All Aboard the Alishan Express! Your Ultimate Guide to Taiwan’s Historic Maple Leaf Steam Train

Hey there, fellow adventurers! As the leaves start to turn and that crisp autumn air rolls in, my wanderlust kicks into high gear. And let me tell you, if you’re looking for an epic fall adventure, Alishan in Taiwan is calling your name! Imagine this: a century-old steam train, chugging through misty mountains, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of fall colors. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s about to become your reality!

The awesome folks at the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office have cooked up something truly special this season. They’ve launched their “Maple Grace” themed train journeys this fall, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it. We’re talking about the legendary No. 31 steam locomotive, pulling gorgeous carriages crafted entirely from Taiwanese cypress wood. This isn’t just a ride; it’s a journey back in time, through secret maple-viewing spots and unique railway stations, soaking in the serene mountain vibes and the magic of this high-altitude railway.

All Aboard the “Maple Grace” Fall Foliage Train!

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks: all the deets you need for this “Maple Grace” experience!

This special steam train adventure takes you through the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and the Erwanping region. You’ll be riding that magnificent No. 31 steam engine with those stunning cypress cars, experiencing the unique railway lines and those limited-edition autumn leaves. And here’s the kicker: you’ll have an expert guide! Huang Yuan-ming, a renowned ecological photographer from “Alishan Walking in the Clouds,” will be leading the way, sharing his top tips for capturing those perfect fall foliage train shots and spilling all the tea on the railway’s fascinating history.

• Departure Dates: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – that’s 5 chances to catch this magic!
• Package Capacity/Price: Each trip is capped at 100 lucky travelers, and it’ll set you back TWD 3,100 per person. That covers your train fare, expert guide fees, guided tours, a cool souvenir, and a meal. Just a heads up, your Alishan National Forest Recreation Area entrance ticket isn’t included.
• How to Book: Booking is exclusively online – sorry, no walk-ins at the station for this one!
• Booking Window: You can snag your tickets anywhere from 4 to 15 days before your travel date, starting at 10 AM (Taiwan time) until midnight.
• Other Important Notes: Heads up: this package is a flat rate, no special discounts. And if you’ve got a little one under 6 who doesn’t need their own seat, they can ride for free! Each adult can bring one child under 6.

Riding the Vintage ‘Black Head’ Train to Catch the Cloud Sea Views

Fall and winter mean dry, stable weather – AKA prime cloud sea viewing season! Our “Maple Grace” journey, with expert photographer Huang Yuan-ming, will take us to Alishan’s secret maple spots to capture those picture-perfect moments. Plus, you’ll get to see dynamic displays at the highest altitude Zhushan Station and Duigaoyue Station. And get this, the Alishan Forest Railway is even setting up a special triangular line demonstration at Erwanping Station, so you might just get to see the majestic cloud sea and the steam train in the same frame. Talk about a double whammy!

Zou Tribe Handcrafted Bread Meal Box

What’s a scenic journey without some delicious local grub? The Alishan Forest Railway team has put together these incredible handcrafted bread meal boxes from the local Tsou (Zou) tribe. You get to munch on them on your way back, savoring both the views and the flavors. The Tsou tribe blends tradition with innovation – that slight yellow tint in the bread? That’s local pumpkin, a little secret ingredient! And dried Litsea cubeba (a native spice) leaves add a subtle, enchanting aroma, a mix of milky and lemony notes. The flavors change seasonally, so you’re always in for a treat that’s not just tasty but also full of the Tsou people’s warmth and care.

Must-See Stops Along the Alishan Railway!

01. Zhushan Station

Zhushan Station’s architecture is super unique, shaped like the Greek letter alpha, with a roof designed like swirling clouds, symbolizing the breaking dawn. The platform still has its original crescent moon curve, making it the most beautiful station on top of the clouds. It boasts five “firsts”: highest railway point in Taiwan, a diamond-rated green building, smart ecological lighting, water storage capabilities, and that iconic crescent-shaped platform.

Zhushan Station (Image Source: Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office)

02. Duigaoyue Station

The Zhushan Line also passes through Duigaoyue, where you’ll find a platform and a siding for trains to switch tracks. The observation deck by the platform offers expansive views – a fantastic spot to catch the sunrise. Duigaoyue also has a hidden gem: a forest bathing trail with wooden sleepers, gorgeous maple leaves, cherry blossoms, cloud sea waterfalls, and even snow in winter. Talk about a multi-talented spot!

Duigaoyue Station

03. Erwanping Station

Erwanping literally means “vast flat land,” and it sits perfectly at an elevation of 2,000 meters. When the Alishan Forest Railway opened in 1912, Erwanping was its terminus, complete with a triangular line for train switching and a locomotive shed. The sunset over Tashan, the evening glow, and the cloud seas here are absolutely legendary.

04. Ogasawara Observation Deck

Just a 10-minute walk from the Zhushan Observation Platform, you’ll reach the Ogasawara Mountain Observation Deck. This spot offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains and is hands down one of the best places to watch the sunrise.