Experience the Magic of Alishan’s Cherry Blossom Season
The cherry blossom season in Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most anticipated events, drawing visitors every year from March to April. This year, however, the blooms arrived early due to a cold wave, with cherry blossoms gracing Fenchi Lake, Leye, and Shichu as early as late December.
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If you’re planning to visit Alishan this spring break, we’ve got you covered! From the best viewing spots to traffic updates and bloom predictions, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your cherry blossom adventure. 🌸 Don’t miss this chance to experience Alishan’s breathtaking sakura scenery!
Alishan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025
Taiwan's cherry blossom season spans from late January to mid-April, starting in Taipei. Alishan is located in Chiayi County in mid-south Taiwan — roughly in the middle of the country.
In 2025, Alishan’s cherry blossoms are expected to bloom earlier than usual due to colder weather arriving ahead of schedule. The vibrant pink blooms will first appear in lower-altitude areas like Fenchi Lake, Leye, and Shichu starting in late December, gradually reaching higher altitudes in the Alishan National Scenic Area by February and March.
Peak viewing times are anticipated between mid-March and mid-April, making spring the ideal season for sakura enthusiasts. Stay updated on bloom forecasts to catch Alishan’s cherry blossoms at their most breathtaking!
🌸 Alishan Cherry Blossom Season 🌸
- Alishan Forest Recreation Area: Mid-March to Mid-April
- Alishan National Scenic Area: December to March
- Traffic control period: Not yet announced
For more information, check out the official website of the Alishan National Scenic Area!
❗️The annual cherry blossom viewing time is greatly affected by the weather. The actual flowering time may change slightly every year . Remember to update the latest cherry blossom blossoming news before departure!
Planning to check out cherry blossoms around Taiwan? Check out our Taiwan cherry blossom guide for more viewing spots!
Getting to Alishan from Taipei
To get to Alishan from Taipei, you have several options:
By Bus
Take the Guoguang Bus 1835 Line directly from Taipei Bus Station to Alishan. It departs at 8:45 PM (March to October) or 9:45 PM (November to February) on Fridays. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs NTD 690.
By High-Speed Rail
High-Speed Rail (HSR) + Bus: Take the HSR from Taipei to Chiayi, then transfer to the Alishan Shuttle Bus (Bus 7329) from the HSR Chiayi Station. The total journey takes 4-5 hours and costs around NTD 1,100 if you get a discounted HSR ticket.
By Car
For convenience, you can rent a car in Chiayi and go on a road trip to Alishan!
When planning your trip, consider factors such as travel time, cost, and scenery. The bus or HSR+bus options are generally the most efficient for time and cost.
Alishan 1-Day Tour Itinerary
Planning a stress-free trip to Alishan during cherry blossom season? Consider booking a guided tour or transportation package to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Skip the trouble of navigating unfamiliar roads or searching for a ride — arrive in Alishan comfortably and ready to enjoy your visit. Save your time and energy for what truly matters: soaking in the beauty of Alishan’s stunning cherry blossoms!
Alishan Cherry Blossom Season Viewing Spots | Alishan Forest Recreation Area
1) Alishan Workstation
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In front of the Alishan workstation stands a century-old Yoshino cherry tree known as the "King of Sakura." It serves as the main indicator for the Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival.
Once it begins to bloom, the other Yoshino cherry trees in the area will start blossoming one after another within a week—a pattern that has remained consistent for over twenty years without fail. Worried about the cherry blossoms? Just follow the "King of Sakura," and you can't go wrong!
2) Alishan Police Station
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Perched at Taiwan's highest-altitude police station, the Alishan Police Station, stand two elegant Yoshino cherry trees, a reminder of the Japanese colonial era. Nearby, Takasago cherry trees bloom in soft pink-and-white hues, creating a stunning contrast with the bold red-and-white radio tower. Framed by blue skies and fluffy white clouds, the scene is a photographer's dream—vivid, balanced, and unforgettable.
For an iconic shot, head to the steps of the police station and wait for the Alishan Forest Railway train to roll by, perfectly framing the cherry blossoms alongside the charming train. If you're catching the train to Zhaoping Station for sunrise, keep your camera ready as you'll pass through this picture-perfect spot—just don't nod off and miss the view!
3) Alishan House
阿里山賓館櫻花｜Source: Jerry Lai on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Looking to recreate the experience of cherry blossom viewing in Japan? Alishan House is your top choice! Built during the Japanese colonial period, Alishan House is the highest-altitude resort hotel in Taiwan. The entire structure is made of cypress wood, featuring a Japanese architectural style.
Surrounding the hotel are Yoshino cherry trees that bloom spectacularly during cherry blossom season. The pink petals flutter in the wind, and at sunset, the scene takes on a whole new charm, evoking a sense of timelessness and nostalgia.
4) The Three-Generation Tree
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One of Alishan's most iconic landmarks, the Three-Generation Tree, lies along the forest trail in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. This extraordinary tree represents three generations of life growing from a single trunk, a rare phenomenon in Taiwan. It began with an ancient Formosan red cypress, whose death left behind a moss-covered trunk.
Over the next 250 years, the moss nurtured new saplings, which became the tree's second generation. After another 300 years, these trees aged and gave rise to the third generation we see today—a testament to nature's resilience and renewal.
The Three-Generation Tree is more than a marvel of natural history. Its lush branches and intertwining roots naturally form a heart shape, making it a favorite spot for photos and a symbol of enduring life.
During cherry blossom season, this area transforms into a dreamlike setting. The trail from the Alishan Workstation to the tree, aptly nicknamed the "Cherry Blossom Path," is lined with sakura in full bloom.
5) Zhaoping Station Cherry Blossom Railway
Source: Klook
Along the railway between Alishan Police Station and Zhaoping Station, cherry blossoms create a breathtaking scene. The Taiwan mountain cherry trees and Yoshino cherry trees on both sides of the tracks shed their petals in the wind, forming a "cherry blossom rain." The small train weaving through the cherry blossom forest has become an iconic image of the Alishan Cherry Blossom Festival, earning this stretch of railway the beautiful nickname "Cherry Blossom Railway."
On the opening day of the cherry blossom season, a steam train joins in the celebration, adding to the grandeur of this spectacular event.
6) Zhushan Sunrise Trail
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The Zhushan Sunrise Trail starts from Zhaoping Park and takes about 40 minutes to complete. Built along the mountainside, the trail winds through a forest of cedar trees. During cherry blossom season, it becomes a prime location for viewing the blooms.
You can also take the Zhushan Sunrise Train, which departs before dawn, to reach the Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform. After watching the sunrise, you can stroll back down the Zhushan Sunrise Trail, accompanied by cherry blossoms all the way down the mountain.
Since the departure time of the Zhushan Sunrise Train varies depending on the sunrise, the Alishan Train Station adjusts its schedule daily based on sunrise times and the number of travelers. Tickets can be purchased the day before (from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) at Fenqihu Station or on the second floor of Alishan Station.
Alishan Cherry Blossom Season Viewing Spots｜Alishan National Scenic Area
1) Mituo Zen Temple
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During the Alishan cherry blossom season, Mituo Zen Temple is a great first stop to enjoy Yaezakura (double-layered cherry blossoms). Located just a 30-minute drive from the Zhongpu Interchange, the temple offers not only stunning cherry blossoms but also a distant view of a mountain range resembling Mount Fuji, making it feel like you’re cherry blossom viewing in Japan.
Both sides of the road leading to the temple are lined with blooming Yaezakura, creating a sea of blossoms. No matter where you aim your camera, the scene is Instagram-worthy!
2) Ding Shizhao Sakura Path
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The "Sakura Path" near the Ding Shizhao Visitor Center is a short trail only 130 meters long, but it is densely planted with Showa cherry and mountain cherry trees on both sides, bursting with the beauty of spring. Although compact, it’s full of charm. Starting in late February, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the path is illuminated, offering visitors a chance to experience the enchanting beauty of night cherry blossoms.
Aside from cherry blossoms, the area also showcases other seasonal blooms like azaleas and calla lilies in spring. In early summer and autumn, visitors can enjoy the magical sight of fireflies dancing in the air, making this a diverse and delightful spot.
3) Xiding Second Yianping Trail
Located in Xiding, the "Second Yianping Trail" is renowned for its sunset views and also offers opportunities to admire cherry blossoms. The trailhead is at the 53.5-kilometer mark of the Alishan Highway, with scenic views of bamboo forests, tea plantations, and expansive landscapes along the way.
At higher elevations, the view is breathtakingly open and refreshing. The combination of cherry blossoms and sunsets creates a picturesque and unforgettable scene.
Entry Fee for Alishan National Forecast Recreation Area
Ticket | Price | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
Taiwanese residents | NT$150 | |
Foreigners | NT$300 | |
Students | NT$150 | |
Public Transport Discount | NT$150 | If you show your bus ticket from Chiayi to Alishan, you can get a 50% discount, paying NT$150 instead of NT$300 |
It's important to note that if your accommodation is outside the park, you'll need to pay the entrance fee each time you enter the recreation area. Therefore, staying within the park can be more economical if you plan to visit for multiple days.
Where to Stay in Alishan for Cherry Blossom Season
Alishan House
Source: Klook
The most iconic place to stay in Alishan, Alishan House, boasts a history of over a century. Originally built in 1912 as the Alishan Forestry Club, it was renovated in 1965. While retaining its original cypress wood architecture, a new building was added, offering spacious and comfortable European-style and Japanese-style suites for guests.
Nestled among the misty mountains, the hotel resembles a celestial palace, with a touch of elegance from its Japanese garden surroundings. The property features a grand high-ceilinged lobby, a courtyard garden, a sky garden, and a stargazing platform. Guests can also enjoy several on-site cafes and restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable Alishan experience.
Alishan House Accommodation Details
- Address: No. 16, Xianglin Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi County
- Phone: (05) 267-9811
Yuanmingju Mountain Lodge
Source: Klook
Located in Zhuci Township, near Alishan, Yuanmingju Mountain Lodge is just a 40-minute drive to Alishan. The lodge offers stunning views of sunrises, seas of clouds, and sunsets. During cherry blossom season, the scenery is exceptionally breathtaking.
Behind Yuanmingju, you’ll find a lush bamboo forest tunnel, the "Sunset Path" for enjoying twilight views, the "Cloud Path," a 1,000-step wooden boardwalk winding through a cedar forest, and the "Tea Path," which lets you get up close to centuries-old cedar trees. This area is like the lodge’s private backyard.
The lodge features several exquisite cypress wood suites and cozy courtyard-style family suites. They also offer two-day-one-night or three-day-two-night package tours to Alishan, Fenqihu, and the Greater Alishan area. For more details, guests can contact the lodge directly.
Yuanmingju Mountain Lodge Accommodation Details
- Address: No. 4, Shizhao, Zhonghe Village, Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County
- Phone: (05) 256-2633
Planning Your Trip to Alishan for Cherry Blossom Season
Alishan Cherry Blossom Blooming Period and Factors
The timing and duration of cherry blossoms in Alishan depend heavily on the weather. If temperatures are cooler, the blooming period may be delayed by a few days.
Conversely, continuous sunny days can accelerate the blooming process. When visiting the mountains, it’s best to embrace the unpredictability of nature and appreciate the beauty it offers with an open heart!
Alishan Weather
The Alishan National Scenic Area is located in eastern Chiayi County, with elevations ranging from 300 meters to 2,600 meters, resulting in significant variations in terrain. Surrounded by towering mountains, the climate is cool and moist year-round, with around one-third of the year shrouded in mist and clouds.
Alishan experiences large temperature differences between day and night. The presence or absence of sunlight can create stark contrasts in temperature, so it’s essential to bring warm clothing to stay prepared for any weather changes.
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