitness level, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top.
  
• This is a must-visit for the best views of the Taipei skyline.
  
• Take a bottle of water for the ascent. At the bottom of the trail, there is a water fountain where you can refill.
  

• The Maokong Gondola is lovely for all visitors to Taipei, especially first-timers.
  
• Regular gondola cabins can hold eight passengers; crystal cabins can hold only five.
  
• The gondolas are not air-conditioned.
  
• In the event of thunderstorms or inclement weather, the gondola stops running and buses are used to transport passengers.
  
• The gondola stations and cabins are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but not all attractions near a station may be accessible.