Mountain town in Chiayi, Taiwan
Alishan
Cool mountain forest with a famous sunrise, narrow-gauge forest railway and tea plantations. A one-night stop, cold and misty; the rail line has had outages, so check before you go.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,410–2,200Comfortable, one person · NT$45,000–70,000Details
- Value for money68/100Better value than 67% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Oct–DecWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Internet298 MbpsFixed broadband, Taiwan medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but boil or filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Getting aroundBus from Chiayi (Alishan Highway Bus)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash is needed for many stalls, small shops and some lodgings; bring enough from Chiayi.Details
Where to stay in Alishan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Alishan National Scenic Area (village and station) | Sunrise trains, trails and the few hotels |
| Fenqihu | Old railway town with hot lunches and quieter lodging |
| Rueili and Taiping | Tea farms, cafés and homestays |
Apps that work in Alishan
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- EasyCard or iPASS: MRT, buses, YouBike and convenience stores
- YouBike: Public bike share in most cities
- T Express: High-speed rail tickets
- Taxis: No ride apps on the mountain; book buses or a driver from Chiayi in advance.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Taiwan.
- Mostly cash Cash is needed for many stalls, small shops and some lodgings; bring enough from Chiayi.
- Currency: Dollar (TWD). US$1 ≈ NT$31.86 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Post office, bank and convenience-store ATMs take most foreign cards; some add a small local fee.
- Tipping: Not expected; restaurants and hotels often add a 10% service charge.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay with foreign cards work on contactless readers; EasyCard or iPASS for transit and convenience stores.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Submit the free online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within 3 days before arrival.
- Visa-exempt visitors need a passport valid at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 0800-011-765
Plugs
Type A, B · 110 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Carrier counters at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports sell unlimited-data tourist SIMs, about NT$300–1,000 for 3–30 days; passport plus a second ID. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Taiwan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.