Mount Tashan - Chiayi County, Taiwan
I woke up early to catch a train from Kaohsiung to Chiayi, then transferred to a bus up to Alishan. It was a long journey, but I wanted enough time to hike once I arrived. Light rain came and went, and I hoped it would hold off.
After paying the entrance fee at Alishan, I made my way to the Mt. Tashan Trail. The first part was easy, with well-maintained steps. About 2 km in, it began pouring. I considered turning back since the second half was steep and foggy, but with more rain expected tomorrow, I decided to push on.
A warning sign before the steep section didn’t fully convey the challenge, especially in the rain. By the time I reached the top, it was completely fogged in, and I didn’t stay long as the rain worsened.
On the way down, I continued to the Sister Ponds Trail, wandering around the ponds, admiring massive cypress trees, crossing suspension bridges, and taking in the viewpoints. Afterwards, I headed to my accommodation, grateful for early check-in so I could change out of wet clothes. The hotel staff mentioned that the sunrise train might not run tomorrow due to the weather—a little disappointing since Alishan sunrise is famous—but they pointed out dinner spots and the breakfast area. I called it a day, hoping the sky would clear in time for sunrise.
Background
Mt. Tashan (塔山) is part of the Alishan National Scenic Area, renowned for its ancient cypress forests and high-altitude trails. The region has long been admired for its natural beauty, and during the Japanese colonial era, the Alishan Forest Railway was built to transport timber while also opening up trails for visitors. Today, Mt. Tashan is a popular hiking destination, offering well-maintained trails, panoramic viewpoints, and access to the Sister Ponds and old-growth cypress trees. The hike blends natural scenery with cultural and historical significance, reflecting the area’s longstanding relationship with forestry and mountain exploration.
Getting There
Mt. Tashan is accessible from the Alishan Visitor Centre. From Chiayi City, take the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi Station, which climbs through lush mountain forests in about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, direct buses from Chiayi Station or Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station reach the Visitor Centre in roughly 2.5 hours, with stops at Fenqihu along the way. From the Visitor Centre, it’s a short walk to the Mt. Tashan trailhead.
Route Overview
Distance: 14.63 km out & back (Alishan Visitor Center)
Total elevation gain: 727 m
Duration: 4 hr 4 min (with breaks 4 hr 25 min)
Difficulty: Hard
Peak: Mt Tashan 塔山 2663m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Kaohsiung Station → Chiayi Station — NT$245
Bus: Chiayi Station → Alishan Bus Centre — NT$240
Entrance Fee: Alishan National Forest — NT$150
