Taiwanese photographer Song Yongtai stated that he went on a leisurely autumn hike to the Teapot Mountain Trail and Top Stone Paddle Trail Group in Alishan Township, Chiayi County in late September. Walking amidst the high mountains, he enjoyed the colorful clouds and the shimmering glass reflections, feeling extremely relaxed and content.
On September 28th, Song Yongtai and his group took a tour bus to Alishan for a day trip. Choosing to visit Alishan in autumn was to avoid the summer crowds, typhoons in August, and the muddy rainy season. They stayed overnight at the scenic “Zhuyuan Mountain Lodge” and planned to set off for the Teapot Mountain Trail at 6 a.m. in the morning.
The Teapot Mountain Trail in Alishan, Chiayi County, is a national trail stretching 6.32 kilometers from Zizhong (at an altitude of 2,220 meters) to the endpoint of Teapot Mountain (at an altitude of 1,800 meters). Established in 2001 by the Forestry Bureau, it combines natural landscapes and the historical background of the Alishan logging railway during the Japanese occupation era, as well as parts of the ancestral hunting and visitation routes of the Zou indigenous people.
Song Yongtai recommends hiking the Teapot Mountain Trail in autumn, particularly suggesting the first 3.7 kilometers starting from Zizhong, which features a gentle terrain, preserved old railway tracks, and beautiful cedar forest landscapes. This section is the most popular and easiest hiking segment of the entire trail (round-trip totaling 7.4 kilometers, taking about 3 hours with meal breaks), suitable for visitors who wish to explore Alishan but are concerned about physical exertion, including elderly individuals.
He shared that along the Teapot Mountain Trail, hikers can encounter the former logging railway tracks, cypress bridges, wooden boardwalks, and staircases made of gravel and stones. The autumn hike provides breathtaking views of the forests, clean fresh air, the sounds of birds and insects in the woods, and the soothing rustling of dry fallen leaves underfoot, creating a relaxing and stress-relieving atmosphere.
During the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, the Alishan area was extensively exploited for its valuable resources of red cypress and Taiwan cedar, leading to the development of the Alishan Forest Railway for timber transportation. Song Yongtai mentioned that although the red cypress groves are no longer visibly present along the Teapot Mountain Trail, remnants of enormous cypress tree roots can still be seen hidden beneath the moss.
Song Yongtai further explained that the Top Stone Paddle Trail Group is located around the 63.5-kilometer mark of the Alishan Highway, featuring paths such as the Mist Path, Tea Path, Cloud Path, Sunset Path, and Sakura Path at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 meters. While each trail does not exceed 1 kilometer in length, some sections may have steep slopes. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of tea plantations, bamboo forests, sea of clouds, stunning sunsets, and sunrise vistas. Of course, one should not miss bringing back some high-mountain tea when traveling to Alishan.
He noted that the lodging they stayed at had a viewing platform where they could admire the enchanting scenery of the sunset and colorful clouds at dusk. “Having dinner while watching the colorful clouds and sea of clouds is truly a delightful experience!” They were also fortunate to witness the phenomenon known as “glass reflections,” which are colorful light and shadows created by city lights, car lights, and street lamps refracted through thin mist. The sight of “glass reflections” is weather-dependent and unpredictable, making it a popular subject for photography enthusiasts.
Song Yongtai emphasized that when visiting Alishan, tourists should savor Alishan tea, coffee, and indigenous delicacies such as bamboo tube rice, roasted mountain pork, and highland vegetables. He also advised visitors to be mindful of health precautions when ascending the mountain, especially for older individuals who may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as dizziness and nausea.