Sunrise at Zhushan in Alishan
Part of the Alishan travel guide — see every topic in All Alishan Guides.
Sunrise at Zhushan is the most famous experience at Alishan. From a viewing platform at about 2,450 metres, you look east across a deep valley to the Yushan range, which includes Taiwan's highest peak. On a good morning the sky turns orange, a sea of cloud fills the valleys below, and the sun appears behind the mountains. It means a very early start, a cold wait and a crowd, but on a clear day it is unforgettable.
The view
The platform at Zhushan faces east towards Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, which rises to just under 4,000 metres and is the highest peak in Taiwan. Before sunrise the ridges appear as dark layers, one behind another. Often a sea of cloud lies in the valleys between you and the range. As the sun comes up, the light catches the clouds and the peaks. The exact place where the sun rises moves along the ridge through the year. Signs on the platform show the main peaks, so you can name what you are seeing.
Getting there by train
The easiest way up is the Zhushan line, a short branch of the forest railway that runs from Alishan station before dawn. The departure time changes daily with the sunrise and is usually announced the afternoon before at the station and in hotels. Buy your ticket early, because the train fills up. The ride takes about half an hour. Many people take the train up and walk back down after sunrise through the forest, which takes about an hour and passes viewpoints and quieter trails.
Walking up
You can also walk to Zhushan from the Alishan station area. The trail climbs steadily on steps and paths through the forest, and it takes about an hour for most people. You will need a good torch, warm clothes and enough time to arrive before first light. Walking avoids the train queue and is a good choice if tickets are sold out. Paths are well built but can be wet and slippery. If you are not used to walking at altitude, go slowly and rest when you need to.
Quieter viewpoints
The main Zhushan platform gets very crowded. Nearby, the Xiaoliyuanshan observation deck sits a short walk away and gives a wide, round view of the mountains, usually with fewer people. The Duigaoyue area, near a stop on the Zhushan line, is another quieter place to watch the sunrise. These spots need a little more walking and care in the dark. Ask at your hotel about current trail conditions. Wherever you go, stay behind railings and on marked paths, as some edges drop steeply.
What to bring
It is cold at sunrise, even in summer. In winter, temperatures before dawn can fall close to freezing. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves. A torch or headlamp is essential if you walk. Hot drinks and snacks are sold near the platform, but bring water. Sunrise is never guaranteed: cloud and rain often hide the view, especially in the wet season. Check the forecast the evening before. The clearest mornings tend to come in autumn and winter, after a dry and calm night.
Sunrise at Zhushan at a glance
| Getting there | Zhushan line train from Alishan station, or about 1 hour on foot |
|---|---|
| Height | Viewing platform at about 2,450 m |
| Hours | Train leaves before dawn; time posted the day before |
| Cost | Train ticket is inexpensive; walking is free once inside the area |
| Best time | Autumn and winter, after a clear night |