阿里山林業鐵路就是臺灣產業鐵道開發的歷史縮影，也是20世紀初人類沿襲19世紀產業鐵道技術的重要史蹟。在民國92年，阿里山林業鐵路被文建會評選為世界遺產潛力的第一類，阿里山林業鐵路更是順理成章成為臺灣觀光與文化的代表。 本研究以此為研究背景，確認研究動機後，據此定出研究的目的，並整理有關阿里山林業鐵路、鐵道文化、文化資產保存、文化觀光等相關資料進行分析，藉以瞭解本研究相關論述及研究。以「阿里山林業鐵路」為研究個案，透過質性研究中的半結構式訪談法對政府公部門、專家學者及地方人士進行訪談中了解阿里山林業鐵路歷史概況、發展情形、鐵道文化資產保存、文化觀光、未來規劃相關議題，配合文獻分析法及次級資料分析法進行探討分析，並予以綜合整理後得到研究結果。 阿里山林業鐵路在保存鐵道文化資產的方面要在自然生態資源與經濟、社會發展之間，取得最適的均衡，要能維護人類生活品質，且形塑優質的形象與文化，以達成長期經營的目的。 Alisha's forestry railway is a miniature for Taiwan's railway industry development as well as a major milestone in railway construction technology from 19th to 20th century. In 2003, Alishan forestry railway was chosen by Council for Cultural Affairs as a candidate for World Cultural Heritage site for its great potential and definitive role in Taiwan's culture and tourism. The current study seeks to analyze Alishan forestry railway, railway culture, preservation of railway culture, cultural tourism, and other related topics in a qualitative, interview method. Various interviews were conducted with the public sector, experts and scholars, and locals to improve the understanding of Alishan forestry railway history, its development, preservation of its cultural heritage, cultural tourism and future plans. The conclusion was reached through literature reviews and secondary data analysis. In conclusion, to better preserve its cultural heritage, Alishan forestry railway needs to strike a balance between natural resources and socioeconomic development and needs to maintain the life quality of local people and to create a good image.
