Walking Trails from Alishan National Forest Recreation Area to Shouzhen Temple

My trip to Alishan in Taiwan, made in late 2023, was so memorable; I was back in early January 2025 and this time, with Alex as I am aware he will fall in love with the nature reserve! 

So shortly after checking in to Dafeng Villa at the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, we ventured out on foot, along the primary walking trail known simply as forest trail. First thing to do; a photo with the main signage of Alishan.

Wearing raincoat as there was a light drizzle!

Coincidentally caught the iconic Alishan railway train from Shenmu Station, also known as the Sacred Tree Station, trudging past us! I took the same train from Shenmu to Alishan station in 2023 although sadly, Alex didn't have the same fortune.

Start of the Forest Trail.

Given the rain, the trail didn't seem to have many people. There could be another reason also; the time was about 3.19pm and with the sunset coming in mere hours; many would not likely start their trail at this time, like us.

Loving this photo!

Looking like a railway bridge.

So relaxing and it was just so mentally refreshing to be in the midst of this greenery, especially in a climate that was soothingly cool, without the heat and humidity we face perpetually in Singapore.

The police station that was strangely out of bound although it could only be the entry that was dangerously built next to a working railway track. There's another path at the back which I presume would be the "main entrance".

This was supposed to be the cherry blossom trail; pity we were two months too early as the weather was too cool for the blossoms. Should I make another trip for Taiwan in March 2026?

Having a soothing bowl of hot aiyu at Zhaoping train station! I didn't even know it had a commercial wing with shops selling souvenirs, snacks and hot food! 

Alishan Gou Hotel (阿里山閣大飯店)! I stayed there for one night in 2023 and had actually planned to stay there in 2025; problem was the hotel rate was insanely expensive! Sometimes, tour packages are better! 

A familiar sight, for me! The Tashan Trail. 

I didn't know its name until now! 

Stepping in, it was like a mystical world for Alex. His eyes went wide open and I can see he was more than impressed with the sight in front of him. To be surrounded by hundreds and maybe thousands of towering trees and totally immersed in the peace and quiet while breathing in the negative air ions.

Rarely do I see him being so motivated to take photos and videos of the surroundings. I guess I did make the perfect decision to bring him to Alishan.

He was as enamored with the dead trees. =_=.

Younger sister pond. 

Which was okay in his opinion.

Elder sister pond; again, just a bypassed attraction.   

Spend your time at other areas unless you walk too much.

More photographs in the midst of giants!

In 2023, I visited the Magnolia Garden, which was bare.

This time round, it was teeming with young blossoms! 

I recognized this and I knew we would be reaching a stopover with toilets and a section with food. This would also be an important juncture to decide if we should continue to the Giant Tree Plank trail.

First - toilet break. Second - having the wasabi sausage said to be the must eat at Alishan! At NT$40, it was an interesting take on the typical Taiwanese sausage, with the flavor of wasabi, yet without its iconic numbing shot to the nostrils! 

Another attraction at this stopover. Shouzhen Temple at its full glory! Back in 2023, the facade was undergoing renovation and it was stunning now! 

Main patron deity - "Xuantian Shangdi, also known as the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven"! Last few photographs as it started pouring again and we decided to cut short our journey. 

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Click HERE for 11 Days, 10 Nights Taiwan Trip: Summarised Itinerary for Chiayi Alishan (嘉义阿里山) - Kaohsiung (高雄) - Tainan (台南) - Taichung (臺中)