Alishan's cherry blossom season runs from late March to mid-April, when thousands of Japanese cherry trees (Yoshino cherries, known in Chinese as 吉野桜 after their Japanese origin) come into flower along the walking paths near the resort. The pink-and-white display against the backdrop of dark cypress forest and mountain views is spectacular, and the timing has been celebrated since the Japanese colonial era.
The blossom season is Alishan's most crowded period by far — accommodation books out months in advance and the mountain can feel overwhelmed. If you are visiting specifically for the blossom, book as early as possible and consider arriving on a weekday. The Alishan Forest Railway runs additional trains during peak blossom period. Overnight stays give access to the flowers before the day-trip crowds arrive each morning.