Alishan Itinerary Guide 2026 — 1, 2 & 3 Days by Bus from Chiayi

Visit Alishan by bus — without the logistics headache.

Getting to Alishan sounds simple until you start planning it. There are two Chiayi stations (regular rail and high-speed — and they're not the same place), two main buses up the mountain, seats you have to reserve at a convenience-store kiosk, and a bus that won't even let you stand. Miss one detail and you lose half a day — or your seat.

This guide lays out the whole trip for you in English, in one place: which station, which bus, when it leaves, where to get off, what to hike, and how to get back down.

What's inside

• Three ready-to-follow itineraries — 1, 2, and 3 days — plus two variations of the 2-day trip
• Bus times at a glance — first and last buses, both directions, with clickable live timetables
• Step-by-step transport from both Chiayi stations, including seat-reservation tips
• The best trails by area — Shizhuo, the Forest Recreation Area, Eryanping, and Fenqihu
• Sunrise logistics — the Zhushan Forest Railway and where to catch first light
• Where to stay for each itinerary
• Current trail-closure info, kept up to date
• A "before you go" checklist for buses, weather, and timing

Why trust it

Built from 7+ years navigating Taiwan's buses, trails, lodges, and permit rules — and from actually riding these routes, not reading about them. I keep it up to date with the real timetables and on-the-ground changes.

Who it's for

Independent travelers and hikers who want to do Alishan themselves — and want the planning already done.

Who it's not for

This is a guide, not a service. I don't book buses or hotels, arrange permits, or plan trips on anyone's behalf. Everything you need to do it yourself is inside.

What you get

Instant PDF download, 8 pages of solid content that save you hours. It's also mobile-friendly, 1080*1920px. Read it on your phone on the bus or print it before you go.