Where to go in Chiayi? 15 must-go & best places to visit in Chiayi

December 15, 2025

Chiayi, a city located in southwestern Taiwan, is famous for its stunning natural landscapes. So, where to go in Chiayi? Join Living Noomads as we list 15 must-see tourist destinations and best places to visit in Chiayi below.

Chiayi is a small city in Taiwan, renowned not only for its unique culture but also as an ideal destination for those who love majestic natural beauty and historical sites. With its harmonious blend of natural landscapes and architectural structures, Chiayi is the perfect place for you to experience traditional Taiwanese culture and embark on adventurous explorations.

Let’s begin our journey to discover Chiayi’s must-see tourist destinations with Living Nomads.

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area – A Paradise for Cloud Hunting & Tea Drinking

15 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Chiayi

Alishan is not just a national forest, but also a magnificent natural landscape, a place where incredible biodiversity converges. You will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lush green space, participate in challenging trekking activities, and camp in the ancient forest to fully enjoy its pristine beauty. In particular, Alishan is also a place for conservation and research of endemic plant and animal species, contributing to the protection of Taiwan’s environment and ecosystem.

Alishan Tea Hills | Where to go in Chiayi

Chiayi: Alishan Day Tour & Multi-Day Tour from Chiayi

Location: Alishan Township, Chiayi County

Alishan Forest Railway – Taiwan’s Oldest Railway

The Alishan Forest Railway is Taiwan’s oldest railway. Built during the Japanese occupation, the Alishan railway was originally used to transport timber from the Alishan forest down the mountain. Upon arriving here, you will feel the nostalgic atmosphere of the station. In particular, the Alishan train will take you through stunning natural scenery, winding tracks along the mountainside, and wooden bridges spanning deep gorges.

Alishan Forest Railway taiwan (1) — The train station buitl by wood. | Where to go in Chiayi

Alishan Forest Railway 1-Day & Multi-Day Tour from Taichung

Location: Chiayi Station, Alishan National Scenic Area, Chiayi County

Where to go in Chiayi: Wenhua Road Night Market – A Street Food Paradise

Chiayi Wenhua Road Night Market (1) — | Where to go in Chiayi

Located in the heart of Chiayi City, Wenhua Road Night Market attracts tourists and locals alike with its lively atmosphere and wide variety of goods. It’s not only a paradise for Taiwanese street food, but also an ideal destination for shopping for fashion items and handicrafts. Strolling through the brightly lit stalls, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Chiayi and fully experience the local culture.

Chiayi Camping | Night Out Village American Fishing Village | Glamping with Two Meals

Address: Wenhua Rd, West Dist., Chiayi City

Budai Fishing Port – Check-in at the Most Beautiful Pier in Chiayi

Alishan Mianyue Line Hiking Day Tour in Chiayi

Budai Fishing Port in Chiayi, Taiwan, is a unique blend of traditional fishing village charm and the bustling atmosphere of a seafood market. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the busy atmosphere of the early morning market, watch boats laden with fish and shrimp dock, and witness the buying and selling taking place right on the pier. Besides that, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood prepared in the local style, or shop for seafood specialties as souvenirs.

Address: No.3, Zhongshan Rd., Budai Township, Chiayi County

YUYUPAS Cultural Park – Preserving Tsou Tribe Culture

Tickets for Youyoubasi (Tsou Cultural Tribe) Park

Youyupas Park is where you can explore the culture of the Tsou people. This 3-hectare park is nestled amidst lush green tea and coffee plantations, offering a refreshing natural environment. Here, you can participate in traditional cultural performances, enjoy famous Alishan tea and coffee, and learn about the history and customs of the Tsou people. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to experience local culture.

Address: No.127-2, 4th Leye Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi County

Hinoki Ancient Village – A Japanese Space in the Heart of Chiayi

Hinoki Ancient Village is famous for its houses built entirely of wood, offering a peaceful and nature-friendly atmosphere. Small cobblestone streets and lush gardens create a harmonious blend of history and culture. You will have the opportunity to explore traditional architecture, participate in traditional crafts, and enjoy local cuisine at the village’s cafes and restaurants.

Hinoki-Village alishan autumn (1) — Happy together | Where to go in Chiayi

Chiayi: Hinoki Village Japanese Kimono Experience

Address: No.1, Linsen E. Rd., East Dist., Chiayi City

Cheng Huang Temple – Chiayi’s Most Sacred Temple

Showa 18 J18 Chiayi City Historical Sites Archives

Cheng Huang Temple in Chiayi is a sacred temple dedicated to the city’s guardian deity. Built in 1715, this temple is not only a symbol of the people’s faith and reverence for the deity, but also bears the strong historical imprint of Chiayi. It houses over 700 precious artifacts, attesting to the city’s prosperity and development over three centuries, helping the community and visitors better understand the important periods of Chiayi’s history.

Address: No.168, Wufeng N Rd., West Dist., Chiayi City

Lantan Lake – A Peaceful Natural Corner in Chiayi

Chiayi Guanyin Waterfall Ticket

Lake Lantan is known as a peaceful oasis in the heart of Chiayi, where time stands still. You’ll find winding paths along the lake, leading through shady trees. The tranquil lake reflects the clear blue sky, surrounded by lush greenery. Here, you can enjoy the fresh air, or simply sit back, admire the scenery, and find balance in your soul.

Address: Xiaoya Rd., East Dist., Chiayi City

Chateau de Jourdeness – European Architecture in Chiayi

Chateau de Jourdeness Ticket in Chiayi

With its luxurious and refined Baroque architecture, Chateau de Jourdeness in Chiayi is not only a tourist attraction but also a masterpiece of art. You will be captivated by the lush gardens covering an area of up to 40,000 square meters, where flowers and plants create a relaxing and enjoyable space. In addition, with over 100 photo spots, this location is a place to immerse yourself in the perfection of art and history.

Address: No.15, Dapu Meiyuan 3rd Rd., Dalin Township, Chiayi County

National Palace Museum – Southern Branch in Chiayi

The National Palace Museum – Southern Campus in Chiayi is a place where modern architecture inspired by Chinese calligraphy blends with a diverse collection of Asian art and culture. The museum’s open space, formed by three graceful structural blocks, symbolizes three strokes of calligraphy. Furthermore, the museum is a cultural center, showcasing art and culture from India, Persia, Japan, and especially tea ceremony culture.

Address: No. 888, Gugong Blvd, Taibao City, Chiayi County

Taiwan Ancient Brick Museum – A Creative Art Space

Chiayi Alishan – Xuyue Sightseeing Train

Located in the western district of Chiayi, the Taiwan Ancient Brick Museum attracts visitors with its unique creativity featuring colorful bricks. Here, you will step into a world of decorative bricks hand-painted into distinctive works of art. The museum also regularly organizes brick painting classes for children, not only helping children develop their creativity but also giving them the opportunity to discover the beauty of art in each brick.

Address: No. 282, Linsen W. Rd., West Dist., Chiayi City

Sun Shooting Tower – A Symbol of Chiayi People’s Strength

Chiayi University Insect Hall Tickets

Standing at 62 meters tall, the Chiayi Tower is designed based on the legend of the local ethnic minority shooting down the sun, harmoniously combining traditional and modern elements to create an impressive architectural masterpiece. Inside the tower is a bronze sculpture of the Sun Shoot, vividly recreating this legend. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the lush green space of Chiayi Park, where the tower is located.

Location: Chiayi Park, East Dist., Chiayi City

Taiping Suspension Bridge – Taiwan’s Longest Suspension Bridge

Chiayi Taiping Suspension Bridge Ticket

Exploring the Taiping Suspension Bridge is an unmissable experience when visiting Chiayi, as it is the longest suspension bridge on the island of Taiwan. Stepping onto the Taiping Suspension Bridge, you’ll be walking at an altitude of up to 1,000 meters, enjoying the fresh air and admiring the majestic scenery around you, from the sprawling mountain ranges to the lush green rice paddies. In particular, the Taiping Suspension Bridge is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset, sunrise, and sea of clouds.

Address: No. 5, Xiakengzai, Meishan Township, Chiayi County

Three Pigs Farm – An Ecotourism Destination in Chiayi

Three Pigs Farm Ticket in Chiayi

This is a great destination for those who want to enjoy a fun natural environment. With over 30 different animal species, this farm creates a diverse and rich space. You can participate in activities such as feeding pigs, milking goats, planting vegetables, and learning about agricultural production processes. Especially, you can dine at the farm’s restaurant while watching the animals play right outside the door.

Address: No. 369, Minxin Rd, Minxiong Township, Chiayi County

Chiayi Sika Deer Sanctuary – Home to Sika Deer

Alishan Veoveoana Tribe Ticket in Chiayi

Located in the heart of Chiayi’s majestic natural landscape, the Sika Deer Sanctuary is a fantastic place for those who wanting to learn about wildlife ecosystems. The Sika Deer Sanctuary is not only home to sika deer but also a sanctuary for many other animal species. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe sika deer in their natural habitat and gain valuable information about conservation and environmental education.

Address: No. 1-1, Meihua 1st Road, Chukou Village, Fanlu Township, Chiayi County

When is the Best Time to Visit Chiayi, Taiwan?

Chiayi possesses a beauty that changes with each season, but perhaps spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the ideal times to explore this city.

In spring, Chiayi is adorned with vibrant cherry blossoms, especially in the Alishan area, creating a dreamy and romantic scene. Autumn, on the other hand, brings a gentle and charming Chiayi with its red and yellow foliage, lush green tea hills, and pleasantly cool air. Both seasons have cool, dry weather, making them perfect for outdoor activities and exploring nature.

How to Travel from Vietnam to Chiayi Independently

Segment 1: Traveling from Vietnam to Taipei

Traveling from Vietnam to Taipei is very convenient with many daily direct flights from major international airports in Vietnam. Popular airlines offer a variety of flight times and prices, making it easy to plan your trip. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main airport serving international flights to Taipei.

Airlines operating direct flights: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, China Airlines, Eva Air
Departure points in Vietnam: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD)
Flight time: On average about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the departure point and airline, with prices ranging from approximately VND 3,400,000 to over VND 8,000,000.

Stage 2: Traveling from Taipei to Chiayi

Chiayi is about 260km from Taipei, so you can easily travel to Chiayi by high-speed train (THSR) to save time, or choose a regular train (TRA) or bus for a more scenic experience. There are also many other transportation options you can consider.

Traveling from Taipei to Chiayi by Train

Trains are a popular and comfortable way to travel from Taipei to Chiayi, offering the opportunity to admire Taiwan’s stunning scenery. There are two main options: the high-speed train (THSR), which is faster but more expensive, and the regular train (TRA), which is more economical but takes longer. You can easily book tickets online or directly at the train station.

The price of an unlimited subway ticket is approximately 155 NTD.

Traveling from Taipei to Chiayi by Bus

Buses are a cost-effective option for traveling from Taipei to Chiayi, with many routes connecting the two cities. Although the travel time is longer than by train, you can easily buy tickets directly at bus stations.

Bus fares usually range from 300-500 NTD.

Traveling from Taipei to Chiayi by Car with Driver

Hiring a car with a driver is an ideal option for large groups or families, offering privacy, comfort, and flexibility in terms of time and stops. However, the cost of this option will be higher than other public transportation options.

Costs depend on the type of car and rental time, usually starting from 3,000 NTD.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiayi Travel

Walking path to the old town. On both sides of the road are small shops selling local food and souvenirs. Strolling along this road is absolutely enjoyable because you can take in both the visual and olfactory senses.

What are some of the famous tourist attractions in Chiayi?

Chiayi is famous for Alishan National Park, Hinoki Village, the Southern Palace Museum, and many other cultural and historical attractions.

What is the most convenient way to get to Chiayi from Taipei?

The high-speed train (THSR) is the fastest, while the regular train (TRA) and buses are more economical options. Hiring a car with a driver is also a good option if traveling in a group.

When is the best time to visit Chiayi?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal times, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Spring is especially beautiful as the cherry blossoms bloom in Alishan.

What are the culinary highlights of Chiayi?

Chiayi is famous for its roast turkey, Fenqihu square bread, Alishan tea, and many other delicious local dishes.

What should I keep in mind when traveling to Chiayi?

It’s advisable to book train or bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season. Bring warm clothing if you plan to visit Alishan, as temperatures in the mountains can be quite cold.

Exploring Chiayi is not only about experiencing the culture and history, but also an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in local life, enjoy the rich cuisine, and meet hospitable people. From sacred temples to bustling street corners, every corner of Chiayi holds unique stories and special cultural values.

Get dressed up and come experience the vibrant culture at Chiayi’s tourist destinations!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Alishan you can refer to

Are you looking for more Alishan travel guide and top things to do in Alishan: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Alishan autumn — Where to go & what to do in Alishan, Taiwan in the fall? And Alishan trip blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide on how to make an Alishan day trip from Taipei.