The Tefuye Ancient Trail in Chiayi: 7 Latest Transportation Methods in 2023, Taking You Effortlessly to the Aboriginal Zou Tribe's Hidden Gem

Located in Alishan Township, Chiayi County, the ""Tefuye Ancient Trail"" is known as one of the most beautiful railway forest trails. It was closed from 0 to 3.75 kilometers starting from June last year and underwent more than a year of renovation. Finally, it reopened on October 20, 2023!

The ""Tefuye Ancient Trail"" is 6.32 kilometers long and spans the border between Nantou and Chiayi County. Walking on the ""Tefuye Ancient Trail"" will give you a sense of deja vu as if you are traveling through a primitive forest. Due to its high altitude and a drop of nearly 500 meters, the natural ecology is very rich. Along the way, you can see cedar forests, cypress forests, old railways, suspension bridges, and other attractions. Here, you can experience the beauty of Alishan from different perspectives.

However, if you are in the mountainous area, what transportation options are available to reach the ""Tefuye Ancient Trail""? Are there any shuttle buses that can directly go to the ""Tefuye Ancient Trail""? I know you must be worried, but don't worry! I have also compiled a latest transportation guide for 2023, which will allow you to easily explore the beautiful ""Shuishan Line"" railway in Alishan that was built for logging the cypress in the Alishan area since the Japanese colonial period!

Tefuye Ancient Trail Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving

• Take the ""Zhongpu Interchange"" on National Highway No. 3 and drive along Provincial Highway No. 18 to Zihjong Trailhead, or turn right at Shizhuo and take County Road 169 to the southern end of Tefuye.

• You can also take the Suhua Highway No. 21 New Central Cross-Island Highway, pass by Tataga Visitor Center, and go to Zihjong.

Current Status of Tefuyeno Ancient Road

From the Tefuyeno exit, along the Tefuyeno Industrial Road, it is approximately 4.6 kilometers to Tefuyeno, 6.3 kilometers to the Tefuyeno tribe, and 9.3 kilometers to the Dabang tribe.

Assistant's note: If you enter the ""Tefuyeno South Port"" from ""Dabang,"" please be aware that the road condition on this section of the industrial road is not ideal. It is recommended to use a vehicle with higher ground clearance or four-wheel drive, and always pay attention to the vehicle's condition to ensure safety.

Tefuyeno Ancient Road Parking Information

You can refer to Google Maps navigation for Tefuyeno Ancient Road parking lots.

Tefuye Ancient Trail Transportation Guide 2. High-Speed Rail

Foreign visitors can also take the High-Speed Rail to Chiayi HSR Station, and then transfer at the Exit 2 outside the station to the bus stop to catch the Chiayi HSR Express BRT7211 or BRT7212 bus to Chiayi Railway Station. From there, transfer to the Chiayi County Bus Route 7314 and get off at "Dabang Station". Then, you will need to transfer to other transportation options to reach the "Tefuye South Port".

Ticket prices and timetables: You can refer to High-Speed Rail Timetable and Fare Inquiry  High-Speed Rail Express BRT7211 or BRT7212 Fare and Timetable   Bus No. 7314 Fare and Timetable  

Editor's Note: Finding transportation from ""Dabang Station"" to the ""Tefuye Southern Trailhead"" in the mountainous area is more difficult than in flat areas. Sometimes, it is necessary to book a private mountain transportation service in advance. Taking buses and transfers may consume a lot of time that could be used to enjoy hiking. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead to avoid disappointment!

Tefuye Ancient Trail Transportation Guide 3. Train

For travelers from other counties or cities, you can take the Taiwan Railways (TRA) to Chiayi Train Station. After getting off the train, transfer to the Chiayi County Bus No. 7314 to ""Dabang Station"". From there, you will need to transfer to other transportation options to reach the ""Tefuye Southern Trailhead"".

Ticket prices and schedule: please refer to Taiwan Railway Train Schedule   Bus No. 7314 Ticket Prices and Schedule

Tefuye Ancient Trail Transportation Guide 4. Bus

You can take Yuanlin Bus 6739 to ""Zizhong Station"" and then walk to Zizhong Trailhead..

Fare and timetable: Please refer to Yuanlin Bus 6739 Fare and Timetable

Tefuye Ancient Trail Transportation Guide 5. Bus

You can take Chiayi County Bus 7314 to ""Dabang Station"" and then transfer to other transportation to Tefu Southern Trailhead.

Ticket prices and schedule: please refer to Bus No. 7314 Ticket Prices and Schedule

Tefuye Ancient Trail Transportation Guide 6. Shuttle Bus / Carpool

Currently, Tefu Ancient Road does not provide an official shuttle bus service. We recommend referring to the transportation options mentioned above or you can also consider Tripool's carpool service.

Three people can form a group, but if you are alone, Tripool can help you find others to form a group. Tripool will inform you via email at 12:00 PM two days before the trip if the group is formed. If the group is not formed, a full refund is guaranteed!

If you are traveling alone, you can still make a reservation. If by chance a group is formed, you will have the opportunity to meet like-minded hikers and conquer Taiwan's hundred peaks together in the future!!!!

Doesn't that make you excited?! XD

Tefuye Ancient Trail Transportation Guide 7. Charter Service

Tefu Ancient Road is located in a mountainous area, and many sections of the road are industrial roads. If you don't have a car or are unfamiliar with the road conditions or lack confidence in your driving skills, you can directly book Tripool's charter service. Experienced professional drivers who are familiar with mountain driving will serve you, allowing you to arrive directly at the ""Zizhong Trailhead"" or ""Tefu Ancient Road Trailhead"" of Tefu Ancient Road. This way, you can enjoy hiking without the hassle of driving and parking.

Advantages of Traveling by Charter Car

• Legal operating vehicle, regularly maintained to ensure a secure journey.

• Professional drivers with extensive knowledge of road conditions, who can also provide travel information for your reference.

• Flexible itinerary tailored to your needs.

• 24-hour real-time price check on the official website, with no hidden fees, making it easier for you to manage your travel expenses.

• Various car models to choose from, including larger vehicles for groups, which can offer more affordable per person fares.

• Early bookings can enjoy exclusive early bird discounts.

• Better cancellation refund guarantee compared to the industry standard.

tripool official website

What other questions do Dcard and PTT users want to know about the Tefuye Ancient Trail?

Q1: Do I need to apply to enter the Tefuye Ancient Trail now?

A: No, you don't need to! Since the full opening of the Tefuye Ancient Trail on October 20, 2023, there is currently no need to apply to enter.

Q2: Where is the entrance to the Tefuye Ancient Trail? What is the altitude? Is there a Tefuye Ancient Trail route map available for reference?

A: If you are visiting the Tefuye Ancient Trail for the first time, you can refer to the Google Maps location for entry!

• Tefuye Trail Entrance (Approximately 1775 meters above sea level)

• Zihjong Trail Entrance (Approximately 2275 meters above sea level)

Q3: How high is the elevation of the Special Funyu Ancient Road, and what should I pay special attention to when visiting?

A: The Special Funyu Ancient Road is located at an elevation of over 2,000 meters. If you plan to visit, I recommend that you always carry food and water, as well as snacks to prevent dizziness caused by low blood sugar. Additionally, prepare warm clothing to adapt to the changing mountain climate.

Q4: What are the opening hours of the Special Funyu Ancient Road?

A: The Special Funyu Ancient Road is open all day, every day. However, due to its mountainous location, it is safer to enter during daylight hours when there is sufficient light.

Q5: How difficult is the Tefuye Ancient Trail? What is the detailed route?

A: The Tefuye Ancient Trail is 6.32 kilometers long with an elevation drop of about 500 meters. It is considered a moderate-level mountain trail and requires a certain level of hiking experience. It takes about 120-150 minutes downhill from Zizhong to the pavilion in Tefuye, and 160-200 minutes uphill.

Detailed route: Zizhong Trailhead → (2.7K, 60 minutes) → Dongshui Mountain Trail Junction → (1K, 20 minutes) → Railway Terminus → (2.1K, 60 minutes) → Junction → (0.52K, 10 minutes) → Tefuye Trailhead

Q6: Any recommended itinerary for a one-day trip to Tefuye Ancient Trail?

I suggest a one-day trip to Alishan-Fenqihu.

Chiayi → Fenqihu → Tefuye Ancient Trail → Tianchangdejiu → Chiayi

If you have seniors or children with you, I recommend entering from Zizhong Trailhead because the first 3.7 kilometers of Zizhong Trail are relatively flat and easy to walk. You can take a rest here or prepare to return to the trailhead because it may get more difficult further down, especially at the Tefuye Trailhead where the difficulty increases. It is not recommended for seniors or young children.

Q7: Can pets be brought to the Tefuye Ancient Trail?

A: According to the announcement by the Council of Agriculture, starting from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024, in addition to the existing areas where pets are allowed, the areas of Neidong, Chinan, Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area, and Daniaowan Plain Forest Park are conditionally open for trial entry of pet dogs, cats, and other mammals.

However, the following 20 forest recreation areas, including Manyuanyuan, Dongyanshan, Baxianshan, Wuling, Hehuan Mountain, Guanwu, Daxueshan, Aowanda, Alishan, Tengzhi, Shuangliu, Kenting, Xiangyang, Fuyuan, Qilan, Mingchi, Taipingshan, Huisun Forest Farm, will continue to prohibit visitors from bringing dogs, cats, and other mammals into the areas due to their higher ecological sensitivity. The same rule applies to Aogu Wetland Forest Park and Lala Mountain Giant Tree Area.

I suggest that if you are determined to bring your furry friends along, please check the official websites of the various parks in advance to confirm the regulations.

Q8: What are the attractions along the Tefuye Ancient Trail? Are there any other special attractions near the Tefuye Ancient Trail?

A: Along the Tefuye Ancient Trail, there are attractions such as cypress forests, hinoki cypress forests, old railways, suspension bridges, etc., where you can enjoy abundant natural ecology. If you have more time, you can also visit nearby attractions.

• Bird Observation Pavilion Trail

• Former Japanese Police Officer's Residence

• Jiaolong Waterfall

• Top Lake Trail

• Mistake Trail

• Fushan Scenic Viewpoint

• Yamamasu Trail

Q9: Recommendations for food near the Tefuyu Ancient Trail?

A: Near the Tefuyu Ancient Trail, there are tribal villages such as Dabang and Zichong. If time allows, I highly recommend trying the Zou cuisine that cannot be found on the plains!

Travel with Tripool for a hassle-free journey to the Zou Tribe's hidden gem

If you want to easily reach the Tefuyu Ancient Trail, Tripool's car service is your best choice!

Tripool provides door-to-door service from anywhere in Taiwan to the ""Zichong Trailhead"" or the ""Tefuyu Trailhead"". You don't have to worry about transportation issues and can simply enjoy the natural beauty of Alishan.

Yes! It's that easy to explore the hidden gem of the Zou Tribe - the Tefuyu Ancient Trail!

Why not arrange a day trip to the Tefuyu Ancient Trail right away? Visit https://www.tripool.app/en to plan now!