TW · Chiayi · 23.48°N 120.45°E

chiayi

Turkey rice everywhere, a laid-back old town and the jump-off point for Alishan.

Best time
October to April is dry and pleasant. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms.
How long
1 day, or a night before heading up to Alishan
Getting there
Fly from KL to Taipei (about 5 hours), then the High Speed Rail to Chiayi (about 1.5 hours). The HSR station is outside the city, so take the BRT bus in (about 30 minutes). Regular trains stop right in town.
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TW · Chiayichiayi23.48°N 120.45°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Turkey rice everywhere, a laid-back old town and the jump-off point for Alishan.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingChiayiTW, Chiayi
KLchiayi
≈ 3,030 km from KL, as the crow flies
Hinoki Village, Chiayi City.

Photo: Mk2010 · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A small, easy-going city on the plains of south-western Taiwan, best known as the start of the Alishan Forest Railway. It has Japanese-era timber buildings from its logging days, a busy night market and a turkey rice shop on nearly every corner.

Makan

  1. Turkey riceShredded turkey on rice with savoury oil and fried shallots. The city's signature dish.Map ↗
  2. Sand-pot fish headFish head stewed in a clay pot with vegetables and tofu, a Chiayi favourite.Map ↗
  3. Square crackersFlaky layered biscuits, the city's classic souvenir.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Hinoki VillageRestored Japanese-era timber houses, now shops and cafés.Map ↗
  2. Beimen station and the railway garageThe old wooden station of the Alishan line and its rail yard, with old engines on show.Map ↗
  3. Wenhua Road Night MarketThe city's main night market, running down a long central road.Map ↗
  4. Chiayi ParkA hilltop park with the Sun Shooting Tower lookout and the remains of a Japanese-era shrine.Map ↗
  5. National Palace Museum Southern BranchThe southern branch of Taiwan's top museum, near the HSR station.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Alishan train tickets sell out. Book before you arrive if you want to ride up.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.