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The Alishan Forest Railway was fully completed in 1914. The towering Alishan Sacred Tree was one of the most representative attractions of the Alishan Forest Railway. This majestic tree was a giant Chinese fir that stood tall for over 3,000 years, witnessing Taiwan's forestry culture and natural history. The tree and the little train that traversed the mountains created a picturesque scene that became an iconic symbol of Alishan, making it famous worldwide. However, in 1953, the Sacred Tree was first struck by lightning and burned, causing severe damage. On June 7, 1956, it was unfortunately struck by lightning again, causing a fire inside the trunk, which eventually led to its death. After decades of erosion, on July 1, 1997, due to continuous heavy rain that caused the soil to loosen and become too heavy, one-third of the tree's body collapsed and fell. To ensure people's safety, on June 29, 1998, at 10:30 am, after a brief ceremony, the Sacred Tree was felled, allowing it to return to nature. A Chinese fir sapling was planted beside it, symbolizing the continuation of life. Today, the remains of the Sacred Tree are one of the new eight scenic spots in Alishan. Although the tree is no longer standing, the spirit and historical memories it carries are still deeply rooted in people's hearts, continuously attracting tourists to revisit the past and marvel at the magnificent nature of this land.