Alishan Forest Railway featured in Lonely Planet's 'Epic Train Trips'

Taipei, Nov. 17 (CNA) The Alishan Forest Railway has been featured in international travel publisher Lonely Planet's "Epic Train Trips of the World," making it Taiwan's only entry in the 200-route global guide.

The book, released in September, highlights 13 rail routes in Asia and devotes a four-page chapter to the century-old mountain line, which climbs steeply across switchbacks from Chiayi to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, passing through tea plantations, woodland and into the clouds.

In a news release Monday, the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office noted that the listing follows the full reopening of the main line in 2024, after years of reconstruction and repair work.

Chou Heng-kai (周恆凱), the office's deputy director, said Lonely Planet's recognition helps spotlight the route's historical value and cultural significance.

(By Tsai Chih-ming and James Lo)

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