Introduction to Chiayi
Chiayi is located in southwestern Taiwan, nestled between Yunlin to the north and Tainan to the south. The area includes both Chiayi City, a small, charming urban center, and the larger Chiayi County, which stretches up into the Alishan mountain range.
Tucked away in southwestern Taiwan, Chiayi may not always appear on the average traveler’s radar—but it absolutely should. Known as the gateway to the majestic Alishan mountains, Chiayi is a city and county filled with cultural heritage, local charm, and a refreshing sense of calm. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a slower, more authentic Taiwanese experience, Chiayi will surprise and delight you in the best way.
With its mix of Japanese-era architecture, traditional night markets, heritage railways, and rolling tea plantations, Chiayi offers a unique blend of old and new, urban and rural, mountain and sea. It’s not just a stopover on the way to Alishan—it’s a destination all on its own.
Chiayi is more than just a transit point to Alishan—it’s a deeply rooted cultural and natural destination that rewards those who linger. Here, you can sip tea on a misty hillside, wake up to birdcalls in a mountain inn, explore puppet theaters and temples, and taste food that comforts the soul. If you’re looking to slow down, connect with nature, and experience Taiwan’s heritage from the ground up, Chiayi welcomes you with open arms and a warm bowl of turkey rice.
What to Eat in Chiayi
Chiayi is a paradise for Taiwanese comfort food lovers. You’ll find hearty, rustic dishes that reflect the region’s agricultural and working-class roots.
Must-Try Local Dishes:
Chiayi Turkey Rice – shredded turkey over rice with savory sauce
Tofu pudding – a sweet, silky dessert perfect for a hot day
Alishan high-mountain tea – refreshing, aromatic, and often available at roadside stalls
Wasabi greens – a spicy leafy vegetable unique to the Alishan area
Fenqihu Railway Bento – classic lunchbox meals sold near the train station
Fish head casserole
Aiyu jelly drinks
Chiayi is a foodie’s dream. While it’s not as flashy as Taipei, the flavors here are just as rich—and cheaper! Must-visit night markets include:
Wenhua Road Night Market – the most famous spot for turkey rice, a Chiayi specialty.
Chia-Le-Fu Night Market – a large, lively market great for local snacks and carnival-style games.
Things to Do in Alishan
Nestled in the central mountains of Chiayi County, the Alishan National Scenic Area is one of Taiwan’s most treasured natural wonders. With its high-altitude forests, cool mountain air, and dramatic landscapes, Alishan offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Famous for its breathtaking sunrises and iconic forest railway, Alishan isn’t just a place—it’s an experience steeped in history, culture, and scenic beauty.
At the heart of Alishan’s magic are the “Five Wonders”: the sunrise, the sea of clouds, the forest, the sunset glow, and the Alishan Forest Railway. Each element offers a unique sensory moment, from watching the first golden light crest over Yushan (Jade Mountain) to walking along mist-covered trails surrounded by towering cypress trees.
Famous for its breathtaking sunrises and iconic forest railway, Alishan isn’t just a place—it’s an experience steeped in history, culture, and scenic beauty. No matter the season, Alishan reveals a new layer of its charm—cherry blossoms in spring, lush green forests in summer, fiery maple leaves in fall, and ethereal fog in winter.
For many visitors, the journey to Alishan is as memorable as the destination itself. The winding road from Chiayi city leads through tea plantations, indigenous villages, and scenic overlooks that reveal just how vast and majestic Taiwan’s central mountain range truly is.
Along the way, stops like the Eryanping Trail or Fenqihu Old Street provide perfect moments to stretch your legs and taste local delicacies like railway bento boxes and handmade mochi. Alishan is more than just a tourist spot—it’s a place where time slows down, senses awaken, and nature tells its own story.
Alishan is Chiayi’s crown jewel—and for good reason. This forested mountain area is famous for its sunrise views over seas of clouds, towering cypress trees, and the historic Alishan Forest Railway.
Top experiences:
Ride the Alishan Forest Railway through misty mountains
Hike the Giant Tree Trail past ancient cypress trees
Watch the iconic Alishan sunrise from Zhushan or Xianglin viewing platforms
Visit Shouzhen Temple, the highest altitude temple in Taiwan
Whether you go for a day trip or stay overnight in Alishan village, it’s a spiritual and sensory escape from city life. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a casual nature lover, or a photographer chasing the perfect light, Alishan delivers a soulful experience that lingers long after your trip ends.
Things to Do in Chiayi
Gateway to Alishan and Taiwan’s Cultural Soul
Often overlooked by fast-paced travelers, Chiayi is one of Taiwan’s most rewarding cities to explore. From historic architecture and traditional night markets to breathtaking mountain escapes, Chiayi offers the perfect mix of urban comfort and natural wonder.
Whether you’re on your way to Alishan, or looking for a quiet place to dive deeper into Taiwan’s southern charm, Chiayi is well worth your time.
Outside the City Center
Here are the top tips to help you make the most of your trip to Chiayi:
Eryanping Trail
Eryanping Trail (二延平步道) is part of the scenic Alishan area, offering a relatively easy hike through high-altitude tea plantations, cypress groves, and shaded forest. Along the trail, you’ll encounter native flora and panoramic views of valleys below, providing a peaceful escape from busier park zones.
Ideal for early risers, this trail offers dramatic sunrise opportunities—when mist drifts among trees and mountain tops glow gold. Combined with tea-house stops nearby, it’s a refreshing way to experience Alishan’s serene beauty.
Key Points:
Scenic forest and tea plantation trail
Sunrise vantage point with misty atmosphere
Less crowded than main Alishan trails
Shizhuo (Hiking Trails and Tea Plantations)
Shizhuo in Alishan is a network of walking paths weaving through terraced tea plantations and cypress forest. The region is known for high-mountain Oolong tea, and visitors can tour tea farms to learn about slash-and-burn cultivation and tea processing.
Trail routes vary from gentle vineyard loops to forested hill paths with views of sunrise valleys and wildlife like mountain squirrels and birds. It’s a sensory-rich experience—savoring fresh tea leaf aromas amid crisp mountain air.
Key Points:
Guided tea-farm trails and tea-tasting stops
Cypress forest hikes with natural wildlife sightings
Authentic high-mountain tea culture immersion
Ride the Alishan Forest Railway
The Alishan Forest Railway is a historic mountain train dating back to the Japanese colonial era. Wind through dense forests, steep inclines, and classic switchbacks on wooden coaches pulled by diesel or vintage steam locomotives.
The journey includes views through bamboo groves, across suspension bridges, and into mist-covered hemispheres. Key stops include Sacred Tree, Sister Ponds, and the famous “sunrise station,” making the ride a cultural and scenic highlight of Alishan.
Key Points:
Historic cypress forest train with switchbacks
Instagram-rich stops at old trees and ponds
Atmospheric ride through misty mountain terrain
Minxiong Kumquat Tourist Factory
Located on the plains near Chiayi, this quirky factory specializes in kumquat products—including candied fruit, jams, teas, and health drinks. Visitors can participate in guided tours explaining the kumquat-growing process and production methods.
Interactive activities include DIY souvenirs—like bottling kumquat juice or crafting marmalade. The factory shop and sampling stations give plenty of flavor options to enjoy and take home from your rural day trip.
Key Points:
Kumquat-focused production tours and tastings
DIY bottle-making and jam workshops
Souvenir-focused sampling of regional fruits
Taiping Suspension Bridge
The Taiping Suspension Bridge (太平吊橋) spans a forested gorge over the Beigang River near Chiayi. It’s a photogenic sweep of wooden deck and cable railings, ideal for families and couples seeking light adventure and natural views.
Walking across offers riverside and valley glimpses—especially dramatic after rain when water tumbles below. Combine it with river-canyon trails nearby for a complete eco-adventure and quiet touch of the countryside.
Key Points:
Wooden gorge-crossing suspension bridge
Scenic river and forest viewpoint
Adjacent nature trails for short hikes
Chiayi Center
Hinoki Village
Hinoki Village (檜意森活村) is a charming cultural park built from restored Japanese-era wooden structures originally used as prefectural government dormitories. The site now houses boutique cafés, craft shops, and artisanal bakeries—retaining its historic ambiance amid modern offerings.
Tree-lined lanes connect tea shops, galleries, and small museums. It’s an ideal setting for cultural travelers seeking photogenic architecture, relaxing drinks, and local arts in a beautiful park setting.
Key Points:
Restored historical Japanese wooden structures
Café scene, craft shops, and photogenic walkways
Cultural and scenic walking set in historic preservation
Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park
Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park includes the old Alishan Railway Garage, where historic steam and diesel locomotives are displayed under careful preservation. The site features crane tracks, repair pits, and rows of vintage railcars—an evocative open-air museum.
Rail enthusiasts and families alike can explore the locomotives, learn about mountain railway operations, and enjoy railway-themed exhibitions. It’s a peaceful yet nostalgic attraction that pairs smoothly with a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway.
Key Points:
Historic steam and diesel engines on display
Authentic garage architecture and switchyard layout
Interactive educational features for railway history lovers
How to Get to Chiayi from Taipei
Chiayi, known as the “Gateway to Alishan,” is a charming city in southern Taiwan famous for its rich culture, historical landmarks, and proximity to one of Taiwan’s most stunning mountain ranges.
Whether you’re heading to Chiayi for its night markets, heritage sites, or as a stop before climbing Alishan, getting there from Taipei is easy and offers several convenient options.
In this blog, we’ll break down all the best ways to get to Chiayi from Taipei—by train, high-speed rail, bus, and car—so you can choose what fits your travel style and budget.
Option 1: Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) – Fastest and Easiest
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) is the quickest and most convenient way to get from Taipei to Chiayi.
Route: Taipei HSR Station → Chiayi HSR Station
Travel Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (non-stop); up to 1 hour 50 minutes (with stops)
Cost: ~NT$1,080 (standard seat), ~NT$1,430 (business class)
Arrival Station: Chiayi HSR Station (located in Taibao City, ~20 min from Chiayi City center by bus or taxi)
Pros:
Fast and frequent service
Clean, comfortable seating with onboard restrooms
Easy online booking and reserved seating
Cons:
Chiayi HSR Station is not in the city center (requires a local bus or taxi to reach downtown Chiayi)
Slightly more expensive than regular trains
Transfer Tip: Take the BRT shuttle bus or a local taxi to Chiayi Train Station or downtown from Chiayi HSR Station. The shuttle bus runs frequently and is low-cost.
Booking Tip: Reserve your ticket online in advance via the Taiwan HSR website.
Option 2: Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) – Direct to City Center
If you’re not in a rush and prefer arriving directly in downtown Chiayi, the TRA train is a great choice.
Route: Taipei Main Station → Chiayi Train Station (TRA)
Travel Time:
Tze-Chiang Express: ~3 to 3.5 hours
Chu-Kuang Express: ~4 hours
Cost:
Tze-Chiang: ~NT$449
Chu-Kuang: ~NT$354
Pros:
Arrives in central Chiayi, near the night market, hotels, and bus transfer points to Alishan
Budget-friendly and comfortable
No transfers needed
Cons:
Slower than HSR
Seats can fill up on weekends and holidays
Tip: Book a reserved seat ahead of time via the TRA website, especially for weekend travel.
Option 3: Long-Distance Bus – Budget-Friendly & Comfortable
Several intercity bus companies offer routes between Taipei and Chiayi with onboard air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and reclining seats.
Route: Taipei Bus Station → Chiayi Bus Station
Travel Time: ~4.5–5.5 hours (depends on traffic)
Cost: ~NT$300–400
Pros:
Cheapest option
Direct to city center
Comfortable, especially with premium services
Cons:
Travel time depends heavily on road traffic
Less frequent than trains
Tip: Some luxury buses (like Ho-Hsin’s 21-seat VIP buses) offer large reclining seats and USB charging—great for longer rides.
Option 4: Driving – For Flexibility and Scenic Stops
If you’re planning a road trip or want to explore areas around Chiayi like Minxiong, Beigang, or Meishan, driving may be your best option.
Route: Taipei → National Freeway No. 1 → Chiayi
Travel Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours (depends on traffic)
Costs: Toll: ~NT$300–350
Fuel: ~NT$500–600 (one-way)
Pros:
Most flexible—explore at your own pace
Great if traveling in a group or with family
Allows access to rural areas not easily reached by public transport
Cons:
Navigating Chiayi’s roads and mountain areas can be tricky
Traffic and parking can be a challenge in the city or Alishan area
Tip: Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Navitime Taiwan, and check traffic conditions before departure.
Final Travel Tips
Book ahead for weekends or holidays, especially for TRA and HSR.
Use mobile apps like Taiwan HSR, Taiwan Railway eBooking, or Bus+ for schedules and tickets.
If you’re heading to Alishan, transfer to the Chiayi–Alishan Forest Railway or take a direct bus from Chiayi Station.
Consider staying overnight in Chiayi to explore Wenhua Road Night Market, Hinoki Village, and Chiayi Park before heading to the mountains.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Chiayi City
Visit Hinoki Village and the Art Museum
Explore Chiayi Park and the Sun-Shooting Tower
Eat your way through Wenhua Road Night Market
Day 2: Alishan National Scenic Area
Ride the Alishan Forest Railway to Fenqihu
Walk the Giant Tree Trail and see Sacred Tree #28
Watch the sunset from Sister Ponds
Day 3: Shizhuo Tea Area
Visit a high-mountain tea farm
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony
Stop by indigenous cultural sites or Leye observation deck
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