Eryanping Trail: A Short Hike for Stunning Sunsets and Cloud Seas in Alishan
Located in the beautiful Alishan region, the Eryanping Trail demonstrates that exciting adventures don't always require long distances. This short yet breathtaking trail stretches just 2 km (1.2 miles) and offers stunning views of rolling hills and vibrant greenery. If you're lucky, you might even witness the magical sight of the sun setting into a sea of clouds.
In this post, I'll provide you with what you need to know to seamlessly explore Eryanping Trail and other nearby trails. Make the most of your journey in Alishan. Let's dive in.
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All content is for inspiration only. Use Taiwan Hikes' suggestions at your own risk. We are not responsible for any losses, injuries, or damages.
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Table of Contents:
- Trail Information: A hidden Gem - Eryanping Trail
- Transport to the Trailhead, Map, and Tips to Include Eryanping Trail
- Breathtaking Views: Sunset and Cloud-Sea Wonders on a Short Trail. Plus…
- Explore Alishan: The Greater Alishan Area and Its Core in the Forest Recreation Zone
- Alishan Hiking Guide: Exploring Alishan's Network of Scenic Hikes and the Alishan Hiking Guide
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Trail Information: A hidden Gem - Eryanping Trail
Trail Name: Eryanping Trail 二延平步道
Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)
Route type: Out and back. Or you can take the farm roads around the tea farms.
Ascent/Descent: 249m/249m
Best Time to Go: You can visit the sea of clouds all year round, but winter is the best time to see it.
Permits: Not required
Difficulty Level:
Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)
Route type: Out and back. Or you can take the farm roads around the tea farms.
Ascent/Descent: 249m/249m
Best Time to Go: You can visit the sea of clouds all year round, but winter is the best time to see it.
Permits: Not required
Difficulty Level:
Peaks or Places to Reach
- Mt. Eryanping 二延平山 1,454 meters (4,770 feet). I didn't go to this peak because that section was under construction.
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Transport to the Trailhead, Map, and Tips to Include Eryanping Trail
Map/GPX Track From My Hike
Click Menu in the map to download, print, or share the map.
You can see more options after clicking the Play button.
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to change the speed to meet your condition.
You can see more options after clicking the Play button.
Click
to change the speed to meet your condition.
Public Transport
- Take Alishan Route A (7329、7329A) from Chiayi High-speed Raiway Station.
- Take Alishan Route B (7322C or 7322D) from Chiayi Train Station.
- Take Kuokuang Bus 1835 from Taipei Bus Station.
- Take Sun Moon Lake Alishan Route (Bus 6739).
Get off at Eryanping Trail (Anding) 二延坪步道 (鞍頂) Stop
How to Include Eryanping Trail in Your Alishan Itinerary with Public Transit
If you rely on public transportation to visit Alishan and don't drive, incorporating a visit to Eryanping into your itinerary can be tricky. Here are some tips for accommodation options to help:
- Consider staying at a hotel near the Eryanping Trailhead, also known as Anding (鞍頂). Many tea farms in the area also offer homestay options.
- Staying in Xiding: You can stay at a hotel in Xiding and walk to the Eryanping Trailhead along the Alishan Highway. Wear bright or reflective clothing for safety when walking along the highway in the dark.
- If you are staying in a hotel within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, you might find it difficult to take the bus for sunset views. The bus departs from the Alishan Bus Station to catch the sunset at 16:10, while the last bus from the Eryanping (Anding) Stop back to Alishan leaves around 15:25. As a result, returning to your hotel in the recreation area after viewing the sunset may pose a challenge.
Where to Stay in Alishan
Accommodations within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area are highly sought after but often fully booked. As an alternative, consider staying in Fenqihu, though keep in mind that public transport options to this area are limited.
For more flexibility, you might want to look into staying in Shizhuo 石棹, Siding 隙頂, or Eryanping 二延平. These locations provide convenient access to hiking trails and scenic spots. Support Taiwan Hikes by booking through our affiliate link on KKday to make your trip even more rewarding!
Breathtaking Views: Sunset and Cloud-Sea Wonders on a Short Trail. Plus…
Before we begin, here's the secret to catching those stunning views: patience, a little waiting, and a dash of luck.
This is the shortest trail I've ever shared on Taiwan Hikes, but I can assure you that you will stay here for at least two hours if the weather is right. You also need to get there long before sunset. You will know why soon.
The trailhead is right next to the bus stop. There is a big deck where you can watch the view, and there are also toilets.
However, don't stop there. Take the stairs up, and you will soon be surrounded by lush green tea plantations on one side and mountains on the other.
I stayed at the hotel just across the trailhead, so I came here in the morning and the late evening during my 4-day visit to Alishan.
You will find a small shop near the first pavilion. Please note this shop's location because this is where you go for the hidden gems.
As I continued climbing the stairs, I saw more people waiting for the sunset. While I thought that was the largest crowd I would see, I was wrong.
See all the big guys squatting up there? Obviously, they had been here for hours, indicating the big moment might come.
Since all the good spots were occupied, I went through the crowds to find a less crowded place to see the sunset and clouds. I found one near a small construction site, which later became the finished new toilets.
This location wasn't a great spot, but I was content. This video is what I got.
After sunset, don't leave too soon. Although the sunset in Taiwan doesn't last hours like those in higher-latitude countries, the vibrant colors spreading all over the sky were worth lingering here for a while.
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Plus…
Most people come here for the sunset, but you can actually see the sunrise around here, too. Remember the small shop I mentioned earlier? You can make a turn there and follow the farm roads.
Please DO NOT step into the tea farms to get good views. You might destroy those precious trees. I found a big boulder and enjoyed the clouds flowing over the mountains and tea farms.
Another place to go is to turn to the last pavilion from the top, where most photographers take good photos. Those winding farm roads can be seen on Google Maps, and some will connect with the Alishan Highway.
Warning: don't try to drive on those farm roads. They can be too steep, or the corners are too narrow for drivers to make a turn. Just walk and enjoy.
I found a small shop selling donuts, and they had toilets (such a lifesaver). I sat there once again to enjoy the donuts and views.
Explore Alishan: The Greater Alishan Area and Its Core in the Forest Recreation Zone
First and foremost, Alishan is not a mountain, just like Yangmingshan is not a mountain either. Although the Chinese name for Alishan includes the character for "mountain" (shan), it actually refers to this entire region, much like Yangmingshan.
The Alishan Mountain Range 阿里山山脈 is one of the five major mountain ranges in Taiwan. However, unlike the Hai'an Mountain Range 海岸山脈, none of the mountains in the Alishan Mountain Range exceed 3,000 meters above sea level.
Government Agencies Named After Alishan
According to a Facebook post by the Chiayi Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, there are 10 government agencies named after Alishan. To keep this brief, I will focus on those related to your adventures in Alishan.
- Alishan National Scenic Area of Tourism Administration 交通部觀光署阿里山國家風景區管理處. This agency is underneath the Tourism Administration and oversees tourism in Alishan. Its jurisdiction includes Fanlu Township 番路鄉, Chuchi Township 竹崎鄉, Meishan Township 梅山鄉, and Alishan Township 阿里山鄉.
- Alishan National Forest Recreation Area 阿里山國家森林遊樂區. Managed by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, this area is a popular tourist destination. Admission tickets are required.
- Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office 阿里山林業鐵路及文化資產管理處. This office manages the forest railway, where you can book train tickets.
- Alishan Train Station 阿里山火車站. This station is the departure point for trains to Zhushan Station, known for its sunrise views, as well as to Zhaoping Station and Shenmu Station. It's also the destination for taking the forest train from Chiayi.
- Alishan Township 阿里山鄉. This township is an administrative division under Chiayi County.
- Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18) 阿里山公路 or 省道臺18線. This highway stretches 108.6 km (67.5 miles) from the Taiwan High-speed Railway Chiayi Station to Tataka in Yushan National Park.
- Chiayi Branch, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency 農業部林業及自然保育署嘉義分署. Although this branch is not named after Alishan, it is responsible for managing the national forests in Yulin County 雲林縣, Chiayi County 嘉義縣, Tainan County 台南縣, and Kaohsiung City 高雄市. This is also the agency where you can apply for a permit to hike the Mianyue Line.
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The Broader Alishan Region According to Alishan National Scenic Area
According to Alishan National Scenic Area Headquarters, there are three main recreation systems in Alishan: Northwest Corridor Area 西北廊道地區, Provincial Highway 18 (Alishan Highway) 阿里山公路沿線, and Tsou Culture Area 鄒族文化部落.
While these recreational systems might seem complicated, for tourists traveling by bus or car from Chiayi, the Alishan Highway is the primary route to explore the breathtaking landscapes of mountains, forests, tea plantations, and the famous sea of clouds. Taking public transport is also my preference to enjoy these trails during my visit to Alishan.
Alishan Hiking Guide: Exploring Alishan's Network of Scenic Hikes and the Alishan Hiking Guide
There are numerous trails to explore in the greater Alishan area, and this list includes my favorites.
- Tashan Trail in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
- The Mianyue Line in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
- Shizhuo Trails to Minor 100 Peaks - Mt. Dadong in Fenqihu
- tefuye-zhizhong-mountain
- Eryanping Trail
- The ultimate hike: Yushan/Jade Mountain
So, How Many Days Should I Stay in Alishan: Alishan Hiking Guide
Driving to Alishan takes at least three hours, so it is advisable to stay for at least two days. To explore the hidden beauty of Alishan through its breathtaking hiking trails, which feature misty mountains, lush tea plantations and more, we have created a guide to help you save time on research and planning.
This guide highlights the best routes for discovering Alishan's natural wonders, offering options ranging from tranquil paths to challenging climbs. Whether you want to chase the sunrise, trek historic trails, or connect with nearby peaks, let this guide be your gateway to an unforgettable adventure in Taiwan.
