Between Sacred Trees and the Little Train: Echoes of Time

Traveling is a way to reunite with the world, and Alishan was the most tranquil and profound stop on my journey through Taiwan. That day, I joined a one-day tour, departing from Taichung before dawn and winding along mountain roads toward the legendary Alishan. The scenery outside the bus window gradually transformed from urban neon lights to misty mountain forests, as if embarking on a journey deep into the heart of time. Upon arriving at the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, the air was filled with the scent of pine and the dampness of mountain mist, a refreshing coolness permeating the atmosphere. Following the guide, I walked through groves of cedar trees and arrived at the Sacred Tree Trail. Towering red cypress trees, some over a thousand years old and requiring several people to encircle, stood silently like ancient witnesses to the passage of time and the changes in the forest. Standing before one of these sacred trees, I felt an inexplicable sense of reverence. In that moment, I suddenly understood the insignificance of humanity, a realization that only comes when standing before such natural wonders. Next came the part of the journey I had been most looking forward to: riding the Alishan Forest Railway. The vintage red train slowly approached, its wheels clicking rhythmically on the tracks. Seated by the window, I watched as the train passed through the forest, tunnels, and mountain ridges. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the window glass. It was a stretch of time devoid of cell phone signals but filled with complete tranquility. Around noon, we had "railway bento" near Alishan Station. The wooden box contained steaming white rice, braised pork, soy-marinated egg, dried tofu, and a few Taiwanese side dishes—simple yet heartwarming. Eating the bento while gazing at the mountain scenery before me, I felt as if I had traveled back to a bygone era. The taste was reminiscent of the purest and most genuine happiness found during a journey. Though the one-day trip was short, it allowed me to rediscover a long-lost sense of peace amidst layers of mountain mist and ancient trees. The essence of travel has never been about rushing around but rather about pausing in a moment to hear the sound of the wind, the breath of the trees, and the subtle yet steadfast stirrings within. Goodbye, Alishan. May I encounter that slowly approaching red train and the timeless sacred trees in this sea of forest again on my next visit.