Alishan National Scenic Area, with altitudes ranging from 1400 to 2600, covers four different environment zones. The tropic, sub-tropic, temperate and frigid zones have made possible a great variety zones of specific flora and fauna. With abundant rain and pleasant environment, the area is covered with endless forests. The Taiwan Red Cypress and the endemic Taiwan Pleione are among some of the famous native trees found in the area. Alishan was established as a Natural Reserve with the purpose of preserving the Taiwan Pleione around twenty years ago. It is a great environment to examine botanical ecology or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. The Alishan Forest Railway, a moving ecological museum crossing four environmental zones and rising from an altitude of 30 meters to 2216 meters, is a three and a half hour ride. The unique spiraling and zigzag path of the Alishan Forest Railway is a riding experience no other mountain railway can provide.
Other seasonal and special events are held throughout the year. The magnificence of sunrises and sunsets in the sea of clouds is a must see. The view is never the same and it’s very addicting. The fire-fly watching season spans from April to June and is a pleasant seasonal surprise. Alishan provides the best fire-fly watching locations for city folks wanting to witness natural Christmas lights in summer. Alishan National Scenic Area is the top natural tourist attraction in Taiwan for a reason, come find out why in person.