Previous: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/05/taiwan-east-south-18-19408_5.html
On our way to Alishan we stopped by a popular tourist spot named Fenchihu which is located in Chuchi Township in west-central Taiwan's Chiayi County. At 1,405 meters above sea level, it marks the halfway point on the way to the top of Alishan (Mt Ali) on the renowned forest railway. We explored the surrounding area especially the hundred-year-old street (behind the station) which is actually an alley of low wooden buildings, no more than 500 meters, long selling the famous "Alishan Railway Lunchbox" and high altitude food products such as bamboo shoots and aiyu jelly. With the decline of the logging industry, Fenchihu now survives mainly on tourist business.
Immediately after lunch we headed for the nearby Mt Dadong scenic area. A few of us chose to hike up the 7 km trail to the peak over other lesser trails in spite of the gloomy weather. It was about 2.20 p.m. when we embarked on the hike. Ten minutes into the trail, we noted that place was getting misty and foggy and a returning hiker advised us to hurry as it might rain. In view of this, we quicken our pace and opted for a shorter but steeper route. The trail was dry and it cut through a forest of nice bamboos initially and later cypress trees. Surprising, visibility improved as we approached the summit. It was about 3.10 p.m. when we reached a very brightly lit peak (elevation:1,975 meters) whereupon sits a solid pavilion shelter. Unfortunately, it was too misty/cloudy to view anything from the peak. We left the place at 3.30 p.m. and took more than 1 hour to return to base because firstly, we took a longer route downhill and secondly, we took time to savour the beautiful trail lined by tall straight cypress trees.
The following morning sunrise viewing turned out to be a disappointment. Another major disappointment was the total absence of any Alishan tribal/cultural activities. Apparently, the tribal people have been resettled elsewhere and the younger generation has since joined the mainstream of society. After breakfast, the only option left was to explore the Alishan Forest Recreation Area which boasts of beautiful trails, many scenic spots, charming Sakura cherry trees and thousand years old cypress trees as well as variety of birds. Later that day, we also had to miss out on sunset viewing due to the rain.
For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/2568.
Next: http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2008/05/around-taipei-mt-qixing-hike-22-230408_3.html
nice album ~~~
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