Alishan's Autumn Maples Turn Red, Enjoy Scenery with Sea of Clouds and Trains (Note: Sunrise Trail to be Closed for 1 Year from

[Travel News by Hong Shuh-Ting] As autumn deepens, the high-mountain climate becomes increasingly crisp. A cool autumn breeze is already blowing through Taiwan's Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. The area's Japanese maples, trident maples, and other deciduous trees are awaiting the signal to turn yellow and red. At that time, many of these trees will put on their colorful new attire of yellow, green, orange, and red. The park is about to enter its prime season for viewing autumn foliage, and sometimes visitors can feel like they are walking among the clouds due to the sea of clouds. This attracts a large number of tourists and photography enthusiasts, who flock to witness the feast of high-mountain railways intertwined with natural scenery. Many hikers also head to Alishan to pilgrimage along the trails! However, please note that the Sunrise Trail within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area will be closed for one year starting from November 1st of this year (2026), so visitors should be aware! Every autumn, the Japanese maples, trident maples, and Taiwan red maples in the Alishan mountain area gradually turn red. Excellent spots for viewing autumn foliage within the park include 'Zhaoping Park,' 'Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform,' 'Xiaoliwu Mountain Observation Deck,' 'Ciyun Temple,' 'Alishan Hotel,' 'Alishan Work Station,' 'Zhaoping Park,' and the 'Gaofeng Trail,' as well as areas along Provincial Highway 18 between kilometers 88 and 95. Visitors strolling along the ancient tree-lined trails can look up to see red leaves against the blue sky, and underfoot, fallen leaves form a golden carpet, creating a poetic scene. Riding the Forestry Bureau's red train through the sea of red maple trees is also a classic scene captured by countless photographers.