Chiayi is a mostly rural county in south-central Taiwan. Despite its relatively small population compared to other counties in Taiwan, it has some of the most beautiful scenery, delicious local food, and interesting history. Come for Alishan, and stay for everything else you find along the way. Below I will list out some of the best places in Chiayi that I have visited. I will be sure to update this blog as I visit more places later. 

🚂 Planning your trip to Chiayi? 🌳

Here are some top travel tips for you:

How to get there:

Train: Most passengers board from Chiayi TRA Station or the nearby Beimen TRA Station.
You can book tickets to travel to Chiayi via inter-city bus on Klook here
You can book tickets to Chiayi via high-speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here. 
Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here.
Scooter Rental: Looking for a scooter rental in Chiayi? You can check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.  
Car Rental: If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq hereKlook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
Bicycle Rental: Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here.
You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here

Tours and Activities:

You can purchase tours and tickets for many activities in Chiayi such as glampingThree Pigs FarmJanfusun Fancy WorldTaiping Suspension BridgeChateau de JourdenessKumquat Tourist FactoryTaisugar Siantou Cultural ParkMeteor GardenVeoveoana Tribe TourDanayi ValleyBatongguan Historic TrailXianghe Leisure FarmFoot massage and many others through Klook here or KKday here

Where to Stay:

We have stayed at and recommend Chiayi Crown Hotel (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), Shin Kao Hotel (you can book on Agoda here or Trip.com here), and YesHotel (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), which are all quality hotels for a reasonable price near Chiayi Station. We also recommend Shianghu Botique Hotel (you can book on Agoda hereBooking.com here), with excellent quality for the money just out of Chiayi City center. Finally, we have stayed at and recommend Fenchihu Street Hotel (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), which is within walking distance of Fenqihu Old Street, Fenqihu Station, and many amazing hikes in the area.
Find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.  We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality accommodation on the islands.
You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Klook here or KKday here.  

Map:

You can see a map of all the places that we will visit in this blog below:

 
So what is there to do and see in Chiayi?

Here is our list:

Go to Jialefu Night Market 嘉樂福夜市

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Jialefu Night Market is the largest night market in Chiayi, located right next to the local Carrefour shopping center. Jialefu Night Market is a play on words, sounding like the Chinese for the popular department store Carrefour (家樂福 Jiālèfú) and adding in the first character in Chiayi (Jiāyì 嘉義). The Carrefour next door doesn’t seem to mind. Here you can find every kind of traditional Taiwan night market food you could ask for. The main delicacy here is Mongolian grill and barbecue…(read more).

Hours:
About 6 PM to 12:30 PM
Closed Mondays

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From the front of Chiayi Train Station turn south and take a right on provincial highway 159. After that take a left on Bo’ai West Road until you reach Carrefour. There is free scooter and car parking at Carrefour. The night market is right to the left of Carrefour.
By Train/Bus: From Chiayi Station, take bus 7320, 7325, or 7326 to Fulong Temple Station (伏龍宮 Fúlónggōng) after which you need to walk south about 10 minutes on Bo’ai West Road until you reach Carrefour. 

Eat Turkey Rice 吃火鷄肉飯

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Turkey Rice is perhaps the most famous dish in Chiayi. It’s sweet, sour and savory, and probably some of the best Turkey you’ve ever had. With bowls of turkey rice starting as low as 30 NT, you definitely need to try a bowl while you are here. 

Eat Boba Pizza 吃珍珠披薩

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You’ve heard of the Taiwan invented Boba tea, right? Well Chiayi invented Boba Pizza, too. Even though Pizza Hut and Dominos have taken over these flavors, the original Boboa Pizza was created at Boss Pizza in Chiayi (大老闆手作披薩).

Price:
150 NT

​Hours:

2PM – 9PM

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/Tw.bosspizza/

​Bonus Food: Rouyuan 肉圓

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Another famous food in Chiayi is Rouyuan, which is pork inside a gluttonous rice bun. It’s a taste and texture that you won’t forget. 
There are tons of other delicious foods in Chiayi. Get out there and discover more for yourself!

Check out Hinoki Village 檜意森活村

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Hinoki Village (aka Cypress Forest Life Village 檜意森活村 Guìyì sēnhuó cūn) is the largest group of Japaneses era buildings in Taiwan, with over 30 restored era wooden structures. Located in Chiayi City, it is a remnant of the logging industry that existed in Chiayi during the Japanese era. As one of the best preserved historical sites in Taiwan, it is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Chiayi…(read more).

Hours:
10 AM to 6 PM
Closed Mondays

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Train/Bus: The village is a short walk across the street from Chiayi Beimen (North Gate) Station.
By Car/Scooter: From Chiayi Station, turn north on County road 159 until you reach Beimen Station. The village is across the street from Beimen Station. There is free and paid parking on the street nearby.

We have stayed at and recommend Chiayi Crown HotelShin Kao Hotel, and YesHotel, which are all quality hotesl for a reasonable price near Chiayi Station. We also recommend Shianghu Botique Hotel, with excellent quality for the money just our of Chiayi City center.

Relax at Lantan Lake and Renyitan Reserviour 蘭潭及仁義潭水庫

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Lantan Lake, also known as orchid lake, and Renyitan Reservior are two reservoirs right next to each other near Chiayi City, drawing water from the Bazhang River (八掌溪). The reservoirs are interconnected, and together they serve as main source of Chiayi City’s water, and date back to the Dutch rule of Taiwan. Both are also great places to relax and enjoy the scenery near Chiayi…(read more).

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Car/scooter: From Chiayi Station, go east on Chiuyang Road, then once you get near the resevior, take a right on Xiaoya Road. The Road will take you to the Lantan Lake scenic area, then it is a short ride east to Renyitan.
By Bus: From Chiayi Station, go east on Chiayi County Bus No. 1 until you reach Lantan Scenic Area (Yueyingtanxin Stop). 

Scare yourself at Minxiong Haunted House 民雄鬼屋

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The Minxiong Haunted House (aka Minxiong Ghost House or formally as Liu Family Historical Residence 劉氏古厝) is a popular abandoned mansion in Minxiong Township of Chiayi County, dating back to the Japanese era of Taiwan. Urban legends about the house along with its prominence in the area have made it an attractive place for curious visitors. It has been listed as the number one most popular abandoned house in Taiwan…(read more)

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free. But when I went there was an artist asking for donations.

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Chiayi take provincial highway 1 north toward Minxiong. Turn west into the rice fields and then right on county road 82. The road leads to the house which sits at the end of a tree covered lot. There is paid parking at the coffee shop next door (or free parking anywhere near the rice fields).
By bus: Take Chiayi Bus 7316A from central Chiayi north until you reach Yiqiao Station (takes about 1 hour). The haunted house is about a 5 minute walk south.

Looking for scooter rental in Chiayi? Click here or here to search for options.
You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. ​

​Enjoy the Scenery at Chukou Village 觸口村

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Chukou Village in Fanlu Township (番路鄉) of Chiayi is a pleasant stop along the Alishan Highway, It features multiple suspension bridges, mountain temples, rivers and waterfalls, and lots of hikes. If you have time you should definitely stop here and enjoy the scenery…(read more)

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Chiayi, take provincial highway 18 east until you reach the first switchbacks up the mountain. Chukou Village is at the base of the mountain; it’s hard to miss. 
By Bus: From Chiayi Bus Station, take bus 7216A to Chukou Station (about 1.5 hours).

If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​

Take the Alishan Forest Railway 阿里山森林鐵路

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Alishan Forest Railway is one of the most iconic and best preserved historical mountain railways in the world. Starting at the center of Chiayi City, it passes through tropical forests, subtropical hills, and rising into the temperate forests in the mountains, originally ending up at Alishan. It is definitely something you should experience while you are in Taiwan…(read more)

Hours:
Chiayi to Shizilu:
First train leaves Chiayi at 8:30 AM
Last train leaves Chiayi at 9:00 AM
Trains return to Chiayi at around 3:00 PM – 4PM
A one way trip takes about two and a half hours.
Zhushan: 30 minutes (sunrise train)
Shenmu: 7 minutes
Zhaoping Line: 6 minutes

Price:
384 NT one way from Chiayi to Fenqihu, 459 NT one way from Chiayi to Shizilu
Zhushan Line: 150 NT per ride
Shenmu Line: 100 NT per ride
Zhaoping Line: 100 NT per ride

How to Buy Tickets:
In person: Go to Chiayi Station in person for the Chiayi-Shizilu portion, or Alishan Station for the Zhushan, Shenmu, and Zhaoping lines. The counter to buy tickets is on the right of the main entrance. This is the best way to buy tickets.
Online: You can use the online system to buy tickets here.
However the online system does not show all tickets and routes available, so if possible it is better to buy in person instead.
You can purchase a tickets through Klook here or KKday here. .

Where to sit:
The best views going up are on the right of the train, and coming down on the left of the train.

When to go:
Any season. Spring is special because of Cherry blossoms. In the summer (May-October), rock falls due to heavy rains or Typhoons can stop the train for a few days. Make sure to check the train is still running before you go in the summer.

How to get there:
Most passengers board from Chiayi TRA Station or the nearby Beimen TRA Station.
Got to Alishan Station for the Zhushan, Shenmu, and Zhaoping lines.

Check out Fenqihu Old Street 奮起湖老街 ​

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Fenqihu (aka Fenchihu) is a charming mountain village in Chiayi, and is the largest along the Alishan Forest Railway, therefore it deserves a spot of its own. It has two old streets that feature great food, such as the famous Fenqihu lunch box and jelly fig seed drink. You can also see many Japanese historical sights such as a shinto shrine, train station, and residences. Also nearby are many beautiful sights such as bamboo forests and hikes in nearby mountains. Fenqihu Old Street is also known as the Jiufen of Southern Taiwan. This place is is definitley worth a stop along the Alishan Forest Railway…(read more)

Price:
Free

Hours:
About 9 AM to 6 PM

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Chiayi, taken provincial highway 18 east up the mountain to Shizhuo (石桌), after which you need to turn left up the mountain to Fenqihu. The town is hard to miss. 
By Bus: Take the direct bus from Chiayi Station (leaves in the morning).
By Train: Take the Alishan Forest Train from Chiayi Station (leaves at 8:30 AM and 9 AM).

we have stayed at and recommend Fenchihu Street Hotel, which is within walking distance of Fenqihu Old Street, Fenqihu Station, and many amazing hikes in the area.

Enjoy Epic Scenery at Alishan Forest Recreation Area 阿里山森林遊樂區

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Alishan National Scenic Area is one of the most famous mountain areas in Taiwan (aka Mount Ali, or Ali Mountain). Formerly a timber harvesting area during the Japanese Era, it still has a working rail system for park visitors to ride around the mountain. The mountain villages, ancient forests, waterfalls, hiking destinations, and tea plantations have made it a popular destination for tourists. It is also a popular destination to see the sunrise over a sea of clouds. Overall, it is one of the most iconic and well known mountain destinations in Taiwan…(read more)

How to get There:
The best way to get to Alishan is from Chiayi. There are a number of transportation options.
By Train: You have to book the tickets the day before and they have been known to sell out. For more information on how to book train tickets up the mountain check out this blog by Travel Taiwan.
By Bus: King Bus goes directly to Alishan from Taipei Main Station but this bus leaves early and is expensive. You can also take a bus from Chiayi Main Bus station.
By Car/Scooter: Take provincial Highway 18 east out of Chiayi City, then make your way up the mountain for about over an hour until you reach Alishan Scenic Area.
If your GPS tells you to go up the one lane roads to Alishan, do not. For safety, stay on the two lane Highway 18.
The road to Alishan is known to often have thick fog. You do not want to be stuck on a super steep one lane road with thick fog, so stay on the main two-lane highway. 
You can rent a scooter for cheap in front of the Chiayi Train Station. I would suggest getting at least a large 125 cc scooter that can make it up the mountain. Some rental shops do not even require to see a license. Also be aware there is a gas stations in the first town up the mountain road, so make sure you fill up there if you are getting low. Getting to Alishan could take most of your gas tank.

Hours: Open 24-hours a day all year round (so you can go to see the sunrise at 3 AM).

Recreation Area Price: 300 NT for foreigners, 200 NT for Taiwan nationals. Parking is 100 NT for cars and 20 NT for scooters.
You can book tickets for a discount on Klook here. 

You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.  

See the High Heel Wedding Church 高跟鞋教堂

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This glass building in Budai is the highest high-heeled structure in the world. It is not actually a real church, it is a classic tourist trap that is slowly fading in popularity. There is not much here except this and some seafood restaurants, but it was still fun to visit.

Hours:
24/7

Price:

Free

How to get there:
By car/scooter: Take provincial highway 17 or Expressway 61 to Budai along the coast in Chiayi, then head west to the coast. The high heeled church is near the ocean in Budai and is hard to miss. 
By bus: You can take bus 7209H from Chiayi HSR station, which takes about an hour and a half to reach Budai. 

 

Baishuihu Shou Island 白水湖壽島

At Baishuihu Shou Island, in rural Chiayi, originally there was a salt harvesting operation here, but after typhoons, the levee here failed. The area is now a popular Instagrammer location.

Chiayi Park 嘉義公園

Chiayi Park is perhaps the best park around Chiayi. The Sun-Shooting Tower in Chiayi Park rises 62 meters and is meant to look like a giant tree at Alishan. There is a cafe and observation deck on top, but unfortunately, it was closed when I visited.

Chiayi Confucious Temple 嘉義孔廟

The Confucious Temple in Chiayi City is on the side of Chiayi Park. It is one of the smaller Confucious temples in Taiwan and seems to be forgotten by most visitors to the park.

Zengwen Reservoir 曾文水庫

Tsengwen Reservoir in Chiayi is the largest reservoir in Taiwan. It provides flood control, hydroelectric power, and water supply to the Chianan Plain. You can drive around it and enjoy the views, and also take a boat tour around the reservoir through KKday here.

Suantou Sugar Factory 蒜頭糖廠

Liujiadian Changshou Bridge in Chiayi is claimed to be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Taiwan at 390 meters long. Formerly it was an old iron rail bridge used to ship sugar to the nearby Suantou Sugar Factory.

National Palace Museum – South Branch 故宮南院

The National Palace Museum – South Branch in Chiayi is not only is it bigger and more beautiful than the North branch, but it’s also more kid-friendly, and it’s surrounded by beautiful parks and ponds. You can spend the whole day here.
You can buy discount tickets to the National Palace Museum South Branch on Klook here.

Last of all, I just wanted to share this photo of Chiayi that I took from a plane at night.

Places and Activities We Missed in Chiayi:

You can purchase more tours and discount tickets to many of the places above through Klook here or KKday here
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more of our adventures in Taiwan!

You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.

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