Alishan sunrise trail to close for a year from November; walkers get a new entry instruction

The Sunrise Viewing Trail in Taiwan’s Alishan National Forest Recreation Area will close for construction from 1 November 2026 through 31 October 2027.

This notice concerns a specific walking trail; it does not announce a park-wide closure or cancellation of all sunrise visits and train services.

Converting the dates in the original notice

The forestry agency’s Chiayi Branch announced stone-slab renewal and trail improvement on 6 October. The Chinese notice uses Republic of China calendar years 115 and 116, corresponding to 2026 and 2027. At the 8 October check, this is a forthcoming closure. The notice alone therefore cannot establish that an October visit is already blocked.

Four walking destinations have an alternate entry

Walkers going to the Zhushan sunrise area, Duigaoyue Trail, Alishan Botanical Garden or Xiaoliyuan Mountain are directed to the Second Control Post. Naming these destinations does not mean all four are closed. Equally, their inclusion does not permit use of the closed trail. Distinguishing the construction segment from access to a destination is the essential planning change.

A sunrise visit needs a workable arrival time

Sunrise is a time-sensitive objective. Changing the entry may require a new starting point and approach, but the notice supplies no replacement distance, walking time or gradient. It would be misleading to invent an extra number of minutes or describe the approach as easy for everyone. Train and park-vehicle services during the construction period need a separate check; this walking notice does not settle them.

Questions to answer before booking

Dates and entry instructions were compared between the official notice and World Trip News’s independent explanation. An exact alternative map, accessibility for visitors needing assistance and transport on a chosen date remain unverified by these materials. Check official park and railway information before arranging accommodation or transport. The agency also notes morning–evening temperature differences above 2,000 metres; operation after the closure window requires a later update.

Primary source and independent checks

Primary source and official explanation: Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency

Independent reporting check: World Trip News

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