Alishan, located in Chiayi County of central Taiwan, is a branch of the Morrison Mountain Range, with an elevation up to 2,905 meters. Its vast sea of clouds, sublime cliffs, dense jungles and the unique flowers and grasses compose an unforgettable scene. Two striking scenic spots are 3,000-year-old giant tree and the sunrise. The small train, which carries passengers to the top of the mountain, is itself an experience to be remembered. One pleasure in touring Alishan is to take the train at Chiayi and view the spectacular changing scenery as the train climbs. Hovering around the mountain like a dragon, the railroad is only 71.9 kilometers long.
It takes four hours for the trip from Chiayi to Alishan station. Along the railroad, places worth seeing are many. Near the midway station-Fen-chi Lake, square bamboo and one-leaf orchids cover the land. Beyond the Pingchena Station is an open field of flowers. The Giant Tree Station has an elevation of 2,150 meters. The giant tree is Chinese cypress, more than 50 meters high, with a circumference of 34.3 meters. Though about 3,000 years old, the tree is still alive. The next stop beyond it is the end of the railroad-- Alishan Station.
The Alishan Station, with an elevation of 2,274 meters, is the forestry industry center of this region. Guest houses, schools, a museum, weather station and temples attract visitors. Alishan forest has three zones: the tropical, the temperate and the frigid. Among the trees are Taiwan fir, hemlock, spruce, Japan cypress and Huashan pines. Strolling among the trees, visitors can both enjoy the beauty of nature, and increase their knowledge of forestry. Other scenic spots include the Sisters Lake, the Three-Generation Tree and a one-thousand-year old Chinese cypress.
Two main reasons for people to go to Alishan are to watch the sea of clouds and the sunrise. At dawn, when the sky is only gray white, clouds begin to gather over the valley. At first, the cloud line is belt-like at the mid-slope of the mountains. Gradually it spreads and becomes a vast sea, with waves up and down. Lower hills disappear, with only the higher levels above the clouds. It has been called a fairyland above the ocean. The pleasure of watching the sunrise is to catch the instant when the sun is out. The morning sun, like a small ball, seems to jump out from the valley behind the rugged mountain range and splash immediately its light on the earth. It seems to bring with it boundless hope and light.
A pavilion called fraternity
The Maternal Cloud Temple
Near the Three-Generation tree
The morning breaks at Alishan
Multi-colored clouds at Alishan
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