Yehliu Geopark, located in Wanli Village, Taipei County. by Wu Jingteng

Ali Mountain

Located east of the Chiayi City, Ali Mountain, reaching 2,663 meters above sea level, spans a broad range of climate zones; including subtropical, tropical, temperate and cold. Known as "Asia's Natural Botanical Garden," the mountain is gifted with abundant forests and a pleasant climate. One of the top-rated resort areas of Taiwan, even at the height of summer here it remains pleasantly cool.

On Ali Mountain there are two can't-miss excursions: A ride on the mountain train; and a visit to the Holy Ali Mountain Tree.

Running 72 kilometers, Ali Mountain Railway rises from 30 meters to 2,450 meters, a steep climb rarely-seen in the world of rail lines. Together with the railway from India's Darjeeling to the Himalayas and the Andes Railway, which runs from Chile to Argentina, Ali Mountain Railway is one of only three mountain railways in the world. Initially designed to transport timber, the railway now serves as a forest tourist line. As the train winds up the mountain, in steeper sections passengers may feel as if they are climbing stairs. While one is seated in the vintage compartments, the eight-hour journey will take them through more than 60 tunnels and nearly 80 bridges on the way to Ali Mountain station, 2,274 meters above sea level. Atop the mountain the gorgeous view is the stuff of a lifetime memory.