Longyin Temple (龍隱寺) is a serene Taoist temple in Taiwan, revered for its peaceful ambiance and cultural significance. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the temple provides a tranquil setting for meditation, worship, and reflection. Dedicated to various Taoist deities, including the Jade Emperor, visitors come to pray for blessings, health, and prosperity. Showcasing traditional Chinese architectural design, Longyin Temple features intricate carvings, red lanterns, and the fragrant glow of burning incense. Beyond its spiritual offerings, the temple often hosts festivals and religious ceremonies, making it a captivating destination for those interested in Taiwan’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Die Fenqihu Historical Street (奮起湖老街) ist eine charmante, altmodische Straße im Bergdorf Fenqihu in Taiwan. Sie ist berühmt für ihre reiche Geschichte, ihr traditionelles Essen und ihre Verbindung zur Alishan Forest Railway. Die Straße hat ihre nostalgische Atmosphäre bewahrt, mit schmalen Gassen, die von Holzhäusern und alten Geschäften gesäumt sind, die bis in die japanische Kolonialzeit Taiwans zurückreichen. Eines der Highlights der Fenqihu Historical Street sind ihre traditionellen Bento-Boxen, genannt Fenqihu Bento (奮起湖便當), die ursprünglich für Passagiere der Alishan-Eisenbahn entwickelt wurden. Diese Bentos enthalten oft lokale Spezialitäten wie Bambussprossen, Würstchen, geschmortes Schweinefleisch und Gemüse. Besucher können diese lokale Köstlichkeit genießen, während sie die vielen Teehäuser, Souvenirläden und alten Bäckereien der Straße erkunden, die frisch gebackenes Gebäck anbieten.

The Alishan Small Train, or Alishan Forest Railway (阿里山森林鐵路), is a historic narrow-gauge railway in Taiwan celebrated for its scenic mountain routes and cultural heritage. Originally built in 1912 during the Japanese colonial period to transport cypress logs, the railway has transformed into a major tourist attraction. The train climbs from Chiayi City at 30 meters above sea level to over 2,200 meters in the Alishan National Scenic Area, navigating steep, winding tracks and offering passengers breathtaking views of forests, gorges, and mist-covered peaks. Along the journey, travelers pass through diverse ecosystems, from subtropical lowlands to temperate highlands, providing a unique opportunity to witness Taiwan’s rich flora and fauna in a single, unforgettable trip.

The Alishan National Scenic Area (阿里山國家風景區), nestled in Taiwan’s central mountains in Chiayi County, is one of the island’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Famed for its misty forests, towering peaks, and rich cultural heritage, Alishan offers visitors a harmonious blend of natural beauty and traditional Taiwanese experiences. A highlight is witnessing the sunrise from Zhushan (祝山), where the early morning sun illuminates the mountains and creates the enchanting “sea of clouds” (雲海), a sight many travelers reach via the Alishan Small Train’s Zhushan Line. The area is also home to ancient cypress trees, some over a thousand years old, with the Alishan Sacred Tree (神木) standing as a symbol of the region’s enduring natural legacy.

The Sister Ponds (姊妹潭) are a serene and picturesque destination in Taiwan, consisting of two small, tranquil ponds nestled within lush forest surroundings. According to local legend, the ponds represent two devoted sisters who chose to remain by the waters for eternity, symbolizing love and loyalty. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the scenic trails encircling the ponds, making it an ideal spot for reflection, relaxation, and photography amid the calming beauty of nature.

Der Shouzhen-Tempel im Alishan National Scenic Area ist der größte Tempel der Region und eine bedeutende taoistische spirituelle Stätte in Taiwan. Der Tempel ist Xuantian Shangdi gewidmet und zeigt traditionelle chinesische Architektur mit kunstvollen Schnitzereien und großen Hallen. Besucher kommen, um um Schutz und Segen zu beten, insbesondere während taoistischer Feste, und genießen dabei die ruhige Atmosphäre umgeben von üppigen Bergen. Der Shouzhen-Tempel ehrt auch andere Gottheiten wie Guanyin und Mazu, was ihn zu einem wichtigen kulturellen und religiösen Ziel in der Region Alishan macht.