Taipei, Dec. 7 (CNA) Tickets for the Alishan Forest Railway's sunrise-watching trains on New Year's Day 2023 will be available from Dec. 12, its operator said Wednesday.
A total of 12 trains will depart that day starting at 2:50 a.m., while eight return trains will serve tourists after sunrise at about 7:05 a.m., according to the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office.
Ticket sales for train rides on the Chushan Line -- which is popular for viewing the sunrise over Jade Mountain -- will first open to groups consisting of at least 50 tourists from 9 a.m. on Dec. 12 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 15, the office said.
A total of 3,200 tickets will be allocated for those tourists, who can place their orders by calling 05-2679200, it said.
Meanwhile, individual tourists can start making reservations online from 6 a.m. on Dec. 16 to 12 a.m. on Dec. 30 at https://afrts.forest.gov.tw, or purchase tickets in person between 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 31 at Alishan Train Station.
Each passenger will be allowed to purchase up to six tickets, while a total of 3,800 tickets will be put on sale, according to the office.
The tickets, which are valid for a ride from Alishan Station to Dueigaoyue Station (second to last station on the line, as the terminal Chushan Station is under renovation), cost NT$120 (US$3.88) one-way.
The Alishan Forest Railway, which has been in operation since 1912, was constructed initially to transport timber from the mountains but was later used for recreational purposes, carrying passengers to the popular Alishan area.
The scenic area, one of the top attractions in Taiwan for international tourists, boasts magnificent views of ancient Formosan red cypress and misty forests, which can be seen from the windows of the Alishan trains.
