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Fenqihu is located at an elevation of 1,405 meters in Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and often shrouded in mist, creating the illusion of a dustpan-shaped lake, the location was previously known as “Bungi’o” in the Minnan dialect. “Bungi” means “dustpan,” and “o” means “lake,” or in this case, “low-lying land,” because a lake is nowhere to be found in the area. “Bungi’o” was later replaced by the more refined name “Fenqihu.” With an abundance of ecological resources, lovely natural sights, and a forest railway that winds its way into high mountains, the Fenqihu area is a popular tourist destination.
Fenqihu Centenarian Station:
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This refers to the old station of Fenqihu, which lies south of the present station. Fenqihu Station is about half way up the Alishan Forest Railway. This wooden structure is constructed entirely of precious Taiwanese cypress and now serves as the Fenqihu Superintendents’ Office. A rare species of rhododendron growing outside the station adds an antique charm to this old building.
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| Fenqihu Station |
In earlier days, Fenqihu Station was a repair depot for steam locomotives to refuel, using coal and water, and change engines. Comprised of two platforms, it was also the biggest station on the Alishan Line and functioned as one of the line’s repair depots. It is easy to imagine what it looked like in its prime. In addition, there is another county-designated historic building next to the station: The “garage” (a place that formerly housed locomotives) has been converted into an exhibition center, displaying an early steam locomotive, a patrol train, and valuable old railway photos to transport visitors back to the past through a tunnel of time.
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| The “garage” (a place that formerly housed locomotives) has been converted into an exhibition center |
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| inside the 'garage' |
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| an old locomotive exhibit |
Fenqihu Old Street:
Currently the highest old street in Taiwan, Fenqihu Old Street is lively and crowded with tourists on weekends. Stalls selling local culinary delights accompanied by the warm welcomes of shop owners to passing tourists line the street’s narrow alleyways. There are stalls selling very famous local snacks such as Train Cakes and the Fenqihu Bento Lunch Box.
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| Fenqihu Old Street |
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| the street’s narrow alleyways |
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| try the famous Fenqihu Bento Lunch Box - that's what the railway works had in the old days |
Roads and stairs stemming out from the old street are paved with flagstones, so a walk through the village gives one the impression of being in Jiufen in Northern Taiwan, giving Fenqihu its name “the Jiufen of the South.” The old street offers a dazzling array of local specialties, take-away snacks, and souvenirs. However, in addition to great food and groups of visitors to mingle with, the old street also provides a window into Fenqihu’s rich and varied history, and is well worth an extended stay
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| Train Cakes - delicious |
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| many stalls selling very famous local snacks |
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| sample what you like |
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| very good muah-chi from this stall |
The beautiful waterfalls and lovely refreshing streams are calming and peaceful. At Fenqihu you can try many different mountain vegetables such as bamboo shoots. The area is easy to explore and gives a feeling of freedom.
Alishan Forest Railway
Construction of the Alishan Forest Railway was commenced in 1899 by the Japanese. Intended to transport logs down the mountain, it has a 762mm gauge, a gradient of 6.25%, and a minimum turning radius of 40 meters. Traffic was opened on the 66.6-kilometer stretch between Chiayi and Erwanping in 1912, and was extended up Alishan to a full length of 71.4 kilometers in 1914. The railway climbs from 30 meters above sea level to 2,216 meters, has 47 tunnels and 72 bridges, and passes through a cross-section of climates and terrain types.
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| the train has arrived |
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| looks old but it works well |
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| inside the cabin of the train - very comfortable |
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| one of the many scenes of the train ride |
From Chiayi, the railway travels along relatively flat terrain for 14.2 kilometers before beginning the long climb, corkscrewing around Mt. Duli, climbing 200 meters over a distance of five kilometers. The railway then travels on to Pingjena Station. From here it zigzags up the mountain, reversing direction at each new section of line as it gradually ascends Alishan.
Intended to transport logs and carry supplies, the railway has now become an integral part of the Alishan recreation facilities. After the Alishan Express was established in 1984 (requiring 3 hours and 15 minutes for the complete journey), some of the carriages of the original trains were converted into hotel accommodation. A number of locomotives are also on display at the Old Railway Display Area located near Zhaoping Railway Station.
The Alishan Forest Railway is an unforgettable experience. It is actually one of the only three remaining alpine railways in the world. The Japanese first built the railway so they could carry lumber from the forests.
The Alishan Railway ascends into the mountains at a height above sea level (over 2,000 metres). The mountain is very steep so the train has to zig zag upwards. This makes the journey interesting.
It is useful to know that the train is only scheduled once a day during the week and twice a day during the weekend and holidays.
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