Alishan Township, Chiayi County
Giant Trees Trail
After the Alishan Divine Tree collapsed, efforts were made to prevent trampling on the soil by visitors and protect other giant red cypress trees and the roots in the area. Work was done in two stages to open a trail through the cluster of 36 thousand-year old red cypress trees to allow visitors to appreciate the most ancient and strongest red cypress trees in Ali Mountain. Guangwu Red Cypress (Xianglin Divide Tree), Qiansui Red Cypress, Shulingta and the Shenmu Station are important attractions.
Weather Forecast
07.15
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07.16
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07.17
Thur.
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07.18
Fri.
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07.19
Sat.
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07.20
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07.21
Mon.
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Temperature |
19 ° / 24 °
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19 ° / 24 °
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20 ° / 24 °
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20 ° / 24 °
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19 ° / 23 °
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20 ° / 23 °
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19 ° / 23 °
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Feel like | 20 ° / 26 ° | 20 ° / 26 ° | 22 ° / 28 ° | 22 ° / 28 ° | 21 ° / 27 ° | 23 ° / 27 ° | 21 ° / 27 ° |
Probability of Precipitation |
50 % | 60 % | 60 % | - | - | - | - |
Relative Humidity | 89 % | 85 % | 89 % | 91 % | 94 % | 95 % | 96 % |
Wind speed Wind direction |
2
SW
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2
E
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2
E
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-
E
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2
E
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-
E
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-
E
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UVI |
9
Very High
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10
Very High
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11
危險級
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10
Very High
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9
Very High
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9
Very High
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9
Very High
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Sunrise Sunset |
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Central Weather Bureau|Update Time:2025/07/15 05:27
Learn about the Trail
Application
Transportation
National Highway no.1
Exit National highway no. 1 at Chiayi interchange→Chiayi County highway no.159→transfer to Provincial highway no.18→Pass through Chukou, Tatou, and Shihzhuo→National Alishan Forest Recreation Area<BR>Exit National highway no.3 at Chung Pu interchange→Provincial Highway no.18→to National Alishan Forest Recreation Area
By bus
Go to Chiayi City and take Chiayi County Bus bound for National Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
Trail difficulty level
Hiking Level |
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Target | General Public | General Public | Those who have better physical energy | Beginner mountain climber with good physical energy and map literacy. | Open to those who have good physical strength, map reading skills, and wild survival skills. | Open to well-trained mountain climbers. | Open to well-trained mountain climbers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elevation | Gently sloping area | In recreational areas, close to settlements or about 1,000 meters above sea level. | In recreational areas, close to settlements or between 1,000~2,000 meters above sea level. | Remote areas or between 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level | Remote areas, wilderness, or between 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level | Remote areas, wilderness, or more than 3,000 meters above sea level | Remote areas, wilderness, or more than 3,000 meters above sea level | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Required Time | It takes half to one day. | It takes half to one day. | It can be done within one day. | It takes one or more days. | Overnight preparation required. | It takes up to three days. | It takes up to three days. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment | Light backpacking (water and small amount of food) | Light backpacking (water and small amount of food) | Light backpacking (water and proper amount of food) | Overnight preparation required. (e.g. drinking water, food, map, warm clothing, first-aid medicine, etc.) Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control. | Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control. | Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control. | Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Description | Flat hiking trails. Relatively even slopes with comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. Accessible for handicapped assistive devices or baby strollers. | An open hiking trail with easy access. Relatively even slopes with comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. It takes half a day or less than one day to complete. | An open hiking trail with easy access. Somewhat steep slope with some difficult sections, but has comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. It takes less than one day to complete. | A hiking trail locates at remote area or with part of the route is in area which requires entrance permission. Application in advance is required. Part of the route is in relatively bad condition with steeper slopes, but basic facilities are provided. It takes one day or between one to three days to complete. | A hiking trail locates at remote area or with part of the route is in area which requires entrance permission. It’s located in high-altitude areas (higher than 3000 meters above sea level). The trail is relatively primitive, with steeper slopes and unstable weather conditions. Part of the route may be dangerous or difficult for climbers. It takes two to three days to complete. Lead from professionals is recommended. | A hiking trail locates at area with inconvenient traffic, and mostly with routes in area which requires entrance permission. It’s located in high-altitude areas (higher than 3000 meters above sea level). The trail is located at primitive area, with bad condition, steeper slopes, and unstable weather conditions. Many parts of the route may be dangerous or difficult for climbers. It takes three or more days to complete. Lead from professionals is recommended. | 1. Level 3, 4 or 5 trails when snow or ice accumulating 2. Informal trails, without clear subgrades or paths, belong to special routes such as original mountain trails, ancient trail relics, prospecting, or technical climbing. |
Hiking Level
Target
General Public
Elevation
Gently sloping area
Required Time
It takes half to one day.
Equipment
Light backpacking (water and small amount of food)
Description
Flat hiking trails. Relatively even slopes with comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. Accessible for handicapped assistive devices or baby strollers.
Hiking Level
Target
General Public
Elevation
In recreational areas, close to settlements or about 1,000 meters above sea level.
Required Time
It takes half to one day.
Equipment
Light backpacking (water and small amount of food)
Description
An open hiking trail with easy access. Relatively even slopes with comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. It takes half a day or less than one day to complete.
Hiking Level
Target
Those who have better physical energy
Elevation
In recreational areas, close to settlements or between 1,000~2,000 meters above sea level.
Required Time
It can be done within one day.
Equipment
Light backpacking (water and proper amount of food)
Description
An open hiking trail with easy access. Somewhat steep slope with some difficult sections, but has comprehensive facilities and smooth road surface. It takes less than one day to complete.
Hiking Level
Target
Beginner mountain climber with good physical energy and map literacy.
Elevation
Remote areas or between 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level
Required Time
It takes one or more days.
Equipment
Overnight preparation required. (e.g. drinking water, food, map, warm clothing, first-aid medicine, etc.)
Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control.
Description
A hiking trail locates at remote area or with part of the route is in area which requires entrance permission. Application in advance is required. Part of the route is in relatively bad condition with steeper slopes, but basic facilities are provided. It takes one day or between one to three days to complete.
Hiking Level
Target
Open to those who have good physical strength, map reading skills, and wild survival skills.
Elevation
Remote areas, wilderness, or between 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level
Required Time
Overnight preparation required.
Equipment
Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.)
Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control.
Description
A hiking trail locates at remote area or with part of the route is in area which requires entrance permission. It’s located in high-altitude areas (higher than 3000 meters above sea level). The trail is relatively primitive, with steeper slopes and unstable weather conditions. Part of the route may be dangerous or difficult for climbers. It takes two to three days to complete. Lead from professionals is recommended.
Hiking Level
Target
Open to well-trained mountain climbers.
Elevation
Remote areas, wilderness, or more than 3,000 meters above sea level
Required Time
It takes up to three days.
Equipment
Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.)
Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control.
Description
A hiking trail locates at area with inconvenient traffic, and mostly with routes in area which requires entrance permission. It’s located in high-altitude areas (higher than 3000 meters above sea level). The trail is located at primitive area, with bad condition, steeper slopes, and unstable weather conditions. Many parts of the route may be dangerous or difficult for climbers. It takes three or more days to complete. Lead from professionals is recommended.
Hiking Level
Target
Open to well-trained mountain climbers.
Elevation
Remote areas, wilderness, or more than 3,000 meters above sea level
Required Time
It takes up to three days.
Equipment
Comprehensive Mountaineering Gear Required. (e.g. food, drinking water, cooking utensils, map, warm clothing, flashlight, sleeping bag, tent, etc.)
Application for entrance permission in advance is required if there is access control.
Description
1. Level 3, 4 or 5 trails when snow or ice accumulating
2. Informal trails, without clear subgrades or paths, belong to special routes such as original mountain trails, ancient trail relics, prospecting, or technical climbing.
Reachable by Vehicle
O:Cars、Microbus、Coach Bus
Mountain system
Alishan Mountain System
Administer
Chiayi Forest Dist. Office
Elevation
2,000 ~ 2,148 m
Service Line
+886 52787006
Altitude Difference
148 m
Huts
-
Length of the Trail
1.1 KM
Entry Permit
No
Trail type
-
Via Nature Reserve
No
Road condition
Wooden path
Geologically Sensitive Area
No
Route planning
1 day
Debris Flow Torrents
No
Trail Track
Trail route
Reminders
Go with your companions and don't take shortcuts.
To ensure your safety, please go with your companions, follow the indicators, do not take shortcuts or self-directed routes, and do not leave your team and walk alone.
Carry Global Positioning System and communication equipment
For hiking, please plan your trip and bring enough equipment and food with you. It is suggested that you should carry Global Positioning System (GPS) and communication equipment such as a satellite phone, mobile phone, radio or satellite positioning equipment such as Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), etc., and should carry enough batteries to ensure emergency communication.
Quickly pass dangerous areas
The road condition in the mountainous area is unstable. Please do not stay or take pictures in dangerous areas such as collapsed or falling rocks and pay attention to your own safety at any time.
It is recommended to complete the mountaineering insurance
There are certain risks in mountain activities. It is recommended that you should complete mountaineering insurance before departure. (Note: General travel insurance does not necessarily cover mountaineering accidents. Please refer to the policy details before applying for insurance. For the mountaineering insurance, please refer to the following instructions in Financial Supervisory Commission's press release and choose the appropriate insurance.)
Information on mountaineering safety
For information on mountaineering safety, mountaineering equipment, and tips for using maps, please visit the website http://goo.gl/QUnv98u. It is recommended to read the information before the trip to ensure your outdoor activities are safe.
Travel Guide
Featured Landscape

Giant Tree
Source|鄭婷文
The abundant resources and year-round clouds make Alishan the hometown of cypress.

Giant Tree
Source|鄭婷文
Along the giant tree group plank road, you can visit the thousand-year-old cypress trees, a total of 36 trees, and feel the vastness and grandeur of the giant tree forest.

Giant Tree
Source|鄭婷文
The starting point is in front of Guangwu and Qiantose Hinoki, and the whole journey takes about 40 minutes.

Afforestation land
Source|鄭婷文
Afforestation land

Giant Tree
Source|鄭婷文
The smallest giant tree has a circumference of 5 meters and the largest is 13.1 meters.

Giant Tree
Source|鄭婷文
Giant Tree

Afforestation area and Alishan River
Source|鄭婷文
Afforestation land

Walking under the feet of giants
Source|嘉義分署
The Giant Trees Plank Road is built entirely on an elevated structure. Along the route, you can admire 36 giant red cypress trees. It's like walking under the feet of giants, and you can experience the majestic appearance of the Alishan cypress forest. The plank road can prevent tree roots from being damaged by being trampled by a large number of tourists, and can also protect ground cover plants. The forest floor is often moist, so please do not run or jump when walking to avoid slipping and falling. It takes about 1.5 hours to complete the entire route.

The only remaining original cypress forest
Source|嘉義分署
When the Alishan Sacred Tree ended its legendary life by falling naturally in June 1998, it was replaced by the Giant Trees Plank Road. Currently, there are two areas of giant tree plank roads in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, with the Alishan Suspension Bridge as the dividing point. The first phase of the plank road originally started from the "Thousand-Year-Old Cypress" next to the "Tree Spirit Tower". Later, in conjunction with the reconstruction of the "Guangwu Cypress" observation deck, the starting point of the plank road was extended from the "Thousand-Year-Old Cypress" to the "Guangwu Cypress", passing through the "Tree Spirit Tower", "Boai Pavilion", "Thousand-Year-Old Cypress" and the original cypress forest along the way, and the end point is next to the "Jieshou Pavilion" of the sacred tree ruins. The second section of the plank road starts from the Alishan Suspension Bridge, passes through the original cypress forest next to the "Xianglin Elementary School", and ends at a newly built "Shenyi Bridge" across the stream. In order to connect the giant red cypress trees in the "Tree Spirit Tower" area, wooden fences were erected at the "Guangwu Cypress" and "Thousand-year-old Cypress", and an observation deck was built. Together with the first phase of the giant tree group plank road, a large-scale giant tree group system with the highest density in the country was formed in the amusement area.
Nearby Attractions