Chiayi Train Journey: Gateway to Alishan’s Most Scenic Railway Experience

For travellers who believe that the journey itself should be as magical as the destination, the Chiayi Train Journey in Taiwan is nothing short of transformational. Far away from crowded Asian tourist circuits, this legendary railway route introduces you to a side of Taiwan that remains untouched, deeply spiritual, and naturally breathtaking.

 

At BreakBag Holidays, while curating Biggest selling Taiwan Tour Packages, we discovered that the Chiayi–Alishan Forest Railway is not just a train ride—it is a living story of mountains, forests, tea gardens, sunrise viewpoints, and sustainable travel. This experience sits at the heart of our Taiwan Holiday Tour Packages, Taiwan Offbeat Tour Packages, and Taiwan Sustainable Tourism Packages, attracting travellers from India and across the world.

 

Whether you are planning a Trip to Taiwan, looking for Best Selling Taiwan Tour Packages from India, or exploring Hotselling Taiwan Tour Packages from Japan, USA, China, Singapore, UK, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong & Macau, this iconic train journey deserves a prime place in your itinerary.

 

Where Is Chiayi and Why It Is the Starting Point for Alishan Train Journeys

Located in south-central Taiwan, Chiayi City acts as the cultural and railway gateway to Taiwan’s most iconic mountain region—Alishan. While cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung offer urban charm, Chiayi is where Taiwan nature tourism truly begins.

 

For travellers booking Taiwan Tour Packages, Taiwan Travel Packages, or Taiwan Tour Itinerary with BreakBag Holidays, Chiayi holds strategic importance because :

• It is the origin station of the Alishan Forest Railway

• It connects urban Taiwan to mountains, forests, and tea plantations

• It supports eco tourism in Taiwan and green tourism in Taiwan

Most of our Best Budget Taiwan Tour Packages, Taiwan Group Trip Packages, and Taiwan Community Trips 2026 by BreakBag Holidays intentionally include Chiayi because it offers a slow, immersive travel experience—something modern travellers crave.

 

Alishan Forest Railway: One of Asia’s Most Scenic Mountain Train Routes

The Alishan Forest Railway is globally recognised as one of Asia’s most scenic mountain railways. Built during the Japanese era, this historic railway climbs from tropical lowlands to alpine forests, crossing over 50 tunnels and 77 bridges.

This route is a highlight of :

• Best of the best selling Taiwan Tour Packages

• Taiwan Adventure Packages

• Taiwan Photography Expeditions

• Taiwan Mountains and Forests experiences

As the train ascends, travellers witness dramatic transitions—from palm trees to mist-covered cedar forests. This is why Taiwan Holiday Packages, Taiwan Honeymoon Packages 2025, and Taiwan Luxury Resorts and Stays itineraries often revolve around Alishan.

 

Chiayi to Alishan Train Route Explained: Stations, Distance and Travel Time

The Chiayi to Alishan train journey covers approximately 71 kilometers, but the experience feels timeless.

Key Stations :

• Chiayi Station (starting point)

• Beimen

• Zhuqi

• Fenqihu

• Shizilu

• Alishan Station (end point)

Travel time ranges from 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on weather and train schedules.

For travellers exploring Taiwan Travel Guide from India, Taiwan Flight & Road Travel from New Delhi, Taiwan Flight & Road Travel from Mumbai, Taiwan Flight & Road Travel from Bangalore, or Taiwan Flight & Road Travel from Pune, this train journey becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

What Makes the Chiayi–Alishan Train Journey So Special for Travellers

Unlike high-speed trains, this journey forces you to slow down—and that is its biggest luxury.

Why travellers love it :

• Ancient forests and alpine scenery

• Authentic railway heritage

• Quiet moments without digital noise

• Connection to Taiwan countryside travel

 

This is why the route is featured in :

• Taiwan Solo Travel Packages

• Taiwan Couple Tour Packages

• Family Packages for Taiwan

• Best Taiwan Group Tour Packages

At BreakBag Holidays, our travellers often say this journey becomes the emotional highlight of their Taiwan Holiday Tour Packages.

 

Fenqihu Stopover: The Most Iconic Break on the Alishan Railway Line

The charming village of Fenqihu is the soul of the Alishan railway. Known for its old streets, bento lunches, and misty views, Fenqihu feels like stepping into a postcard.

Fenqihu is popular among :

• Taiwan Backpacking Trips

• Affordable Taiwan Group Departures

• Student Trips to Taiwan

• Traditional Taiwan Village Experience

This stopover aligns beautifully with Taiwan Homestay Packages and Taiwan Offbeat Villages 2025, both of which are core offerings by BreakBag Holidays.

 

Best Time to Experience the Chiayi to Alishan Scenic Train Ride

The train journey changes dramatically with seasons :

• Spring: Taiwan cherry blossom season, perfect for Taiwan Festival Packages (Cherry Blossom)

• Summer: Lush greenery, ideal for Taiwan Summer Escapes 2025

• Autumn: Golden forests during Taiwan autumn foliage and Taiwan fall colors

• Winter: Misty landscapes in Taiwan Winter Tour Packages 2025

For planning, our Taiwan Travel Guide for Indians strongly recommends March–May and October–November.

 

Sunrise, Forests and Tea Gardens: What You’ll See Along the Journey

This journey showcases :

• Alishan sunrise viewpoint

• Taiwan alpine scenery

• Tea plantations and cedar forests

• Aowanda National Forest

• Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area

Nature lovers searching for Natural places in Taiwan, Best nature destinations in Taiwan, and Scenic landscapes of Taiwan will find this route unforgettable.

 

Chiayi Train Journey for Slow Travel and Sustainable Tourism in Taiwan

This route perfectly aligns with :

• Sustainable Tourism in Taiwan

• Eco-Friendly Taiwan Packages

• Taiwan Sustainable Tourism by BreakBag

BreakBag Holidays integrates this experience into our Taiwan Sustainable Tourism Packages, inspired by our philosophy of Responsible Travel Bhutan and Bhutan Community Tours.

 

Chiayi to Alishan Train Journey for First-Time Taiwan Travellers

For first-time visitors booking :

• Taiwan Tour Packages from Kolkata

• Taiwan Tour Packages from Delhi

• Taiwan Tour Packages from Mumbai

• Taiwan Tour Packages from Bangalore

• Taiwan Tour Packages from Chennai

…the Chiayi journey offers safety, comfort, and storytelling value unmatched by road travel.

 

How to Book Chiayi to Alishan Train Tickets Easily

Tickets can be booked via :

• Taiwan Railways official platform

• Authorized travel partners like BreakBag Holidays

 

Our travellers prefer booking via BreakBag to seamlessly integrate it with :

• 5 Nights 6 Days Taiwan Package

• 6 Nights 7 Days Taiwan Itinerary

• Taiwan Group Departure Dates 2025

 

Chiayi Train Journey vs Road Travel: Which Is Better for Alishan

 

This is why BreakBag recommends the train for Taiwan Tour by Road from India alternatives.

 

Including Chiayi Train Journey in Your Taiwan Tour Package with BreakBag Holidays

At BreakBag Holidays, we proudly offer :

• India’s Best Taiwan Tour Packages from India

• Best Budget Taiwan Tour Packages

• Taiwan Luxury Tour Packages

• Taiwan Group Trips from Kolkata 2025

• Taiwan Community Trips 2025

Explore our curated packages here:

Taiwan Tour Packages – https://breakbag.com

 

You can also explore our global tours:

[Vietnam Tour Packages, Bali Tour Packages, Thailand Tour Packages, Singapore Tour Packages, Malaysia Tour Packages, Japan Tour Packages, Bhutan Tour Packages, Europe Tour Packages, Andaman Tour Packages, Meghalaya Tour Packages, Arunachal Tour Packages, Nagaland Tour Packages, Kerala Tour Packages, Darjeeling Tour Packages, Sikkim Tour Packages, Spiti Tour Packages – all available at BreakBag Holidays.]