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 Alishan
is a resort area made popular by the famous sunrise view from the nearby
summit of Chu Shan, also known as Celebration Mountain. Alishan is situated
east of Chiayi, a small manufacturing city on the western plain between
Taichung and Tainan. Visitors clad in thick heavy jackets withstand the
icy cold to witness the rising sun beyond the horizon at the height of
2,490m (8,170ft) above sea level. Golden streaks of light penetrate the
dawn, springing across the massive clouds that cover the valleys to the
east. The wave of clouds bound to life the moment the sun shines across
in lucid shades of gold and silver, and red and orange.
 The
peak is packed with thousands of visitors on holidays and weekends. There
are at least a few hundred people making their way to the summit by tour
buses, even on normal days. Often, thick fog and mists gather atop the
peak, allowing visitors to feel as though they are floating amidst the
clouds. Nevertheless, even when the weather is terrible, visitors often
depart with quite delight.
Besides watching
the ethereal sunrise, Alishan has other attractions to offer. Surrounding
the region are forests of red cypress, cedar, and pine trees, some of
them thousands of years old. When the trees die, the logs are laid untouched,
thus constituting some of Alishan's outstanding and romantic sights. In
view of its quixotic images, names were bestowed upon them: Heavenly Couple,
Forever United in Love, and so on.
 Possibly
the attraction that would enthrall foreign visitors is the long train
ride to the mountain resort from Chiayi. Old antique trains were restored
to run the winding tracks that measure about 70km (2,500ft) in length.
At the mountain top, a few locomotives function to carry passengers and
lumber through the area.
Bookings for train
tickets and to the Alishan House Hotel should be made at least a week
prior to arrival. The Taiwan Forestry Tourism Corporation office, located
opposite the street from the main railway station, can make arrangement
bookings. The Alishan House is a favorite among most visitors as it is
the oldest and most captivating hotel there.
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