We were up early and decided to take a walk around the area while looking for a coffee shop to have breakfast.  We got to River Seine in just a few minutes and were just in time to see the beauty of the sky during sunrise.

We weren't able to pass by any open coffee shop on this early Sunday morning so we just continued walking. 

View of Île de la Cité from one of the bridges over River Seine
One of those love lock bridges in Paris.  I guess this one is somewhat new as it's still not full of locks.

It was still early for the mass at Notre Dame Cathedral so we went to Eiffel Tower first.  We got back at around 11AM, dropped by Fontaine Saint-Michel and still had some time to take some pictures outside and inside the cathedral before attending the mass.  The 11:30AM Sunday mass is an international mass but it's still celebrated in French.

Fontaine Saint-Michel

Notre Dame de Paris

Ceiling of the cathedral

After the mass, we went back outside and looked for the entrance to the tower.  We started to the right (facing the church) of the cathedral.

We saw a restaurant named Esmeralda
near the back of the cathedral

As we were going back to the front, round the cathedral (this should be the left side when facing the cathedral), we saw the line going to the tower.  It was long enough that we decided not to go up.  There's only a limited number of persons allowed to go up at a time, and falling in line might mean we have to wait around 2-3 hours for our turn.  We don't have the luxury of time so we just passed up on the opportunity.  For those who want to do this, it might be better to be here early.  Please note that it's 387 steps to the top of the tower, no elevator. 

Sculptures on top of the doorway

Gargoyles in the tower

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