Things To Do
in Chiayi

Chiayi’s largest night market: great for turkey rice, meatballs, stinky tofu, grilled snacks and desserts in a lively atmosphere.

Historic mountain railway town with lacquered bento boxes (train lunchboxes), tea shops and snack stalls—ideal for a scenic lunch stop en route to Alishan.

Taiwanese are polite and reserved—use a friendly tone, avoid loud public arguments and accept hospitality with gratitude. Remove shoes when entering private homes if invited.

Line up for buses, metro, and food stalls—cutting in line is frowned upon. Keep voices moderate on public transport.

Show deference to older people; offering seats and using polite language are appreciated.

Ask permission before photographing individuals up close, especially older people and in religious sites; follow signs and staff instructions in museums and temples.

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; good service is normally included. Small tips are appreciated in upscale hotels or for exceptional service, but not expected in restaurants or taxis.

Cash (New Taiwan Dollar) is widely used for markets and small stalls—carry small bills and coins. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and shops; contactless cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are gaining ground. Use an EasyCard or iPASS for buses and some trains.

Late winter to early spring brings cooler mornings and cherry or plum blossoms in higher elevations; it’s a lovely time for Alishan photography and tea harvest activities.

Hot, humid and rainy with occasional heavy showers and the typhoon season (mainly July–September); coastal areas can be breezier—carry sun protection and quick‑dry clothing.

Generally pleasant and dry with comfortable temperatures—great for hiking, cycling and outdoor exploration.

Mild in the city but cold at Alishan (possible frost, rare snow at high elevations); bring layers for chilly mountain mornings and warm tea to enjoy at local tea houses.

Easy to moderate loop through ancient cypress forests to see the famous giant sacred trees—suitable for most visitors and hugely photogenic.

Short walk to the Zhushan viewing platform for sunrise and a panoramic cloud-sea view; best reached very early in the morning by shuttle or train.

A series of trails and old paths connecting historic railway towns and scenic points—combine hiking with cultural stops at Fenchihu Old Street.

Gentle walking paths and observation platforms through coastal wetlands—excellent for birdwatching and easy landscapes.

Small regional airport near Shuishang—limited domestic and occasional charter routes; most travelers use rail or road connections instead.

A smaller commercial airport about an hour by car from Chiayi; limited domestic flights and easy road access to southern Taiwan.

Major southern international airport approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or train; good for international arrivals and departures.

Main international gateway to Taiwan—accessible by high‑speed rail (THSR) and intercity trains plus domestic transfers to Chiayi (longer travel time but many flight options).

The majority population in Chiayi speaks Taiwanese Hokkien and participates in local cultural traditions and festivals.

A significant minority with distinct traditions, food and festivals in some rural townships.

Indigenous communities, notably the Tsou in the Alishan area, contribute mountain culture, crafts and festivals to the region.

Chiayi has a relatively older demographic profile compared with urban centers—many communities are family‑oriented and traditional.