Alishan Sacred Tree

The Alishan Sacred Tree is one of the most notable Alishan attractions. The tree is located at the Sacred Tree (Shenmu) Railway Station with an elevation over 2000 meters above sea level. The Sacred Tree is known as Shenmu in Mandarin with an age over 3,000 years. This giant tree and dozens of younger generations of giant trees are one of the top five Alishan must-see sceneries along with sunrise, sunset, forest railway, and sea of clouds.

The sacred tree is a red cypress which has been guarded by the Tsou for generations, and later widely known during the Japanese colonial period in 1945. The tree is the tallest and the most imposing one in Taiwan with a height of 53 meters, a trunk of 4.66 meters in diameter, and a circumference of 23 meters. The sacred tree was vigor and able to withstand typhoons and earthquakes over the years. However, it was struck by lightning and burned on the inside in 1956. The Forestry Bureau decided to cut and lay the giant tree in 1998 due to its slant in 1997. Nowadays, visitors may see a pavilion built alongside of the sacred tree.

Many Alishan hiking trails will bring you to the Alishan Sacred Tree. Enjoy a healthy forestry journey hiking the sacred tree plank, more than 36 noted giant trees can be seen. Most of them are over 1000 or 2000 years old. Indulge an interesting Alishan travel exploring the age of each giant tree!