2024 Cherry Blossom Season | Alishan Forest Railway: Welcoming Year of Dragon Train Day Tour from Taichung/Chiayi/Alishan: Fenqihu Old Street & Fenqihu Station | Taiwan

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— What You Can Expect —

• Fenqihu
  Fenqihu is a charming mountain village nestled in the Alishan area of Taiwan, celebrated for its rich history, well-preserved Japanese colonial architecture, and serving as a key hub along the scenic Alishan Forest Railway. This picturesque destination captivates visitors with lush surroundings, including bamboo forests and tea plantations, while also enticing them with local culinary delights, notably the renowned Fenqihu Bento.

• Alishan Forest Recreation Area
  Alishan comprises 18 high mountains, belonging to the Yushan Mountains branch, facing the main peak of Yushan across the Tongfu River. Alishan Mountain and Yushan Scenic Area are currently connected by the New Zhongheng Highway. The sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset, forest, and mountain railway collectively constitute the Five Wonders of Alishan. Witness the new eight scenic spots of Alishan, such as Tashan Rock, No. 28 Giant Tree, Ogasawara Mountain, Shuishan Giant Tree, Xianglin Arch Bridge, Ciyun Scenic Spot, Shenyi Waterfall, and Alishan Sacred Tree Remains. Every March and April, blooming flowers attract crowds of tourists.

• Alishan Forest Railway
  The early Alishan Forest Railway was initially designed for transporting wood. With the implementation of forest conservation policies and the growth of tourism, it has been repurposed for sightseeing. Currently, there are the "Zhushan Line" for sunrise viewing, the "Zhushan Line" to Zhaoping Station, the "Numahira Line," and the "Kamimu Line" leading to Kamiki Station.

－ Over The Planet Special Alishan Forest Railway －

In 2024, the Over The Planet special Alishan Forest Railway brings together stations along the route for brand new sensory experiences:

[Visual]

Color of Flying Dragon: Roam through mountains and forests by train, explore secrets of the century-old station

Zhuqi Station (ABC Route):

Built around 1910, the station is the final stop of the Alishan Forestry Railway's flat section and the start of the mountainous section. It was later renovated into a new landmark splashed in blue and green. Constructed primarily with Alishan cypress as its wooden framework, featuring walls using traditional Taiwanese construction method known as "bamboo wattle and daub," it holds architectural significance. Beyond being a historical site, it resides within Taiwan's unique important cultural landscape, possessing special cultural value in railway culture.

Jiaoliping Station (BC Route):

This is a quaint century-old station earmarked with a hundred-year-old corner shop, "Xinmao Shop". The shop has been run by the same family for three generations and visitors can now send postcards from here. Jiaoliping serves as the central point of Renshou Village, serving up a sense of nostalgia wherever you turn. Situated near the midpoint of the Alishan Forestry Railway at an elevation of nearly a thousand meters, sea cloud is a common occurrence. From the station, one can overlook the entire Ruifeng Gorge, and marvel at its breathtaking beauty,

[Taste]

Fortune of the Dragon, Banquet of Blessings: Savor Fenchihu bento, a nostalgic and aromatic delight.

Fenchihu Station (ABC Route): Fenchihu serves as the largest relay station on the mountain section of the Alishan Forest Railway. Blending natural surroundings, railway culture, and community life, it exhibits a mountain cityscape distinct from elsewhere and is a popular stop in the Alishan area. Fenchihu offers Fenchihu bento for visitors to relish and taste over a century's worth of culinary excellence.

[Smell]

A Fragrant-Fill Cup Fit for the Dragon: Relish a cup of excellent coffee as the aroma seeps through the sea cloud

Alishan isn't just home to Taiwanese high-mountain tea. in recent years, premium coffee has been cultivated here at an altitude of 1,200 meters, the coffee beans produced boast large grains, a rich aroma, smooth texture, sweetness, and a slight acidity. Take home a drip bag coffee and enjoy the premium coffee!

[Audio]

Soaring Dragon, Echoes Through Mountains and Forests:  Harken to the sounds of the railway in nature, an audio SPA to cleanse your mind

Connect with nature through sound, and perceive the auditory landscapes! Traverse the Xiaonanmu Forest Trail in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area or visit the Giant Tree Cluster Trail at Fenchihu Station. Lend your ears to the wondrous symphony from whispers of nature and rumbles of the railway!

[Touch] 

Dragon's Transformation, Break Free from Old Habits: Wash Aiyu seeds and wash away the past, brace the new year with a sweet mood

How does Aiyu come about? Taiwan's unique wild Aiyu from Alishan is rich in pectin. Put on gloves and wash Aiyu at Zhangnaoliao Station, touch and feel the texture of the seedy fruit, and then enjoy a cup of refreshing, sweet and lemony Aiyu jelly

• Departure dates: 1/22, 1/26, 1/29, 2/05, 2/19, 2/26, 3/04, 3/13, 3/26

[Itinerary A] Classic Uphill Train Route: Over The Planet Special Alishan Forest Railway & Fenqihu One-day Tour (Departure from Taichung/Chiayi)

• Taichung Departure Route Details:
  7:30 am–8:00 am: Depart from Taichung
  - In front of Twinstar Hotel, Taichung Railway Station
  - Exit 7 on the 1st floor of Taichung High Speed Rail Station (Meeting Point 4)
  *Those taking the High Speed Rail, please arrive at Taichung High Speed Rail Station before 8:00 am and wait
  9:00 am: Chiayi’s new style Wangmei Station, stop and rest at Zhuqi Station
  9:21 am: Take the Over The Planet Special Alishan train at Zhuqi Station
  9:47 am: Arrive at Zhanghoriao Station and see how Aiyu jelly is made
  11:40 am: Arrive at Fenqihu Station - Fenqihu Old Street (stay for about 60 minutes, including mealtime)
  12:40 pm: Take a charter bus to Alishan National Scenic Area
  1:30 pm: Arrive at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (stay for about 2–2.5 hours)
  4:00 pm: Descend from Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
  8:30 pm: Return to Taichung Fengjia Night Market
  
  
• Chiayi Departure Route Details:
  7:40: Meet at Exit 1, Chiayi High Speed Rail Station
  8:00 am: Sign in for the tour at Chiayi Railway Station
  8:15 am: Meet and board the bus at Chiayi Railway Station
  8:30 am: Take the Alishan train and depart on time
  9:06 am: Arrive at the renovated Zhuqi Station (stay for about 15 minutes)
  9:47 am: Arrive at Zhanghoriao Station and see how Aiyu jelly is made
  11:40 am: Arrive at Fenqihu Station - Fenqihu Old Street (stay for about 60 minutes, including mealtime)
  12:40 pm: Meet and take a charter bus to Alishan National Scenic Area
  1:30 pm: Arrive at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (stay for about 2–2.5 hours)
  4:00 pm: Descend from Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
  6:30 pm: Return to Chiayi Railway Station
  7:00 pm: Return to Chiayi High Speed Rail Station
  

[Itinerary B] Classic Downhill Train Route: Over The Planet Special Alishan Forest Railway & Fenqihu One-day Tour (Departure from Chiayi/Alishan)

• Downhill Route (Full Journey) Details:
  8:30 am: Meet at Exit 1, Chiayi High Speed Rail Station
  9:00 am: Meet and board the bus at Chiayi Railway Station
  10:30 am: Shitzulu Station
  11:30 am: Meet at Grass Jelly Ama shop near Shitzulu Station to proceed to Fenqihu Station
  12:00 pm: Arrive at Fenqihu Station - Fenqihu Old Street (stay for about 120 minutes, including mealtime)
  1:45 pm: Meet at Fenqihu Station and get ready to board
  2:00 pm: Take the Alishan train at Fenqihu Station, depart on time
  2:32 pm: Arrive at Jiaoliping Station
  3:42 pm: Arrive at Dulishan Station
  4:31 pm: Arrive at Zhuqi Station
  5:29 pm: Arrive at Chiayi Railway Station
  6:00 pm: Take a charter bus back to Chiayi High Speed Rail Station
  
  
• Downhill Route (Half Way) Details:
  10:50 am: Meeting point: in front of Alishan Tourist Service Center
  11:00 am: Depart from Alishan National Scenic Area
  12:00 pm: Arrive at Fenqihu Station - Fenqihu Old Street (stay for about 120 minutes, including mealtime)
  1:45 pm: Meet at Fenqihu Station and get ready to board
  2:00 pm: Take the Alishan train at Fenqihu Station, depart on time
  2:32 pm: Arrive at Jiaoliping Station
  3:42 pm: Arrive at Dulishan Station
  4:31 pm: Arrive at Zhuqi Station
  5:29 pm: Arrive at Chiayi Railway Station
  6:00 pm: Take a charter bus back to Chiayi High Speed Rail Station
  

[Itinerary C] Forest Guide Train Route: Over The Planet Special Alishan Forest Railway One-day/Half-day Tour 

• Uphill Train Half-day Tour: Chiayi Railway Station → Zhuqi → Zhanghoriao Station → Fenqihu Station 
  8:00 am: Sign in for the tour at Chiayi Railway Station
  8:15 am: Meet and board the bus at Chiayi Railway Station
  8:30 am: Take the Alishan train and depart on time
  9:06 am: Arrive at the renovated Zhuqi Station 
  9:47 am: Arrive at Zhanghoriao Station and see how Aiyu jelly is made
  11:40 am: Arrive at Fenqihu Station - Fenqihu Old Street (end of tour)
  
  
• Downhill Train Half-day Tour: Fenqihu Station → Jiaoliping Station → Dulishan Station → Zhuqi Station → Chiayi Railway Station
  1:45 pm: Meet at Fenqihu Station and get ready to board
  2:00 pm: Take the Alishan train at Fenqihu Station, depart on time
  2:32 pm: Arrive at Jiaoliping Station
  3:42 pm: Arrive at Dulishan Station
  4:31 pm: Arrive at Zhuqi Station
  5:29 pm: Arrive at Chiayi Railway Station, end of half-day tour
  
  
• Round-Trip Railway One-day Tour: Chiayi Railway Station → Zhanghoriao Station → Fenqihu Station → Jiaoliping Station → Dulishan Station → Zhuqi Station → Chiayi Railway Station
  8:00 am: Sign in for the tour at Chiayi Railway Station
  8:15 am: Meet and board the bus at Chiayi Railway Station
  8:30 am: Take the Alishan train and depart on time 9:06 am: Arrive at the renovated Zhuqi Station 9:47 am: Arrive at Zhanghoriao Station and see how Aiyu jelly is made 11:40 am: Arrive at Fenqihu Station - Fenqihu Old Street
  1:45 pm: Meet at Fenqihu Station and get ready to board
  2:00 pm: Take the Alishan train at Fenqihu Station, depart on time
  2:32 pm: Arrive at Jiaoliping Station
  3:42 pm: Arrive at Dulishan Station
  4:31 pm: Arrive at Zhuqi Station
  5:29 pm: Arrive at Chiayi Railway Station, end of one-day tour