ChiayiCounty(China) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Chiayi County, recommend staying at Gu Xiang Homestay, nestled at the foot of Alishan National Scenic Area. This family-oriented property offers free shuttle service to Alishan, kids’ activity zones, and hands-on workshops like tea picking and making red bean buns. Its proximity to Fenqi Lake and Chiayi Train Station ensures easy access to local attractions. Guests can also participate in cultural experiences such as traditional farming activities and night-time stargazing, making it ideal for multi-generational travel.

The best areas for accommodation are Chiayi City and Alishan Township. Chiayi City offers urban convenience with access to the National Palace Museum Branch, Chuyang Road Night Market, and Chiayi Park—perfect for city lovers. In contrast, Alishan Township provides serene mountain views, sunrise over the clouds, and access to the ancient Sacred Cypresses. Stay at Alishan Hotel or Lushan Villa for panoramic vistas and immersive forest experiences. Both regions offer unique stays tailored to different travel styles.

Chiayi County boasts rich Hakka culture and indigenous traditions. Visit Zhuqi Township for a "Hakka Folk Song Workshop" where guests learn to sing traditional tunes in Hakka dialect. In Alishan's Amis and Tsou villages, participate in "mock hunting rituals" and "traditional weaving sessions" to understand indigenous lifestyles. Don’t miss the annual Chiayi Agricultural Expo in October, featuring local produce, craft markets, and tastings of white rice, sweet potato pastries, and black sugar cakes—a true celebration of rural Taiwan.

Head to Chuyang Road Night Market for must-tries: crispy chicken cutlets, creamy peanut soup, and savory sausage-stuffed rice rolls. For seafood lovers, visit Dongshi Night Market, famous for fresh milkfish congee and tender salted chicken. To experience authentic local flavor, stop by Apo Street’s Grandma Noodle Stall in Puzi City, where handmade noodles are served with a rich, aromatic sauce—delicious and deeply rooted in tradition.

Spring (March–May) is ideal for viewing flowers in Chiayi County. The Meishan Cherry Blossom Trail bursts into pink blooms perfect for walking and photography. In summer, head to Taipei County’s Lavender Fields in Taibao City, where purple waves stretch across the hills under bright skies. During autumn, Alishan’s maple forests turn fiery red—especially along the Sacred Cypresses and Crossroads trails. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy breathtaking views of layered foliage.

The Alishan Forest Railway offers stunning shots of trains winding through lush greenery and misty mountains. Capture reflections at Sister Ponds and the majestic Sacred Cypresses near the trailhead. Fenqi Old Street features preserved 19th-century wooden houses and nostalgic lighting, ideal for evening photos. For star lovers, the Alishan Star Observation Platform offers pristine night skies—perfect for Milky Way and meteor photography. These locations deliver both natural beauty and cultural depth.

Don’t miss Chiayi City God Temple, one of Taiwan’s oldest city god temples, showcasing exquisite Fujian-style architecture and intricate carvings. Although the original Alishan Sacred Cypress has fallen, its remains still stand as a symbol of ecological heritage. Also visit the Tropic of Cancer Monument in Shuigang Township, one of only three global markers of the Tropic of Cancer—offering both scientific and geographical significance. These sites reflect Chiayi’s deep historical roots and cultural legacy.

Gu Xiang Homestay hosts "Children’s Nature Exploration Camps" where kids plant vegetables, observe insects, and make paper lanterns. The Alishan Forest Recreation Area features kid-safe nature trails and play zones. The Chiayi City Zoo allows interactive feeding sessions with giraffes and alpacas. During summer, join the "Farm Experience Summer Camp" with rice planting, harvesting, and bamboo weaving—fun, educational, and memorable for young travelers.

Renting a motorcycle or driving your own car is the most efficient option due to hilly terrain and limited public transit. From Taipei, take the high-speed rail to Chiayi Station, then transfer via taxi or bus to Alishan. The Alishan Forest Railway connects Chiayi City to Alishan and should be booked in advance. Additionally, Chiayi County Bike Sharing System covers major tourist spots, ideal for short-distance travel. Use Google Maps for accurate navigation and route planning to avoid getting lost.

Visit the Shuangxi Suspension Bridge in Xikou Township, hidden in dense forest and spanning a clear stream—ideal for quiet reflection and photography. Explore the Six Hundred House Cluster in Minxiong Township, a well-preserved Hakka courtyard village with vibrant wall murals and occasional community tours. Also, check out the Temple Backyard Garden in Xingang Township, managed by the temple, offering organic farming demos and farmers’ markets. These lesser-known spots offer authentic, unspoiled charm away from tourist crowds.