Chiayi: The Gateway to Alishan and the Soul of Southern Taiwan
Tucked away in southwestern Taiwan, Chiayi (嘉義) 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.
🧭 Where Is 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.
The region is easily accessible by:
Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) – Chiayi Station (with shuttle buses to Alishan)
Taiwan Railways (TRA) – Chiayi City Station (gateway to the Alishan Forest Railway)
Bus or car – great for scenic drives and countryside stops
🌟 Why Visit Chiayi?
Chiayi offers a peaceful and cultural counterbalance to Taiwan’s bigger cities. It’s an ideal destination for:
Nature lovers – Alishan sunrise and forest trails
Tea enthusiasts – high-mountain oolong and indigenous tea farms
History seekers – Japanese colonial heritage and ancient temples
Foodies – iconic Chiayi chicken rice and bustling night markets
🏞️ Highlights of Chiayi
1. Alishan National Scenic Area (阿里山國家風景區)
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.
2. Chiayi City’s Hidden Charms
Though often overshadowed by the mountains, Chiayi City is full of understated character. It’s a small, walkable city with historic buildings, art spaces, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Don’t miss:
Chiayi Art Museum – a beautifully converted Japanese-era building housing modern exhibits
Hinoki Village (檜意森活村) – restored wooden buildings now home to cafes, souvenir shops, and cultural experiences
Chiayi Park – home to the city’s iconic Sun-Shooting Tower, symbolizing the indigenous legend of the sun
3. Alishan Forest Railway (阿里山森林鐵路)
This historic narrow-gauge railway was built during the Japanese colonial era for logging and now serves as a nostalgic ride through Taiwan’s most scenic terrain.
There are several segments:
Chiayi → Fenqihu: The most popular route, with stunning views and sharp switchbacks
Fenqihu → Alishan: Currently under restoration but accessible by bus for now
The Fenqihu Station area is a favorite, with old train tracks, bento box lunches, and mountain-town charm.
🍵 Tea, Nature & Indigenous Culture
Chiayi is famous for its high-mountain teas, particularly Alishan Oolong, grown in cool, misty conditions. Visit tea farms near Shizhuo (石棹) or Leye, and you can sample some of the freshest tea in the world—right from the source.
Chiayi is also home to Tsou indigenous communities, especially around Alishan. Many local guesthouses and cultural centers offer guided tours, storytelling sessions, and tea ceremonies that honor centuries-old traditions.
🍱 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 (火雞肉飯) – shredded turkey over rice with savory sauce
Tofu pudding (豆花) – 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
Best Night Markets:
Wenhua Road Night Market (文化路夜市) – the city’s food hotspot, with everything from grilled skewers to bubble tea
Chiayi Garden Night Market – open on weekends with funfair games and family-friendly vibes
🛕 Temples and Traditions
Chiayi’s spiritual heritage is woven through its many temples, each with its own history and architectural style.
Chiayi Cheng Huang Temple – the city’s guardian deity
Shuixian Temple in Dongshi – one of Taiwan’s oldest sea goddess temples
Tianhou Temple in Budai – located near the fishing port and linked to the Mazu pilgrimages
The county also hosts traditional festivals celebrating agriculture, the moon, and local gods—great times to visit for cultural immersion.
🚗 Getting Around Chiayi
Train + Bus: Take TRA or HSR to Chiayi City, then transfer to Alishan shuttle buses
Alishan Railway: Ideal for scenic rides to Fenqihu and into the mountains
Car/Scooter Rental: Best way to explore mountain villages and tea farms at your own pace
Bike: Enjoyable for slow city exploration or cycling in rural areas like Zhuqi
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Chiayi
Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms in Alishan and cool hiking weather
Autumn (September–November): Tea harvest season and crisp mountain air
Winter: Misty forests and warm meals in mountain inns
Summer: Hot in the lowlands, but Alishan offers a cool escape
📍 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
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Chiayi Is Worth the Journey
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.
Top Tips for Visiting 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.
Here are the top tips to help you make the most of your trip to Chiayi:
🚆 1. Getting to Chiayi is Easy and Scenic
Chiayi is well-connected by both Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) and the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA). From Taipei, it takes about 1.5 hours by HSR and around 3 hours by regular train.
The HSR station is located in Taibao; take a local bus or taxi into downtown Chiayi.
From Chiayi, you can board the Alishan Forest Railway, one of the most beautiful heritage train lines in the world.
✅ Pro Tip: Book train or HSR tickets ahead on weekends or holidays, especially if you’re connecting to Alishan.
🏞️ 2. Use Chiayi as Your Base for Exploring Alishan
Chiayi is the launching point for trips to Alishan, one of Taiwan’s most famous mountain destinations. If you’re visiting for:
Sunrises over the sea of clouds
Cherry blossoms (March–April)
High-altitude hiking and ancient cypress forests
…then Chiayi is your perfect overnight base before the early morning trip up the mountain.
✅ Tip: Stay one night in Chiayi and leave for Alishan early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
🍜 3. Eat Your Way Through Chiayi’s Night Markets
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 (火雞肉飯), a Chiayi specialty.
Jialefu Night Market – a large, lively market great for local snacks and carnival-style games.
Other must-try local dishes:
Fish head casserole
Aiyu jelly drinks
Tofu pudding with peanuts
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t be shy—line up at the busiest food stalls. That’s usually where the good stuff is.
🚂 4. Ride the Alishan Forest Railway (Even If You’re Not Going to the Mountains)
Built during the Japanese era, the Alishan Forest Railway is more than just transportation—it’s an experience.
You can take a shorter route to Fenqihu, a charming mountain village famous for its bento lunches and old streets.
The ride takes you through lush forests, tunnels, and rolling hills—perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
✅ Tip: Book your train tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during flower seasons.
🏯 5. Visit the Chiayi Park Area and Historic Landmarks
Chiayi Park is home to several cultural and historical spots:
Chiayi Confucius Temple
Chiayi Tower, with panoramic city views and artwork celebrating Taiwan’s indigenous tribes
The Kagi Shrine, a restored Japanese-era Shinto shrine
✅ Pro Tip: Visit around sunset for peaceful vibes and beautiful lighting over the park’s cherry blossoms (in season).
🖼️ 6. Stop by the Chiayi Art Museum and Hinoki Village
Chiayi is transforming into a low-key cultural hub:
Chiayi Art Museum – a modern, spacious venue with rotating exhibits and a fantastic gift shop
Hinoki Village – a Japanese-era dormitory complex turned into a quaint cultural village with wooden architecture, tea shops, and souvenir stores
✅ Tip: Grab a coffee at one of the on-site cafés and take your time strolling through the restored wooden houses.
🛕 7. Explore Temples and Local Life
Chiayi is home to several beautiful temples that reflect the city’s deep spiritual traditions:
Wenhua Road’s Cheng Huang Temple – a local favorite that lights up beautifully at night
Shuishang Taishe Temple – offering a peaceful escape and great insight into Taiwanese folk religion
✅ Tip: If you hear firecrackers or see a procession, follow it! You might stumble into a local festival or celebration.
🧺 8. Shop Local in Traditional Markets
Don’t leave Chiayi without visiting one of its traditional morning markets or old-town shopping streets:
Chiayi East Market – an authentic place to see how locals shop for fresh produce and dried goods
Minxiong Old Street – for vintage vibes and traditional snacks
✅ Pro Tip: This is a great place to stock up on local soy sauce, rice wine, and pineapple cakes made the old-fashioned way.
🌸 9. Visit During Cherry Blossom Season (If You Can)
If you’re planning a trip in March or early April, you’ll be just in time for cherry blossom season in Alishan and around Chiayi Park. The pink blooms attract photographers and families from across Taiwan.
✅ Tip: Book accommodation early if visiting in bloom season—it’s one of Chiayi’s busiest times.
📅 10. Best Time to Visit Chiayi
Chiayi is warm most of the year, but for the best experience:
Spring (March–May): Great for cherry blossoms and cool weather.
Autumn (October–November): Mild, breezy, and perfect for hiking or sightseeing.
Avoid July–August unless you’re prepared for heat and humidity.
Final Thoughts
Chiayi is one of those places where you can breathe deeply, eat well, and feel the soul of Taiwan. Whether you’re catching a legendary sunrise in Alishan, eating a bowl of turkey rice under market lights, or discovering a forgotten shrine, Chiayi invites you to slow down and soak in its culture, warmth, and unpretentious charm.
So next time you’re mapping out your Taiwan itinerary, don’t just pass through—stay a while in Chiayi. You’ll be glad you did.