18 Dec 2023
SUNRISE AT MT. OGASAWARA VIEWING LOT
Watching the sunrise at Alishan was a breathtaking experience that left me in awe of nature's beauty. Despite the early hour, I was determined to witness this natural wonder from the perfect vantage point.
I opted to travel to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area itself instead of viewing the sunrise from the hotel rooftop. Leaving Hotel Indigo Alishan at 3 am, I made my way to catch the first train to Zhushan Station (祝山車站), departing at 5.50 am. The sunrise was scheduled for 6.56 am, and I was pleasantly surprised by how accurate the timing was. Information on the train departure and sunrise timing can be found at the ticketing counter.
The traffic was smooth, and I arrived at the park around 4.30 am, well ahead of the departure timing of the train. The weather was cool at around 10 degrees Celsius, so it is advisable to wear a heavy jacket. The journey to the park was shrouded in fog, and I was worried about whether the sunrise can be seen in that morning throughout the ride. Thankfully, the fog gradually cleared, and I was treated to a stunning sight of the stars twinkling above, highlighting the unpredictability of mountain weather. It is said that there is a higher chance of seeing the sunrise when the stars are visible.
Boarding the Sunrise Viewing Train at Alishan Station, I arrived at Zhushan Station, where the Zhushan Viewing Point was visible. However, my destination is the Mt. Ogasawara Viewing Lot (小笠原山觀景台) where the view is said to be the best. Following the directions from the train conductor, I embarked on an uphill walk to the second viewing point. By this point, my legs were already feeling the burn, but the anticipation kept me going. Another 10-minute walk led me to the Mt. Ogasawara Viewing Lot, offering a 360-degree panorama of the surroundings. The view was nothing short of spectacular, resembling a watercolour painting with the first light of dawn.
Look at the paddle pop sky!
Slowly, more people came streaming into the viewing platform, many armed with cameras on tripods. So, it is best to arrive earlier to get a better view!
Despite facing the wrong direction initially, a kind fellow tourist pointed me in the right direction just in time for the sunrise. The platform became increasingly crowded, making it challenging to capture the moment on my phone. Nonetheless, the beauty of the sunrise was a reminder that some experiences are best enjoyed in person rather than through a lens.
SEA OF CLOUDS AT DUIGAOYUE VIEWING LOT
After witnessing the sunrise, I headed towards Duigaoyue Viewing Lot (對高岳觀景台), famous for its sea of clouds in the early mornings. The view was truly breathtaking, adding to the magical experience of the morning. I then leisurely strolled back to Zhaoping Station (沼平車站) to catch the train back to Alishan Station before returning back to the hotel.
ERYANPING TRAIL
After checking out of the hotel, I chartered a private car at 2000 TWD for half a day and headed to Eryanping trail (二延平步道). The starting point of the trail is also accessible by bus. Take the 公路客运 ibus number 7302 or 7322 and alight at Anding Station(鞍頂站). I recall that there aren't many trips, so do pay attention to the bus schedule.
The serene trail, lined with bamboo, offered a peaceful escape into nature. The trail, approximately 1.1 kilometers long, was beginner-friendly and consisted of stairs, making the journey manageable yet rewarding. Along the trail, you can enjoy different scenery, including strange rock formations and tea plantations, in addition to the bamboo forests. The trail should take approximately two hours for a round trip. If you don’t want to hike, you can even drive right up to the highest viewing deck.
During the hike, there are two pavilions where I could rest and catch my breath while admiring the scenery. The fog descended halfway through the hike, adding a mystical element to the surroundings.
I was fortunate to be able to see the sea of clouds at the highest viewing deck (隙顶二延平步道观云平台). You may check out the view live on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2L_559nCjc.
There were few other hikers along the trail, which created a slightly eerie atmosphere as the fog descended. Fortunately, I encountered a friendly tour group led by a knowledgeable guide who joined me on the descent via the tea mist trail (at no charge of course!). This path had fewer stairs but was longer in distance. Descending before sunset was wise due to the lack of lighting along the trail and the thick evening fog.
Reflecting on my journey, I realised the beauty of spontaneity and the bravery it takes to embark on new adventures. As I returned to Chiayi station, I stopped by Fuyishan (福義軒), a popular egg roll shop, to pick up some souvenirs. Every day, there are limited edition flavours available. The egg rolls were fragrant and crispy, a perfect ending to my Alishan adventure.
IN ALL…
The pursuit of dawn's first light at Alishan is an experience that I will cherish for a long time. On this day, the elements aligned flawlessly—the weather a tapestry of perfection, the stars a celestial dance of beauty, and the souls I encountered, kindred spirits of grace. Yet, the true allure was not in the sunrise itself, but in the impromptu journey that began at the stroke of three.
Love,
Shu