The Alishan sunrise is one of the unique wonders of Alishan.  A lot of people go here to see the infamous sunrise.  However, for tourists like me, it's a matter of chance.  It is said that the best season for sunrise viewing is end of fall to February.

I checked on the weather forecasts online and I saw it would be cloudy with a bit of rain.  Knowing that, I still proceeded with a bit of hope.  I was up by 3AM, took a bath and had my things packed.  At 4:30AM, I started walking towards Alishan Station.

Going to Alishan Station

When I got there, the station isn't open yet, but it did a few minutes later.  I went straight to the platform level (2nd floor) as I already bought my ticket the day before.  Most of the people still lined up at the ticket counter which is still closed.  I was the third in line at the entrance of the platform.  It was about 15 minutes later when the line got long, I guess the ticket counter might already be open.  The train left Alishan Station around 5:45 for the 30-minute ride to Zhushan Staion.

Tip: Buy your tickets the day before.  The station pre-sells these tickets from 2-5PM.

Alishan Station is still closed when I got there

It opened a few minutes later

While waiting in line

People eagerly waiting for the train

Here comes the train

Arrived at Zhushan Station after 30 minutes

Zhushan Station

Zhushan Station

At the exit of the station, information on the time of sunrise and the last train are posted.  Zhushan view deck is just a few steps from the top of these steep steps.  Most of the people stay here and wait for the sunrise.  There are stalls here selling some snacks, water and coffee.

Zhushan Station Exit

Zhushan View Deck

If you feel the area is too crowded (and you still have some time), you can go to Ogasawara view deck.  It's about a 15-minute walk (not stopping for sight-seeing) on the path to the right of the station's exit. Be prepared for an uphill trek.  You can't be lost on this path as it only leads to the view deck.  You would also pass by a botanical garden (I checked it out a bit on the way down).

Path to Ogasawara view deck

It is more peaceful here (and quiet), far from the chatting of numerous other tourists and the loud megaphones of the tour guides.  The area, in my opinion is more serene, plus you can get a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains.  It's just that it was too cloudy I didn't get to experience Alishan sunrise, maybe next time.

The sun has already risen

After a few more minutes, the sun is already up, so it's time to head back to the Zhushan station.  I need to catch the last train from here.  Otherwise, I would need to walk back to Zhaoping or all the way to Alishan Station.  I stopped by Alpine Botanical Garden but did not enter (it's not yet open that early anyway) but one can get a glimpse of the garden from the entrance.

The path on the way back to the station is more downhill so it took less time going back.  It was a relief that I was able to catch the train.  The way back to Alishan Station is scenic, with the budding cherry blossoms at the side of the tracks.
 

Walking back to Zhushan Station

Zhushan Station

Alishan town is a small town (or village) on top of the mountain.  Here is where one could find the bus and train stations, souvenir shops, food/delicacy stores, the 7-11 convenience store, some local restaurants and the post office.  The hotel area is on another street just behind the (supposedly location of) Visitor Center.  Not a lot of people speak English here but the signs are both in pinyin and English.

Map of Alishan

Characteristics of Alishan Forest Railway

The building on top is on the left of 7-Eleven

The main transportation going to the forest area is the train.  There is, however, a tourist bus as an alternative for that (Contract Period: 07/29/2011-07/29/2013).

Trip	Single Trip	Round Trip
Route	1. Tourist Service Center -> Parking Lot -> Zhaoping Station 2. Tourist Service Center -> Parking Lot -> Shouzhen Temple 3. Shouzhen Temple -> Tourist Service Center ->Parking Lot 4. Zhaoping Station -> Tourist Service Center ->Parking Lot 5. Shouzhen Temple -> Zhaoping Station	Tourist Service Center ->Parking Lot -> Entrance of Forest Trail ->Shouzhen Temple -> Tourist Service Center ->Parking Lot
Cost	NTD50	NTD80

Mt. Ali Tourist Bus Tickets

Shops and restaurants in the town center

Temperature shown in the LED display is 14C

On the road to the left of 7-Eleven would be the Post Office (looks like a temple to me) and the Jhushan Trail 1 Traffic Control (which temporarily houses the Visitor Center).

Post Office

Going to Jhushan Trail 1 Traffic Control

Jhushan Trail 1 Traffic Control

Jhushan Trail 1 Traffic Control

I dropped the insurance stub at the visitor center and asked for an English map from them.  On the way back, I saw the forest train passing by.

Forest Train

Next stop: Alishan Station