Alishan Railway hosts a tribal train from 7 November

Alishan Railway hosts its Tribal Cultural Train in Chiayi, Taiwan, from 7 to 8 November 2026. The two-day programme takes passengers to Shizilu Station and into Tsou cultural landscapes, while extending the railway's 114th-anniversary programme.

The event is organised by the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office. The office announced the programme on 16 October 2026, placing the train within a wider anniversary series built around railway sounds, forest environments and Indigenous culture.

Tribal Cultural Train runs from 7 to 8 November

The train carries passengers to Shizilu Station, described by the organiser as a historic meeting point for routes connected with Tsou communities. From there, the programme continues towards the Nooyoca traditional hunting ground.

The organiser says the itinerary includes a traditional blessing ceremony, Tsou songs, hunters' stories and an overnight stay. The programme also includes a campfire gathering and a tribal meal. These elements make the railway journey a route into the surrounding cultural landscape rather than a trip limited to the train itself. The official programme announcement gives the dates, route and activities.

How the train connects with Alishan railway heritage

The main railway links Chiayi City with Alishan through a 72.7-kilometre mountain route. Full-line operations resumed on 6 July 2024 after restoration work following major typhoon damage. The route has 13 principal stations, including Chiayi, Fenqihu, Shizilu, Erwanping and Alishan.

That history gives the November programme a clear setting. The event uses the railway's established connection between the lowland city and mountain communities, then adds cultural activities at a station that serves as a route junction. The railway heritage and route details are recorded by the Alishan National Scenic Area administration.

The railway began as a logging route and now carries visitors through forest scenery and heritage stations. Its branch lines serve destinations including Zhushan, Zhaoping and the Giant Tree Area. The November event instead centres on Shizilu and the Tsou cultural landscape beyond the station.

Visiting Alishan Railway: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The Tribal Cultural Train takes place from 7 to 8 November 2026, travelling by railway to Shizilu Station before continuing into the Tsou cultural landscape.
• The programme is a limited organised itinerary with a blessing ceremony, cultural storytelling, songs, an overnight stay and a campfire gathering, rather than a normal scheduled train service.
• Chiayi is the lowland starting point of the 72.7-kilometre main line, which continues through the mountains to Alishan.
• The route includes mountain railway travel and walking in a forested highland setting; the Nooyoca section is part of the organised programme.
• Mandarin Chinese is Taiwan's official language and the national currency is the New Taiwan dollar.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

Further anniversary activities are planned in Chiayi and along the railway later in 2026.

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Frequently asked questions about Alishan Railway

When does the Tribal Cultural Train take place?

The Tribal Cultural Train runs from 7 to 8 November 2026. It travels to Shizilu Station and continues into the Tsou cultural landscape.

What is Alishan Railway?

It is a mountain railway linking Chiayi with Alishan through a 72.7-kilometre main line. Full-line operations resumed on 6 July 2024.

Where is Alishan Railway and how do you get there?

The lowland departure point is Chiayi City in Taiwan. The railway then climbs through the mountains towards Alishan.