By Leo R. Maliksi/ Taiwan News, Staff Writer

The Alishan Forest Recreation Area is located at the terminal point of the Alishan Forest Railway. This area is especially popular during the cherry blossom season from mid-March to mid-April.

Other attractions are the railway, seas of clouds, and sunrise and sunset views. Visitors can enjoy the local windowsill orchids and azaleas in spring, the refreshing forest air in summer, the stunning cloud formations in fall, and the crimson maple leaves in winter. Sunrise at Alishan: March to May: 5:25~6:20; June to Aug.: 5:15~5:55; Sept. to Nov.: 5:55~6:30, Dec. to Feb.: 6:30~7:05

Adult admission is NT$200 on weekends and holidays, NT$150 on weekdays, and NT$100 for parking. The train ticket from Chiayi to Alishan on the Forest Railway is NT$680 roundtrip, or NT$399 one way. Two trains leave daily. There are around a dozen hotels at the forest recreation area. Rooms can be easily booked during off-periods, but advance reservations should be made during the busy cherry blossom season. Getting there: Take Prov. Hwy 8 to Shihjhuo, turn onto Hwy 169 and continue to Fencihu. Prov. Hwy 8 also continues on to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. Both scenic areas are linked by the Alishan Forest Railway.

Photo provided by Tourism Bureau