Chiayi

While Chiayi (嘉義; Jiāyì) is not part of the Alishan National Scenic Area, almost every traveler will have to pass through here to get there. The narrow-gauge train to Alishan leaves from Chiayi Train Station, as do buses and taxis. There are a few sights worth checking out in and around Chiayi, so plan to spend a day or so before moving on.

Central Chiayi is small enough to walk across in 30 minutes.

Explore Chiayi

N
National Palace Museum Southern Branch
Fans of historical art and antiques will have a field day here: there is exquisite Buddhist art from Asia's oldest civilisations, excellent displays on…
M
Ming Yuan Pharmacy
Ming Yuan was a pharmacy; now it's a shrine to Taiwan's indigenous flora. Owner Mr Tsai has managed to cram every corner of the tiny shop with unusual…
C
City God Temple
This is the spiritual centre of Chiayi and is dedicated to the City God. First constructed in 1715, many of the best parts of the temple hail from a 1941…
C
Chaotian Temple
This temple was founded in 1694 when a monk brought a Mazu statue to the area. Like its neighbour, Fengtian Temple, Chaotian was at one time or another…
F
Fengtian Temple
This temple, founded in 1622, claims to be the first Mazu temple on mainland Taiwan. The original temple is said to have collapsed, been rebuilt,…
B
Beigang Old Street
Beigang Old St is the long strip of Zhongshan Rd in front of Chaotian Temple. It's been a hub of commercial activity since the Qing dynasty, its…
M
Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles
An old timber house is the lovely setting for this museum that throws light on the history and preservation of Taiwan's old tiles. The gorgeous patterns…
P
Prison Museum
Offering a taste of life behind bars, free admission to this museum includes an hour-long guided tour, which is repeated four times per day Tuesday to…
A
Aogu Wetlands and Forest Park
The sprawling 15-sq-km wetland park includes mud beaches, marshes, lagoons, fish farms, beefwood forests and tracts of thick shrub. Dozens of bird species…

N
National Palace Museum Southern Branch
Fans of historical art and antiques will have a field day here: there is exquisite Buddhist art from Asia's oldest civilisations, excellent displays on…
M
Ming Yuan Pharmacy
Ming Yuan was a pharmacy; now it's a shrine to Taiwan's indigenous flora. Owner Mr Tsai has managed to cram every corner of the tiny shop with unusual…
C
City God Temple
This is the spiritual centre of Chiayi and is dedicated to the City God. First constructed in 1715, many of the best parts of the temple hail from a 1941…
C
Chaotian Temple
This temple was founded in 1694 when a monk brought a Mazu statue to the area. Like its neighbour, Fengtian Temple, Chaotian was at one time or another…
F
Fengtian Temple
This temple, founded in 1622, claims to be the first Mazu temple on mainland Taiwan. The original temple is said to have collapsed, been rebuilt,…
B
Beigang Old Street
Beigang Old St is the long strip of Zhongshan Rd in front of Chaotian Temple. It's been a hub of commercial activity since the Qing dynasty, its…
M
Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles
An old timber house is the lovely setting for this museum that throws light on the history and preservation of Taiwan's old tiles. The gorgeous patterns…
P
Prison Museum
Offering a taste of life behind bars, free admission to this museum includes an hour-long guided tour, which is repeated four times per day Tuesday to…
A
Aogu Wetlands and Forest Park
The sprawling 15-sq-km wetland park includes mud beaches, marshes, lagoons, fish farms, beefwood forests and tracts of thick shrub. Dozens of bird species…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Chiayi.

See
National Palace Museum Southern Branch
Fans of historical art and antiques will have a field day here: there is exquisite Buddhist art from Asia's oldest civilisations, excellent displays on…
See
Ming Yuan Pharmacy
Ming Yuan was a pharmacy; now it's a shrine to Taiwan's indigenous flora. Owner Mr Tsai has managed to cram every corner of the tiny shop with unusual…
See
City God Temple
This is the spiritual centre of Chiayi and is dedicated to the City God. First constructed in 1715, many of the best parts of the temple hail from a 1941…
See
Chaotian Temple
This temple was founded in 1694 when a monk brought a Mazu statue to the area. Like its neighbour, Fengtian Temple, Chaotian was at one time or another…
See
Fengtian Temple
This temple, founded in 1622, claims to be the first Mazu temple on mainland Taiwan. The original temple is said to have collapsed, been rebuilt,…
See
Beigang Old Street
Beigang Old St is the long strip of Zhongshan Rd in front of Chaotian Temple. It's been a hub of commercial activity since the Qing dynasty, its…
See
Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles
An old timber house is the lovely setting for this museum that throws light on the history and preservation of Taiwan's old tiles. The gorgeous patterns…
See
Prison Museum
Offering a taste of life behind bars, free admission to this museum includes an hour-long guided tour, which is repeated four times per day Tuesday to…
See
Aogu Wetlands and Forest Park
The sprawling 15-sq-km wetland park includes mud beaches, marshes, lagoons, fish farms, beefwood forests and tracts of thick shrub. Dozens of bird species…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Chiayi with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.