Chiayi Travel Guide – iBeauty Taiwan Travel Guide Blog Itinerary, Taipei Tourist Attractions

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.

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:

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.

Tip: Book train or HSR tickets ahead on weekends or holidays, especially if you’re connecting to Alishan.

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.

Alishan National Scenic Area

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.

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.

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 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.

Stop by the Chiayi Art Museum and Hinoki Village

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 – 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

Tip: Grab a coffee at one of the on-site cafés and take your time strolling through the restored wooden houses.

Visit During Cherry Blossom Season

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.

How to Get to Chiayi from Taipei

Your Complete Travel Guide
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