Alishan Forest Railway, Narrow gauge railway in Chiayi County, Taiwan
The Alishan Forest Railway is a narrow gauge line in Chiayi County that runs 86 kilometers (53 miles) through mountain terrain and includes 50 tunnels and 77 wooden bridges. The route connects different elevation zones and passes through dense forest and open slopes with views of valleys and peaks.
Construction of the railway began in 1912 during Japanese rule to transport cypress and Taiwania timber from mountain forests to the coast. The line was later opened for passenger travel and today connects stations that have stood since colonial times.
Along the route trains pass through Tsou villages where passengers can see ancient cedars that have stood in the highlands for centuries. These trees are considered a living connection to nature and draw visitors who view the mountain as a spiritual place.
Passengers board at Chiayi station where trains depart daily at 9 in the morning with extra weekend services available. The journey takes several hours depending on the destination and the temperature drops noticeably as elevation increases.
The railway uses Z-shaped switchbacks and spiral tunnels to manage a 5% gradient and climb 2,216 meters (7,270 feet) through multiple climate zones. Trains reverse direction at certain sections to overcome the steep slope.
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