Taiwan1 dayGroup 1-7

Mian Yue Line: Taiwan's Abandoned Rail Trek — 1 Day

An 18km hike through Alishan National Forest along a decommissioned railway, featuring trestle bridges and tunnels, with permit and guide included.

The Mian Yue Line winds through old-growth and secondary forest in Alishan National Forest as a maintained hiking route built on an abandoned rail line. The trail descends roughly 9 kilometers one-way (18 kilometers return) and includes a short approach from the bus drop-off, totaling just over 20 kilometers for the day. Hikers traverse original wooden trestle bridges without safety railings, train tunnels, and remnants of the railway infrastructure—a landscape shaped by Taiwan's industrial past. The route is not technically demanding, though exposure on the bridges and the cumulative distance require steady pacing and sure footing. Entry to the adjoining Taiwan Pleione Nature Preserve is regulated: only 300 visitors are permitted daily, and permits are mandatory to protect the Taiwan Pleione orchid endemic to the area. This day hike departs from Chiayi and includes return transportation, a bilingual guide, liability insurance, and permit application.

Highlights

Hike the full 18-kilometer return route of the Mian Yue Line through mixed-age forest on a decommissioned rail bed
Cross original wooden trestle bridges without railings, characteristic of Taiwan's early 20th-century mountain railways
Walk through preserved railway tunnels and pass other infrastructure remnants of the line's operational period
Access the Taiwan Pleione Nature Preserve with mandatory permit secured by the operator
Return transportation from Chiayi Train Station and bilingual guide services throughout the day

Day by day

1Mian Yue Line: Alishan's Abandoned Railway TrailMian Yue Line · Chiayi Train Station · Mian Yue Line trailhead · Alishan Visitor Center

An early departure from Chiayi Train Station leads west to Alishan National Forest, a two-hour drive through rising elevation. After arrival, a short walk reaches the Mian Yue Line trailhead, where a six-hour hike follows the abandoned rail route downslope through forest. The trail crosses original wooden trestle bridges—many without modern railings—and passes through train tunnels carved during the railway's construction era. The terrain is well-maintained but demands attention over the distance and cumulative elevation loss. A bilingual guide manages pace and provides context on the railway's history and forest ecology. Return follows the same line, with departure from the Alishan Visitor Center and arrival back at Chiayi Train Station by early evening. Daily visitor permits are secured in advance; schedule flexibility is available within the 12-hour tour window.

Included

Bilingual (Chinese/English) & experienced mountain guide services (if applicable)
Private round-trip transportation from Chiayi Train Station (Alternate pick up locations can be arranged. Additional costs may apply.)
Passenger Vehicle & TWD$3,000,000 Travel Agency Liability Insurance
National Forest Parking Fee for vehicle
Nature Reserve Permit Application for guests
Private LINE group with guide/ Taiwan Outdoors’ staff

Not included

Flights (Domestic or International), Train or bus transportation to Chiayi Train Station
Airport transfers (Available upon request. Additional costs apply)
Drinks and meals
Additional stops at attractions or souvenir shops
Admission into Alishan National Forest
Additional Personal Travel Insurance