Tataka via Alishan End Complete Road Conditions: The 40K Highlight Section from Alishan to Tataka

The short-distance challenge from Alishan to Tataka—nearly the entire 40 kilometers runs through mid-to-high elevation forests. Shorter in distance but no less challenging, and the scenery is just as impressive as the Shueili end.

Route Overview

Basic Data

• Start: Shihjhuo (elevation 1350m, corner of Alishan Highway)
• Finish: Tataka Saddle (elevation 2610m)
• Distance: Approximately 35-40 km
• Elevation Gain: 1260m
• Average Gradient: 3.6%
• Estimated Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Elevation Profile

Shihjhuo (1350m) → Shizilu (1500m) → Alishan Entrance (1800m) → Tataka (2610m)

Starting Point Options: Shihjhuo vs. Alishan Entrance

Starting from Shihjhuo

• Full route 35-40 km
• Elevation gain 1260m
• Time 3-3.5 hours
• Suitable for: Intermediate to advanced riders

Starting from Alishan Entrance (1800m)

• Shorter 18-20 km
• Elevation gain 810m
• Time 1.5-2 hours
• Suitable for: Beginners and riders wanting to experience high altitude

Road Conditions by Section

Section 1: Shihjhuo to Shizilu (0-10K)

Elevation

• 1350m → 1500m
• Elevation gain 150m
• Gradient 1.5% (gentle)

Road Conditions

• Provincial Highway 18
• Frequent fog (common at mid-elevation)
• Light traffic

Scenery

• Tea plantations (Shihjhuo is famous for its tea)
• Bamboo forest paths
• Occasional cherry blossoms (spring)

Supplies

• Shihjhuo: Tea houses, cafés, specialty restaurants
• Shizilu: Small grocery stores

Section 2: Shizilu to Alishan Entrance (10-18K)

Elevation

• 1500m → 1800m
• Elevation gain 300m
• Gradient 3.8%

Road Conditions

• More curves
• Forest canopy cover
• More tourist vehicles (Alishan scenic area begins)

Scenery

• Cypress forest entrance
• Waterfalls
• High-mountain mist views

Supplies

• Alishan Visitor Center: Shops, restaurants, restrooms
• Last major supply point

Section 3: Alishan Entrance to Tataka (18-40K)

Elevation

• 1800m → 2610m
• Elevation gain 810m
• Gradient 3.7%
• Some sections 5-6%

Road Conditions

• High-mountain highway
• Many curves (sharp turns)
• Fallen leaves, small rocks
• Occasional heavy fog

Scenery

• Sacred Tree Area: 2,000-year-old red cypress
• Sea of clouds: Best in the early morning
• Sunrise viewpoint: Panoramic views of Yushan (Jade Mountain)
• Tataka Saddle: Finish line scenery

Supplies

• No commercial supplies on this section
• Must bring sufficient water and food
• Refill before entering

Climate Characteristics

Seasonal Differences

Spring (March-May)

• Cherry blossoms in full bloom (Shihjhuo, Alishan)
• Temperatures 15-20°C
• Heavy fog, poor visibility

Summer (June-August)

• Frequent afternoon thunderstorms
• Long daylight hours
• Temperatures 20-25°C

Autumn (September-November)

• Best visibility
• Temperatures 12-20°C
• Maple leaves (limited)

Winter (December-February)

• Possible snowfall (rare)
• Temperatures 5-15°C
• Strong winds

High-Mountain Climate Characteristics

• Temperature can drop 5-10°C within 1 hour
• Fog rolls in quickly
• Sudden rain possible

Hazards and Cautions

Forest Recreation Area Controls

• Certain sections of Alishan Highway may be restricted
• Traffic controls during major events
• Check announcements

Riding in Fog

• Visibility may drop below 50m
• Front and rear lights must be on
• Reduce speed by 30%
• Safer to ride in a group

Wildlife

• Alishan salamander (rare but protected species)
• Blue magpies, various bird species
• Macaques rarely seen

Pacing Strategy

Goal: Complete within 3 hours

Section	Time	Cumulative
Shihjhuo-Shizilu	30min	30min
Shizilu-Entrance	40min	1:10
Entrance-Tataka	1:30	2:40
Rest	20min	3:00

Power Strategy

• First 10K: 65-70% FTP
• Middle section: 75-80% FTP
• Later section: 78-82% FTP
• Final sprint: 85-90% FTP

Recommended Challenge Formats

Day Trip Out-and-Back (Strong Riders)

• 06:00 Depart Shihjhuo
• 09:00 Arrive Tataka
• 10:00 Descend
• 12:00 Return to Shihjhuo
• Total time 6 hours (including rest)

One-Way Day Trip (Stay at Tataka / Alishan)

• Challenge in the morning
• Explore Alishan in the afternoon
• Descend home the next day

Two-Way Crossing (Advanced)

• Shihjhuo → Tataka → Shueili (shuttle back to Shihjhuo)
• Complete New Central Cross-Island Highway experience
• 80 km in one day
• Suitable for advanced riders

Accommodation Options

The Night Before

• Shihjhuo: Homestays, tea house lodging
• Shizilu: Limited options
• Near Alishan Visitor Center: Dense accommodation area but more expensive

Price Range

• Shihjhuo homestays: NT$1,500-3,000/night
• Alishan hotels: NT$3,000-8,000/night

Transportation

Driving

• Taichung → Alishan: approximately 3.5 hours
• Chiayi → Alishan: approximately 2 hours
• Parking: Paid parking available at Shihjhuo and Alishan

Public Transportation

• Alishan Forest Railway: Chiayi → Fenchihu (currently operating section)
• Bus: Chiayi → Shihjhuo → Alishan

Comparison with the Shueili End

Advantages of the Alishan End

• Shorter time (2.5-3.5h vs. 5-6h)
• Unique scenery (giant tree forests)
• Suitable for a quick challenge

Disadvantages of the Alishan End

• Entire route at mid-to-high elevation (requires acclimatization)
• Heavy fog and humidity
• Fewer supply points
• Traffic can sometimes be concentrated

Conclusion

Alishan to Tataka is a uniquely styled short-distance challenge. Though the distance is not long, the mid-to-high elevation forests, thousand-year-old sacred trees, sea of clouds, and sunrise make every pedal stroke worthwhile. For riders who don’t want to tackle the 70K Shueili end, the Alishan end is the best choice.

Related Reading

• Chiayi Alishan to Yushan Trailhead: The Ultimate Climbing Route on a High-Mountain Highway
• Tataka Alishan End vs. Shueili End Departure: Supply Points and Road Conditions Comparison
• Alishan to Tataka: A Dream Route from the Sea of Clouds to the Yushan Trailhead
• Tataka Loop (Shueili-Alishan): Complete Two-Day Itinerary Planning