2024 Chiayi County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

Alishan's Erwanping Scenic Area in Chiayi

The Erwanping Giant Stone and Sacred Tree in Alishan is located in Chiayi County. This area boasts spectacular giant stones, thousand-year-old sacred trees, and dense primeval forests, making it perfect for nature lovers and hikers. Here is a travel guide to the Erwanping Giant Stone and Sacred Tree to help you plan a fulfilling trip to Alishan. 1. Overview Name: Erwanping Giant Stone and Sacred Tree Location: Within Alishan National Scenic Area, near Alishan Highway (Taiwan Route 18) Features: Massive sacred trees and giant stones, along with dense misty forest landscapes. The sacred trees here are hundreds of years old, and the area is a relatively quiet and sparsely populated natural scenic spot. 2. How to Get There By Car: Depart from Chiayi City and drive along Taiwan Route 18 (Alishan Highway) for about 1.5-2 hours. You can park at the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and then walk to the Erwanping trailhead. Public Transportation: Take a bus from Chiayi Railway Station or Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station to Alishan, which takes about 2 hours. From the recreation area, you can walk or take internal transportation to the starting point of Erwanping. 3. Main Attractions Giant Stones and Sacred Trees: The giant stones in Erwanping are one of the natural landmarks here, standing out spectacularly in the forest. The sacred trees are another highlight of this forest, with ancient red cypress and Taiwan cypress trees showcasing their robust vitality, some of which are hundreds of years old. These massive sacred trees have trunks several meters in diameter, making them excellent photo spots. Nature Trail: Erwanping has a beautiful nature trail about 2 kilometers long, where you can enjoy the dense misty forest and pass by the giant stones and sacred trees, making it ideal for a leisurely hike. 4. Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: Early morning or afternoon is the best time to visit, as the mist and light create a fairyland-like atmosphere, perfect for photography and enjoying the tranquil nature. Total Time: The entire trail takes about 1.5-2 hours, including time to admire the giant stones, sacred trees, and take photos. The path is relatively flat, suitable for families and general tourists. 5. Recommended Gear Hiking Shoes: Although the trail is not very steep, the forest is often damp, and the path may be slippery. It is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes or non-slip shoes. Waterproof Jacket: The weather in Alishan is unpredictable, especially with frequent mist and light rain in the mountains. Bring a waterproof jacket just in case. Water and Snacks: There are no shops or snack stalls along the Erwanping trail, so it is advisable to bring enough water and snacks to maintain your energy. Summary: The Erwanping Giant Stone and Sacred Tree area in Alishan is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. Nearby attractions such as the Alishan Forest Railway, Sister Ponds, and Zhushan Sunrise are also worth visiting.

Nostalgic Bento Bliss

#winhkflight The traditional iron-boxed nostalgic bento features spare ribs accompanied by simple side dishes. If you opt for dining in, you'll enjoy a complimentary refillable bamboo shoots soup, permeating the entire space with its smell. (Most of tourist might not be used to it) The pork chop and drumstick bento is exceptionally tasty. We also tried another pork rib bento, with the meat seasoned generously and marinated deliciously. Although it's a bit pricier compared to neighboring stores, the iron box adds a retro flair to the experience. While the ribs are thick but tend to be dry, the rice portions are modest, and the side dishes are satisfactory. However, the low tables and closely arranged stools leave little room for maneuverability. The chairs are particularly low, making it challenging for elderly individuals to stand up after their meal. Additionally, during peak hours, sharing tables becomes necessary due to limited space. 📍老街懷舊便當 941, Taiwan, Zhuqi Township, 舊庄路21號 21號 21-3.21-4.21-5.21-6號1樓 Hope to win flights to Hong Kong and try the delicious egg tarts 😋

Witnessing Magic: Alishan Sunrise Adventure

#winhkflight Waking up before dawn to witness the sunrise at Alishan was an unforgettable experience. As the first light began to creep over the horizon, the anticipation grew. When the sun finally emerged, it painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, illuminating the landscape below. The sea of clouds added an ethereal touch, making me feel like I was witnessing something truly magical. Despite the early hour and the crowd, the beauty of the moment made it all worthwhile. It's a memory I'll cherish forever. Hope to win flight to Hong Kong to go Green Egg Island snorkelling and canoeing 🛶

The hidden destination among the clouds

Address - Fenqihu Old Street, 604, Chiayi County, Zhuqi Township, 24 Getting There - Recommended to take train from Chiayi or by self driving Attractions - Train, train railway, old food & shopping street Food & Restaurants - Train bento lunch box, fried donut Personal experience - The 'Jiufen' of the South. Surrounded by misty clouds atop a range of grandeur mountains, I had a good time taking in the scenes of the scenery, the train and it's picturesque railway. Even though the train bento lunch box is quite a touristy trap, the food there is worth every cent and honestly, it is not even quite that expensive at TWD 190 for the big set which includes pork and chicken. After having a meal, walk around the old street to digest your stomach and remember to always have a fried donut if you see it. Calories well spent. #taiwan #fenqihu #train

Hotel Indigo Alishan

It is located on the Alishan Highway, and there are no special attractions near the Hotel. The internal equipment is very novel, tidy and clean. There is an underground parking lot. The lobby on the first floor is small. The passage from the lobby to the elevator has special design services The staff is friendly. There is a hot spring pool on the top floor. There is a small swimming pool and a small bar. You can watch the stars at night. You can see the sunrise in the morning. We booked the room with bathtub. Most of the rooms face the mountains. Overall, the facilities and staff of the hotel are very good, but the room rate and meal cost are high. I feel that spending so much money to stay here for one night is not worth it. #mytripvlog

Beautiful sea of clouds and sunset on Alishan

Eryanping Trail is a relatively hidden trail that is located off the main mountain road. While this trail is less known as compared to the trails in the Alishan Recreation area where most visitors will go, there are still many who visit this off beaten track that offers amazing views of the sea of clouds and sunsets. There are various viewing platforms with great views of the sea of clouds and sunset. Do note that the sea of clouds are typically seen when the weather is cool such as in winter, and there has to be good weather for the sunset to happen. Tea plantations can be found along the way too. As Alishan is not the most accessible via public transport, this place is best visited via private transport. You may opt to stay in a homestay near the trail to make getting to the trail easier. Be careful when you are on the trails, as even though the trails are paved to make it easier for visitors, it can get dark after sunset.

Taiwan - a destination to be discovered! #triplocal

#merry Christmas all, I am very happy now. If I will win this lottery, i will going to USA. This is my dream's city. Happy new year! I wish all good and happiness. Thank you. Regards.🧚‍♀️🤩🎅🎄

Fenqihu Old Street: A Nostalgic Stroll Through Time

Fenqihu Old Street is in Chiayi Taiwan, it is on the way if you are heading to Alishan forest. Getting There - I went there on the way to Alishan, as part of a day tour with local guide as it is on a higher altitude. Attractions - There is a lower and upper street for Fenqihu Old Street. 1. Old train station/ railway - There are old trains displayed here and you can learn about the history if this station and railway 2. Old street with local shops - Many local souvenir and food shops with local delicacies 3. The food! See below for recommendations of must-eats. Food - 1. Railway bento - This is a highlight to me, the pork chop and chicken drumstick ones were both delicious, the bento had so many delicious side dishes that go well together. 2. Fried donut - This buttery delight was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 3. Glutinous rice cake (Caozaiguo) - This unique rice cake is green and made with herbs. It is chewy and has a range of sweet or savoury fillings. 4. Aiyu jelly - I enjoyed the wintermelon and honey drink with this soft and silky jelly. #travellerswonderland #deliciousfood #awesomepic #taiwan #100waysoftravel #culture #photolocation

Summer in Taiwan

#flowerblossom Summer with blossoms of colourful flowers around souther side of Taiwan. The colourful blossoms beats the summer heat.

Tea Time Bliss in Alishan 🌿🍃 #100waysoftravel

#100waysoftravel

Beautiful scenary of alishan, taiwan

#taiwan #alishan #chiayi

Alishan Sacred Tree Line

During the scorching summer, the temperature on Alishan is a cool 19-20 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal summer retreat! This time, due to having only a one-day trip, we only traveled back and forth from Alishan Train Station to the Sacred Tree Line. The stunning cypress forest scenery in the Sacred Tree area and the fresh, clean air away from the hustle and bustle of the city revitalized us completely!

Paradise in Taiwan

Alishan is a marvellous natural beauty! Don’t miss it

Day Trip to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Getting There - Book a day tour or driver, it requires 2-3 hours drive up the mountains so prepare your motion sickness medicine. Attractions - Fenqihu old street, Sister lakes, 3 generation trees, Alishan museum, Alishan railway, admiring the cypress trees Hotels - There are some around Food & Restaurants - There is a food street near the temple or you can try the delicious railway bento at Fenqihu old street area before entering the national foreest area Shopping - Many souvenir shops around Alishan train station selling Alishan Oolong tea, mochi, products made from cypress trees etc

Majestic Giants of Alishan: A Forest Wonderland

#forest #100waysoftravel The Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a stunning natural retreat, renowned for its towering ancient trees and lush scenery. The highlight is the impressive giant cypress, a symbol of the forest's grandeur and history. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained trails, serene walking paths, and picturesque spots like Sisters Ponds. The tranquil atmosphere and majestic trees make this a perfect escape into nature's splendor, offering both relaxation and awe-inspiring views. A must-visit for nature lovers.

Alishan

Alishan is really a great place to visit. U may feel the tree surrounds you with the bird chirping. Phytoncide is good to human and u may enjoy it in Alishan. The food in alishan just normal but u can try the bento in Fenqihu. There’s a train station nearby the bento shop. The portion is quite big for one person. For us we serving two bento with three girls, and still leftovers.

Alishan is a must visit if you are planning to visit Taiwan. It is beautiful, has a very good history behind it. Loved everything about Alishan. You can book the trip through klook. Do not miss the train ride. It’s almost 100 year old train. It rides through the mystic forest which is such a delightful sight. It’s a full day trip and definitely something you shouldn’t give it a miss :) #myhiddengems #awesomepic

green way @ Alisan Taiwan

It 's easy hiking route

National Chung Chang University Escapade

Did you know that some of the breathtaking scenes from “Meteor Garden” were filmed near CCU? The university’s serene and picturesque campus provided the perfect backdrop for the romantic and dramatic moments we all cherish.

Nature in Taiwan 🫰🏻

We went to Alishan a few weeks ago to see the famous sunrise over the sea of clouds. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side: it was foggy and rainy the whole day, so we ended up just hiking the forest through the mist, but the scenery was fantastic nonetheless! I’d certainly go back to try and catch the sea of clouds, but these views made the trip worthy anyway 🇹🇼

The Land of Divine Trees: Alishan Forest Recreation Park.

Alishan Forest Recreation Park, located in Chiayi, Taiwan, is a stunning attraction known for its magnificent sacred trees and the forest landscape shrouded in mist. The high mountain climate here nurtures lush vegetation, allowing visitors to enjoy the fresh air and natural healing in an environment rich with phytoncides. The park is home to several hundred-year-old, and even thousand-year-old, giant trees, especially the spectacular cypresses, which are an eye-opening sight. These giants have withstood the test of time, bearing witness to the greatness and wonder of nature. Visitors can explore along the trails and experience the grandeur of nature firsthand. Walking through the misty forests of Alishan Forest Recreation Park is like entering a fairyland. Each trail is filled with mystery and surprises, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers to explore and relax. The rich ecological resources and diverse flora and fauna immerse visitors in the embrace of nature. Come to Alishan Forest Recreation Park and experience the natural wonders of the Land of Divine Trees! 🌲☁️✨

Cherry Blossom at Alishan Taiwan

A pleasant surprise awaits us at Alishan National Park, Taiwan. Flowers were blooming in grace, welcoming us during our trip in March 2024. Human and bees were all attracted by the flowers. Take a scroll along the breathtaking moutain view, rejuvenating yourself through the sound and smell of nature. Be sure not to miss the next opportunity to catch the alluring scenic view. #cherryblossom2024

this really amazing I feel like in kingdom

Alishan Taiwan

It’s a great experience last time when I went to Taiwan, woke up 4in the morning to go on to the mountain above the wind and see the sun rises slowly.

CHUNG CHENG UNIVERSITY

Popular university in chaiyi. When (meteor garden F4) the taiwanise series shoot all of the scenes in this school..

Blossoms transcended mere botanical beauty🌸🇹🇼

#cherryblossom2024 My pilgrimage to Alishan was a sacred communion with Taiwan's natural splendor. Amidst the tranquil sanctuary of its mountainous embrace, I found solace and renewal. The allure of Alishan's cherry blossoms transcended mere botanical beauty, evoking a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for life's fleeting moments. Each delicate petal whispered secrets of resilience and grace, a reminder of nature's timeless wisdom. In the heart of Alishan, I discovered a sanctuary where the soul finds refuge and the spirit is nourished by the eternal beauty of the natural world.

Cherry blossoms like soft clouds🌸🇹🇼

#cherryblossom2024 As dawn breaks over Alishan, a delicate dance of pink and white begins. Cherry blossoms, like soft clouds, adorn the mountain slopes, casting a spell of fleeting beauty. The air is filled with a sweet fragrance, as if nature itself is rejoicing in this ephemeral spectacle. Visitors, spellbound by the enchanting scene, wander beneath the canopy of blooms, their hearts lifted by the tranquility of the moment. In Alishan, amidst the whispering trees, one finds solace and wonder in the timeless allure of cherry blossoms.

Serene beauty and vibrant blossoms 🌸🇹🇼

#cherryblossom2024 My journey to Alishan was a symphony of awe-inspiring vistas and soul-stirring beauty. As I traversed the mountain trails, I was greeted by breathtaking panoramas that seemed to stretch on for eternity. The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom added an enchanting touch to the already stunning landscape, painting the mountainsides in hues of delicate pink and white. Each step filled me with a sense of wonder and gratitude, reminding me of the boundless majesty of nature and the privilege of experiencing it firsthand in Alishan's embrace.

Shizhuo, Alishan. Shizhuo 6 trails (approximately 5km). Nice forest trail filled with phytocine and to avoid the crowd💚