48 HOURS IN TAIWAN

From misty mountain sunrises in Alishan to sky-high views in Taiwan's cities, Rishika Singh immerses herself in the island's eclectic mix of nature, culture, and cuisine

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IT’S 6 AM IN THE Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, high in the mountains of central Taiwan's Chiayi County, a place known for its misty peaks, ancient forests, and the “sea of clouds” that draws visitors here before dawn.

The sun rises in sharp contrast to the thick, rolling clouds draped across the valleys below, as if slicing through them. For a moment, it feels as though I'm standing on top of the world, literally.

Above The Clouds

On the way to Shouzhen Temple, one of the highest temples in Taiwan at approximately 2,150 metres above sea level, you pass through a grove of cherry blossoms at Zhaoping Park that makes you stop mid-step. It’s almost absurd, to find that unapologetic shock of pink in all that deep green.

The temple itself is an architectural marvel, and even more so when enveloped in thick fog. It’s dedicated to a local Taoist deity believed to protect travellers and forests, which feels reassuring. And that’s something you notice across Taiwan: small Taoist shrines everywhere, tucked into corners, built for local gods who still feel very much in charge.