Chiayi

Chiayi, a city in southwestern Taiwan, serves as the gateway to the Alishan mountain resort. While many travelers pass through on their way to Alishan, Chiayi itself has several interesting sites. You can explore the historic Alishan Forest Railway, walk through the Japanese-era buildings of Hinoki Village, and taste local specialties like turkey rice. With its warm subtropical climate, Chiayi makes for an engaging stop on your Taiwan itinerary.

Getting to Chiayi

You can reach Chiayi by train or high-speed rail from major cities in Taiwan. The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) operates regular train services to Chiayi Station in the city center. This station is also the starting point for the Alishan Forest Railway. If you're coming from Taipei or other major cities, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is a faster option, stopping at THSR Chiayi Station located about 30 minutes from the city center by bus or taxi.

Exploring Hinoki Village

At Hinoki Village, you'll find about two dozen well-preserved Japanese-era buildings that once served as dormitories for forestry workers. Today, the renovated wooden structures house cafes, craft shops, and small museums. As you stroll through the village, you can observe the detailed carpentry of the buildings and read about the area's forestry history. The village has a calm atmosphere and provides context for Taiwan's colonial period.

Riding the Alishan Forest Railway

The Alishan Forest Railway is a narrow-gauge railway that winds its way from Chiayi City up to Alishan National Scenic Area. During the journey, you'll see the landscape change from the coastal plains around Chiayi to the forested mountains of Alishan. The train crosses wooden bridges, passes through tunnels, and runs alongside century-old trees. While the full line to Alishan is sometimes closed for maintenance, you can often take shorter rides to experience this historic railway.

Tasting Chiayi's Food Specialties

Chiayi's local cuisine includes several distinctive dishes. Turkey rice, a local favorite, consists of shredded turkey meat served over rice with a savory gravy. You'll find it at many local eateries throughout the city. Another local specialty is deep-fried oyster balls, a popular street food snack. Visit the Wenhua Road Night Market to sample these and other Taiwanese street foods. For a sit-down meal, try one of the restaurants specializing in Chiayi's version of ba wan, a large glutinous dumpling filled with pork and vegetables.

Visiting Chiayi Park and the Sun-Shooting Tower

In the eastern part of the city, you'll find Chiayi Park with its trees and open spaces. The park's main landmark is the Sun-Shooting Tower, a 62-meter tall structure that resembles the giant trees of Alishan. Take an elevator to the top for views of Chiayi City. The park also contains a small zoo, a Confucius temple, and several museums, making it a good place to spend a few hours, especially if you're traveling with children.

Day Trip to Alishan National Scenic Area

Many visitors to Chiayi use the city as a base for exploring Alishan National Scenic Area. Located about 2.5 hours from Chiayi by car or bus, Alishan has extensive forests, high-mountain tea plantations, and popular sunrise viewing spots. You can hike through ancient cypress forests, visit tea farms, and take in views from observation decks. If you start early, you can see the "sea of clouds" phenomenon at sunrise. While it's possible to visit Alishan as a day trip from Chiayi, staying overnight allows you to fully experience the area's natural environment.