(Image Source: PEXELS)
When people think of Alishan National Scenic Area, images of the Sacred Tree, sunrise, sea of clouds, and the iconic forest railway often come to mind.
That’s fair—these classic visuals are deeply rooted in our collective imagination.
But what truly drives mountain lovers wild are not just the famous sights, but the trails that demand to be conquered on foot.
This article introduces you to two top-tier hiking routes: the Mianyue Line and the Tefuye Historic Trail.
The former feels like a forest-themed railway adventure movie, filled with ruins and a spirit of exploration.
The latter plays out like a stress-relieving nature walk—gentle, but never boring.
Though vastly different in vibe, both trails have one thing in common: they’re incredibly addictive.
Once you’ve walked them, you’ll find yourself secretly searching for “Alishan B&Bs,” “Chiayi private car tours,” and “how to get a day off next to the weekend.”
(Image Source: PEXELS)
You may be wondering: which one should I pick? What kind of permit is needed? Are they beginner-friendly? Can I chill with a cup of coffee along the way? Will my legs be sore for days afterward?
Don’t worry—we’ve got it all covered. From permit application tutorials and two-day hiking plans to nearby attractions you can explore afterward, this guide has it all.
So, if your next healing getaway is destined for the forest, be sure to bookmark this article first!
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Within the Alishan National Scenic Area, the Mianyue Line and Tefuye Historic Trail are two of the hottest topics in the hiking community.
One leads you through a mist-shrouded abandoned railway, the other lets you lose yourself in a forest bath (in the best way possible).
Mianyue Line:
This trail follows the legendary old forest railway. Along the way, you’ll pass abandoned platforms, tunnels, and landslides—each spot bursting with cinematic vibes, as if you’ve wandered into a forest-themed version of Harry Potter.
Mianyue Line Hiking Routes:
The full Mianyue Line is approximately 7 kilometers long, with multiple scenic stops along the way. You can tailor your route to match your fitness level:
Easy Route｜Fenqihu Station – Mianyue Line Trailhead – Fenqihu Station
Approx. 2 km; ideal for family-friendly hikes.
Challenge Route｜Fenqihu Station – Mianyue Line Trailhead – Shenmu Station – Fenqihu Station
Approx. 4 km; great for hikers with moderate endurance.
Advanced Route｜Fenqihu Station – Mianyue Line Trailhead – Shenmu Station – Crossroad – Mianyue Line End – Fenqihu Station
Approx. 7 km; requires physical stamina and experience. Pre-hike preparation is strongly recommended.
Tefuye Trail:
Starting from the Tefuye Indigenous Village, this trail offers a gentle incline and diverse forest landscapes—making it a beloved hiking route among families.
Tefuye Historic Trail Access Points:
There are two main trailheads for the Tefuye hike:
Zizhong Trailhead (Elevation: approx. 2,275m):
Recommended for a downhill route. Easier on the legs, but you’ll need to navigate a service road. Four-wheel drive or a pre-arranged shuttle is advised.
Tefuye Trailhead (Elevation: approx. 1,775m):
A more physically demanding uphill route—but with rewarding scenery and a strong sense of achievement.
(Mianyue Line – Image Source:好好玩)
(Tefuye Historic Trail – Image Source:微笑台灣)
Mianyue Line vs. Tefuye Historic Trail: A Detailed Comparison
How to Apply for Mianyue Line Access
Entering Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
To enter the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, you only need to purchase an admission ticket—no additional permit is required.
On-site ticket price: NT$300
Online discounted price: NT$200
However, if you plan to hike the Mianyue Line, don’t forget to apply for an entry permit.
How to Apply for a Mianyue Line Entry Permit
Issuing Authority:
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture
Application Method:
Online application only
Required Documents:
・National ID or Passport
・Application form for Mountain Entry Permit
Application Procedure:
Go to the Protected Area Entry Application System
Select “Nature Reserve” and then “Taiwania cryptomerioides Nature Reserve”, and click “Apply Now”
Read and agree to the application regulations
Register as an applicant
Fill in the application form
Enter the names of all group members
Submit the application
Note: Applications must be submitted 5 to 60 days before your hike. The area has a daily entry limit of 350 people. If applications exceed the limit, a lottery system will apply.
Tefuye Historic Trail Entry Guide
Since October 20, 2023, the entire Tefuye Historic Trail has been open to the public, and no permit is currently required for entry
However, please note the following:
Transportation & Access:
The Tefuye Historic Trail has two main trailheads:
・Zizhong Trailhead (Elevation: approx. 2,275m):
Ideal for descending from a higher elevation; the trail is gentler this way. However, access requires traveling via an industrial road. It’s recommended to use a 4WD vehicle or arrange a shuttle.
・Tefuye Trailhead (Elevation: approx. 1,775m):
A more challenging uphill route with rewarding views. Entry from the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is more convenient for this trailhead.
Gear & Safety:
・Trail Length: Approx. 6.32 km (One-way hike takes about 4 hours)
・Highlights Along the Way: Giant Sacred Trees, forest railway sections, and breathtaking views of the sea of clouds
・No restrooms along the trail—please use facilities near the entrance beforehand
・Rapid weather changes: Temperatures can drop significantly in the morning and evening—bring a windproof jacket, sun protection, hat, and rain gear
・Footwear: Wear proper hiking boots. Please, no sneakers or flat shoes—don’t torture your feet
Environmental Responsibility:
・Pack out all trash—bring your own garbage bag
・Do not carve trees, pick plants, or disturb wildlife
・Do not leave trail markers or hang bells—help preserve the forest in its natural state
(阿里山國家森林遊樂區-圖片來源：交通部觀光署)
Recommended Itinerary: Two-Day Hiking Plans
Suggested Itinerary & Transportation Tips
Since you’ve made it all the way to Alishan, why settle for just one trail?
Here’s a “two-day, one-night, no-leg-pain” itinerary to help you make the most of it:
Day 1 — Mianyue Line Challenge Day
・In the morning, take a car or shuttle to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and start from Alishan Station.
・Hike the Mianyue Line, which takes approximately 6–8 hours round-trip. It’s best to begin before noon.
・In the evening, check into the Alishan House or a nearby guesthouse, and enjoy a hearty mountain meal to warm up.
Day 2 — Tefuye Healing Day
・Sleep in and then drive to the Tefuye Trailhead (about a 30-minute drive).
・Enjoy a gentle 3-hour walk along this scenic, soul-soothing historic trail—perfect for photos and light trekking.
・In the afternoon, wind down with a visit to nearby attractions before heading home.
(Image Source: IG @chouchougosomewhere)
Don’t Rush Home! Attractions Within 30 Minutes of Each Trail
Side Trips After the Mianyue Line Hike:
・Fenqihu Old Street (Approx. 30-minute drive)
A charming retro stop where you can enjoy traditional bento, sip coffee, and check out vintage locomotives.
・Zhaoping Park & Alishan Cherry Blossom Trail (Approx. 10 minutes)
An easy walking trail that shines during cherry blossom season, but is also perfect for casual strolls and photo ops year-round.
・Yushan Trailhead – Tataka Saddle (Approx. 40-minute drive)
A must-visit along Provincial Highway 18. On clear days, you’ll catch a stunning view of the Yushan mountain range.
・Xiding – Eryanping Trail (Approx. 30-minute drive)
Walk along a wooden path surrounded by tea fields, with sweeping views of rolling clouds and distant peaks.
Especially breathtaking at dawn or dusk—ideal for photographers and daydreamers alike.
(Zhaoping – Image Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Administration, MOTC)
(Yushan Trailhead – Tataka Saddle – Image Source: Photography by Hsiang-Wen Yang-楊湘文攝影)
(Xiding – Eryanping Trail Sea of Clouds – Image Source: Tourism Administration, MOTC)
Before Leaving the Tefuye Historic Trail, Don’t Miss These Nearby Spots:
・Ogasawara Mountain (One of Alishan’s New Eight Scenic Spots) (Approx. 10-minute drive)
A gently winding boardwalk staircase leads to the summit, where panoramic views of mountain ranges and sunlit forest canopies await—a perfect slow-paced scenic stop after your hike.
・Sunrise & Sea of Clouds (Two of the Alishan Five Wonders) (Approx. 10-minute drive)
Sunrise: Early morning light pours over tea fields and mountain ridges—a favorite for photographers and sunrise lovers.
Sea of Clouds: Endless, billowing mist creates a grand and tranquil atmosphere—ideal for quiet contemplation and awe.
・Zhushan Viewing Platform (including the nearby train station) (Approx. 15-minute drive)
One of Alishan’s classic must-see spots. Here, you can take in views of the railway, sunrise, and sea of clouds all in one frame—perfect for light walking and soaking in the mountain magic.
(Ogasawara Mountain – One of Alishan’s New Eight Scenic Spots – Image Source:South East Travel 東南旅遊)
(Zhushan Sunrise and Cherry Blossoms – Image Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Administration, MOTC)
Join a TTtrips Mianyue Line Tour for a Hassle-Free Experience
Don’t want to research, have no time to plan, feel overwhelmed by permit applications, or simply don’t want to drive?
Then you’re the perfect match for TTtrips’ hiking tours!
With just one call, we’ll pick you up from Chiayi and take you straight into the mountains—we’ll even handle the entry permit application for you!
► Chiayi Alishan Mianyue Line Day Tour | Explore the Vanished Forest Railway
►Taiwan 4-Day Private Car Tour | Taichung, Qingjing, Sun Moon Lake, Chiayi, Alishan
It’s more than just hiking—it’s a forest therapy experience.
Whether you’re a first-time hiker, a seasoned mountaineer, a photography enthusiast, or simply a weekend escape artist longing to unplug, the Mianyue Line and Tefuye Historic Trail in Alishan offer moments of awe that speak to every kind of traveler.
And that sense of healing? It starts the moment you leave your doorstep.
Especially if you choose a private car tour—no stressing over bus transfers, no motion sickness from winding mountain roads, no driving fatigue or luggage juggling. You can even nap all the way to the trailhead (yes, someone can even help angle your selfies!).
It’s not just about saving time and energy—it’s about the freedom to choose your pace, take detours to hidden gems, and linger at your favorite café without watching the clock.
So if your hiking boots are ready, don’t forget to lock in your ride.
Make your next mountain getaway truly relaxing—let TTtrips private car tours take you into the heart of the forest, where you can hike with grace, not with chaos.
Ready to hike like a pro—without the panic?
Let TTtrips be your ride to the wild.
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