Chiayi Travel Guide: Top Things to Do in Taiwan’s Gateway to Alishan
Located in southern Taiwan, Chiayi (嘉義) is best known as the starting point for the scenic Alishan Forest Railway, which takes travelers into the mountains of Alishan National Forest. But this city offers so much more than just a train ride. From cultural museums and historic villages to bustling night markets and famous food, Chiayi is a destination that blends history, creativity, and authentic Taiwanese flavor.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Chiayi, along with travel tips for first-time visitors.
📍 Top Attractions in Chiayi
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Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles (臺灣花磚博物館)
A beautifully curated museum showcasing colorful decorative tiles from Taiwan’s architectural past, including rare pieces imported from the Netherlands. The exhibits highlight how tiles were not only design elements but also carried symbolic hopes and meanings for families.
📍 Google Map | 🎟️ NT$100 (~112 THB / $3.2 USD / €3) | 🚶 10 mins from Chiayi Station
Best for: Culture lovers, design enthusiasts, history buffs.
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Chiayi Cultural & Industries Creative Park (嘉義文化創意產業園區)
A repurposed industrial site transformed into a creative hub for arts, exhibitions, and local design. Located right by Chiayi Station, it’s the perfect first stop to dive into the city’s creative energy.
📍 Google Map
Best for: Art lovers, lifestyle travelers, families.
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Roi Café
A stylish café in the city, perfect for a quick rest stop between attractions.
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SmartFish (林聰明沙鍋魚頭) Featured in Netflix’s Street Food Asia, this legendary shop is famous for its fish head hot pot (沙鍋魚頭). Expect long queues, but the savory broth and generous portions are worth the wait.
📍 Google Map | 🚶 5 mins from Wenhua Road Night Market
Best for: Foodies, cultural travelers, first-time visitors.
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Chiayi Sawmill (嘉義製材所)
Built in 1914 during the Japanese era, this historic sawmill once processed timber transported from Alishan and was among the largest in East Asia. Today, the site offers an industrial-heritage experience, with nearby attractions such as Song of Forest and the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park, where vintage trains are displayed.
📍 Google Map | 🚶 Near Chiayi Beimen Station
Best for: History buffs, photographers, culture explorers.
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Chiayi Historical Relic Museum (嘉義市史蹟資料館)
Also called “Showa 18 J18,” this archive and museum preserves important relics of the city’s past. Located in Chiayi Park, the museum offers free entry and a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.
📍 Google Map | 🚌 Take Chiayi County Bus No. 2 from Chiayi Station | Free entry
Best for: Culture and history enthusiasts.
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Chiayi Liu Li Zhang Turkey Rice (劉里長雞肉飯)
Chiayi is famous for its turkey rice (火雞肉飯), and this shop is one of the best. The lines are long, but the flavor is unforgettable — tender turkey over fragrant rice, drizzled with savory sauce.
📍 Google Map | 🚶 5 mins from Wenhua Night Market
Best for: Food lovers, first-time visitors.
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Chenghuang Temple (城隍廟)
A historic temple dedicated to the City God, located near the night market. It’s lively in the evenings, when locals stop by to pray before heading to nearby food stalls.
📍 Google Map | 🚶 5–10 mins from Wenhua Night Market
Best for: Spiritual travelers, culture lovers. -
Evie’s Café
Another popular café in Chiayi with a cozy, Instagrammable atmosphere.
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Hinoki Village (檜意森活村)
Once the residential and office area for Japanese workers managing Alishan’s timber trade, this village preserves wooden Hinoki houses, cultural shops, and even Taiwan’s first onsen built during the Japanese era. Today, it’s a mix of history, heritage, and boutique shops.
📍 Google Map | 🚆 From Chiayi Station, take the Alishan Forest Railway to Beimen Station, then walk 2 mins | 🕙 10:00–18:00 daily
Best for: History lovers, families, culture seekers.
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Wenhua Road Night Market (文化路夜市)
Chiayi’s busiest night market, dating back to the Japanese era. At night, it transforms into a foodie paradise with stalls selling turkey rice, tofu snacks, grilled skewers, soy milk desserts, and fresh fruit. Affordable, lively, and authentic, it’s a must for any visitor.
📍 Google Map | 🚶 15 mins from Chiayi Station
Best for: Foodies, families, budget travelers, night owls.
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Chiayi Art Museum (嘉義市立美術館)
Once a government tobacco and alcohol bureau during the Japanese era (built in 1936), this restored complex now hosts art exhibitions, cultural programs, and a bookstore by Eslite. With its photogenic architecture and modern galleries, it’s perfect for both art appreciation and café hopping.
📍 Google Map | 🚶 5 mins from Chiayi Station
Best for: Art lovers, café hoppers, photographers. -
Fenqihu Old Street (奮起湖老街)
Located further up toward Alishan, Fenqihu is famous for its bento boxes (fenqihu bento), traditional snacks, and nostalgic old-town atmosphere. A great stop on the way to the forest park.
Best for: Families, culture lovers, foodies.
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DIY Tea Picking at a Local Plantation
Experience Taiwan’s tea culture firsthand by joining a tea-picking activity at a plantation near Alishan. Learn how tea is harvested and processed, and take home your own blend.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, families, experiential travelers.
🛣️ How to Travel to Chiayi
Chiayi is easily accessible from both Taipei (north Taiwan) and Kaohsiung (south Taiwan). Depending on your schedule, budget, and how fast you want to get there, these are the best options:
1. How to Travel from Taipei → Chiayi
| Mode | Duration | Approx. Cost | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail (HSR) | ~ 1 h 30-45 mins | ~ NT$1,050-1,200 (Standard seat) Taiwanese Secrets Travel Guide+1 | This is the fastest and most comfortable way. Trains depart frequently from Taipei / Banqiao or Nangang. Good if you want speed and reliability. Book ahead for best seats. Useful if coming from Taoyuan airport or moving between cities. |
| Train (TRA) | ~ 2-3 hours depending on service (faster local express vs. local stop trains) | Varies, approx US$ 24-30 (~NT$800-NT$1,200) for faster services Klook Travel+212Go+2 | More scenic, often cheaper than HSR. Check the schedule for express or faster local services. Useful if you have more time and want to see countryside. |
| Bus | ~ 3½ hours or more depending on stops | ~$12-$17 USD (~NT$400-NT$600) depending on operator and comfort level Rome2Rio+1 | Buses depart from Taipei Station. Good for budget travelers. May have less frequency than trains during off-peak hours. Air conditioning, comfort depends on bus class. |
2. How to Travel from Kaohsiung → Chiayi
Since Chiayi is south of Taiwan, coming from Kaohsiung makes sense if you’re doing a southern route (Kaohsiung → Chiayi → Tainan → Pingtung). Here are the options:
| Mode | Duration | Approx. Cost | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail (HSR) | ~ 30-40 minutes | ~ US$10-20 depending on class and time of day Klook Travel+1 | Fastest route. Best when staying near Zuoying (Kaohsiung HSR station) or transferring from Kaohsiung airport. Great if you want to maximize sightseeing time. |
| Train (TRA) | ~ 2h 10-30 mins depending on express vs local train | Approx US$5-10 (~NT$150-NT$300) Rome2Rio+1 | More stops, slower but cheaper, often more frequent schedule. Good option if your budget-conscious or want flexibility. |
| Bus | ~ 2h | ~$8-12 USD (~NT$250-NT$400) depending on bus class and operator Rome2Rio+1 | Comfortable long-distance buses available. Ideal if train/HSR doesn’t match your timing. Sometimes simpler for certain hotel or location drops. |
💡 Suggested Route & Scheduling Tips
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If your itinerary includes southern Taiwan, starting from Kaohsiung → Chiayi → Tainan → Pingtung is a strong route. It reduces back-tracking and gives a more natural flow.
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If your trip starts in Taipei, then you might go Taipei → Chiayi, explore there, then head south (Tainan, Kaohsiung).
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If time is limited, HSR is highly recommended for speed and comfort. If you want more immersion, TRA or bus transport offer more scenery and local flavor.
✨ Final Thoughts
Chiayi may be known as the gateway to Alishan, but it’s also a destination rich with heritage, food, and creativity. From tile museums and historic sawmills to lively night markets and Japanese-era villages, the city is a rewarding stop for those who want to explore Taiwan beyond Taipei.
Whether you’re here for a day trip on your way to Alishan or spending a few nights to dive deeper, Chiayi offers a mix of authentic culture and warm hospitality that makes it one of Taiwan’s most underrated gems.
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