<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Planning a trip to Taiwan and wondering if Chiayi (\u5609\u7fa9)<\/strong> is worth visiting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most travelers head straight to Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung\u2026 but after spending 2 unforgettable days in Chiayi<\/strong>, I honestly think this is one of Taiwan\u2019s most underrated regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Beautiful mountain scenery<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Famous Alishan sunrise spots<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Fresh seafood & oyster BBQ<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Hidden museums with no crowds<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Tea country landscapes<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Relaxed local atmosphere<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Easy bullet train access<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Great road trip destination<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a side of Taiwan that feels calmer, greener, and more authentic \u2014 Chiayi might be perfect for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccd Quick 2-Day Chiayi Itinerary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 1 \u2013 Coast + Culture + Sunset<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude84 Kaohsiung \u2192 Chiayi by bullet train<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude97 Rent a car in Chiayi<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfdb Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\uddc2 Budai Salt Hill<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc60 High-Heel Church<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\uddaa Oyster BBQ lunch in Budai<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc1f Budai Fish Market<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfe8 Hotel check-in<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf05 Sunset at Renyitan Reservoir<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf55 Unique local pizza dinner<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 2 \u2013 Mountains + Sunrise + Alishan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf04 4AM sunrise at Eryanping Trail<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2601\ufe0f Sea of clouds at Shizhao Viewpoint<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf32 Alishan National Forest Recreation Area<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf75 Tea region lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf09 Suspension bridge viewpoint<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf5c Famous beef noodle dinner<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why Chiayi Is Worth Visiting \ud83d\udc9a<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chiayi is special because it gives you multiple sides of Taiwan in one trip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Ocean towns \ud83c\udf0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Mountain forests \u26f0\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Tea farms \ud83c\udf43<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Local culture \ud83c\udfee<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Scenic drives \ud83d\ude97<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Fewer crowds \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people only pass through Chiayi on the way to Alishan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s a mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chiayi itself deserves time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 1: Museums, Seafood & Sunset<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude84 Kaohsiung to Chiayi by High-Speed Rail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We started by taking the Taiwan High Speed Rail from Kaohsiung to Chiayi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Fast<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Clean<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Comfortable<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Easy to book<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets were reserved in advance and printed at the station machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Japanese traveler, it reminded me of the Shinkansen \u2014 but seeing a vending machine onboard still made me smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude97 Renting a Car in Chiayi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We picked up our rental car at IWS Rent-A-Car Chiayi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcb0 Around 6,000 TWD for 3 days including insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving in Taiwan was easier than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scooters are common, but many roads separate scooter lanes and car lanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hardest part?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udd7f\ufe0f Parking rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Red lines = no parking<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 White lines = depends on area<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Always double check signs<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, renting a car gave us total freedom and was 100% worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfdb Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our first major stop was Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This museum is connected to Taiwan\u2019s famous Taipei Palace Museum\u2014but with far fewer crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And by pure luck\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n We saw the legendary Jadeite Cabbage \ud83e\udd6c\u2728<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Taiwan\u2019s most iconic treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even better: almost nobody was around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you hate crowded museums, this place is amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What made it interesting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of history by date, exhibits were organized by themes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Buddhism<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Tea culture<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Textiles<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Writing systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Flowers<\/p>\n\n\n\n Modern, smart, and genuinely fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\uddc2\ud83d\udc60 Budai Coast: Salt Hill + High-Heel Church<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We then drove to Budai coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Budai Salt Hill<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Budai Salt Hill looked like a strange white mountain in the middle of Taiwan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very photogenic and unusual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High-Heel Church<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n High-Heel Wedding Church is exactly what it sounds like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A giant glass high heel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Random? Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Worth seeing? Also yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\uddaa Unlimited Oyster BBQ Lunch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunch was at 1368\u70e4\u9bae\u86b5\u5403\u5230\u98fd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This was full self-service oyster BBQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd25 No instructions<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd25 Just oysters<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd25 Fire<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd25 Confidence<\/p>\n\n\n\n The oysters were fresh, but the real star was the soy sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And we had an incredible salt-pepper fish dish too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most memorable meals of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf05 Sunset at Renyitan Reservoir<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Later we visited Renyitan Reservoir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People were flying kites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wind was cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The scenery was peaceful and green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honestly\u2026 one of those places that makes you slow down and breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u26a0\ufe0f Bring bug spray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf55 Fun Dinner Spot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dinner was at \u771f\u5fb7\u7aaf\u70e4\u9eb5\u5305,\u62ab\u85a9,\u70cf\u9f8d\u8336.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This place had pizza toppings like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf52 Cranberry + nuts<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udda4 Sesame paste<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unexpected and delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel is fun when familiar food becomes something completely new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 2: Sunrise, Tea Mountains & Alishan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf04 4AM Wake Up for Sunrise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We woke at 4AM and drove to Eryanping Trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunrise in Taiwan was around 5:30AM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Was it painful waking up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Was it worth it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2601\ufe0f Sea of Clouds at Shizhao<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Next stop: 169\u77f3\u68f9\u89c0\u666f\u53f0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sea of clouds was breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby tea farms were perfectly maintained and incredibly beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even cloudy weather would feel magical here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf32 Alishan: Arrive Early<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We reached Alishan National Forest Recreation Area around 8AM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best decision of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At that time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Peaceful<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Easy parking<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Fewer people<\/p>\n\n\n\n By 11AM?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u274c Huge crowds<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u274c Parking chaos<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you visit Alishan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc49 Go early.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We explored highlights like the Sister Ponds and enjoyed the calm morning forest atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf75 Best Lunch in the Mountains<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We ate at \u91ce\u8591\u82b1\u5ead\u5712\u9910\u5ef3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This meal was incredible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think Japanese-style small plates, but each dish was distinctly Taiwanese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also drank fresh hand-picked local tea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf43 Rich oolong<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf43 Tea similar to Japanese sencha<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fresh mountain tea tastes completely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf5c Final Dinner: Amazing Beef Noodles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dinner was at \u4f6c\u9109\u6c34\u9903\u725b\u8089\u9eb5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best beef noodle soups I had in Taiwan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The broth included Chinese herbs and had deep flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friendly staff spoke English and Japanese too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to Stay in Chiayi \ud83c\udfe8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We stayed at Oriental Pearl International Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A quirky hotel with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udeb5 Wooden furniture<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfc3 Hallway treadmill \u201cgym\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf6a Welcome snacks<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not luxury\u2014but fun, memorable, and convenient for a road trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Final Verdict: Is Chiayi Worth Visiting?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcaf Yes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially if you want:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 A less touristy Taiwan<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Nature + food + culture<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Alishan access<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Scenic road trips<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Slower pace than Taipei<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chiayi surprised me more than many famous cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that might be the best kind of destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning a Taiwan Trip?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t just pass through Chiayi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay two days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may end up loving it more than expected.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Planning a trip to Taiwan and wondering if Chiayi (\u5609\u7fa9) is worth visiting? Most travelers head straight to Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung\u2026 but after spending 2 unforgettable days in Chiayi, I honestly think this is one of Taiwan\u2019s most underrated regions. Think: \u2705 Beautiful mountain scenery \u2705 Famous Alishan sunrise spots \u2705 Fresh seafood & […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2625"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2625\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2627,"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2625\/revisions\/2627"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wakacin-lifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}