Alishan Mountain Range, Central Taiwan

The Alishan Forest Train, Chiayi

Central Taiwan

"For many people, taking the train up to Alishan is the peak experience of their entire journey to Taiwan. For this is no ordinary train and certainly no ordinary ride. The Forest Train runs on narrow-gauge track (762mm) and is one of only three remaining steep grade alpine trains in the world. The track begins at 30m and ascends to above 2200m in 3 and a half hours..."

"People have called the train ride a rolling 'botanical museum'. The first section rolls through a subtropical zone - banana, bamboo and longan plantations abound. At 800m the environment turns temperate and camphor, cedar and tea dominate. At 1800m the train enters alpine country and cypress, fir, pine and hemlock become the main plantations...." - LP

Alishan Forest Railway

The train conductor stops for a track change and a ciggie break

Elevation: 997m above sea level