Destination guideTaiwan
27 Things to Do in Chiayi (2026)
Chiayi, located on the Chianan Plain in southwestern Taiwan, is a city with a documented history dating back to the 17th century.
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Originally inhabited by the Hoanya and Tsou indigenous peoples, the area was known as Tirosen before Han Chinese settlement. In 1787, the Qing Dynasty renamed the city Chiayi. Following a major earthquake in 1906, the city was reconstructed using a grid-based urban plan that remains visible today. The city’s architectural heritage is characterized by structures from the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945).
- 27 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Chiayi8 dishes
Chiayi Turkey Rice (Huo Ji Rou Fan) Where to order it in Chiayi
Chiayi Cold Noodles with Mayo (Liang Mian) Where to order it in Chiayi
Four-Flavor Juice (Si Wei Guo Zhi) Where to order it in Chiayi
Swamp Eel Noodles (Shan Yu Yi Mian) Where to order it in Chiayi
Soy Milk Tofu Pudding (Dou Jiang Dou Hua) Where to order it in Chiayi
Beef Offal Soup (Niu Za Tang) Where to order it in Chiayi
Kizuna Artisan Yakiniku & Sukiyaki Where to order it in Chiayi
Deep-Fried Milkfish Belly Where to order it in Chiayi
The short answer
- The top things to do in Chiayi, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- Hinoki Village (Linsen Village)
- Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum (Dongshi Village)
- Chiayi Art Museum (Shuyuan Village)
- Chiayi Park (Dongchuan Village)
- Lantan Scenic Area (East District)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
27 places worth your time in Chiayi
Things to see and do
Hinoki Village
Why it’s on the map
A sprawling complex of 28 restored Japanese-style cypress-wood dormitories that once housed forestry officials.
No. 3號, Lane 356, Gonghe Rd, Linsen Village, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600
Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
Why it’s on the map
This architectural marvel serves as a massive cultural gateway, housing a premier collection of Asian art and artifacts.
No. 888, Gugong Blvd, Dongshi Village, Taibao City, Chiayi County, Taiwan 612
Chiayi Art Museum
Why it’s on the map
Dedicated to the local heritage and geological history of the region, this institution provides a deep dive into the soul of the city.
No. 101號, Guangning St, Shuyuan Village, West District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600
Chiayi Park
Why it’s on the map
A 26.8-hectare urban landmark established in 1910 that serves as a sprawling outdoor museum of history.
600, Taiwan, Chiayi City, East District, Dongchuan Village, 啟明路264號
Lantan Scenic Area
Why it’s on the map
Known as the 'back garden of Chiayi,' this area features a massive reservoir originally constructed by the Dutch. It offers a 12.
Xiaoya Rd, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600
Tourist Attraction · Beimen Village
Museum · Beimen Village
Tourist Attraction · Guohua Village
Premise · East District
Concert Hall · Beimen Village
Place to see · Shuyuan Village
Where to eat
See the full Chiayi food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Tourist Attraction · West District
Taiwanese Restaurant · Zhongyang Village
Chicken Restaurant · Huanan Village
Market
Dessert Restaurant · Zhongyang Village
Bakery
Hotel · West District
Coffee Shop · Linsen Village
Yakiniku Restaurant · Changzhu Village
Deli · Huanan Village
Coffee Shop · Leye Village
Taiwanese Restaurant · Shuyuan Village
Taiwanese Restaurant · Zhongyang Village
Restaurant · East District
Dessert Restaurant · Guogou Village
Chicken Restaurant · Peiyuan Village
22 more places on the map
16 to eat · 6 to see and do · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Chiayi?
- The best time to visit Chiayi is from October to December, when the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for hiking in Alishan. Avoid the summer monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rains and potential typhoons, as well as the humid spring months when thick fog often disrupts mountain views. Peak season occurs during the Lunar New Year and the March cherry blossom window, so visit in late autumn for the best balance of clear skies and manageable crowds.
How do I get around Chiayi?
- High Speed Rail (HSR) and Shuttle Bus Take the HSR to Chiayi Station; from there, use the free BRT shuttle bus (with a rail ticket) to reach the city center in approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Taiwan Railways (TRA) Express Trains Board a Tze-Chiang or Chu-Kuang express train directly to Chiayi Station, which is located in the heart of the downtown area near most hotels and local eateries.
- YouBike 2.0 and Public Buses Navigate the flat city streets using the extensive YouBike bike-sharing network or take local city buses to reach major attractions like the Hinoki Village and Lantan Lake.
What should I know before visiting Chiayi?
- Carry a physical EasyCard or iPass for seamless travel on the Chiayi City Bus and BRT systems as drivers rarely provide change.
- Wait for the specific musical garbage trucks to dispose of your trash directly, as leaving bags on the street is prohibited and fined.
- Stand on the right side of escalators in public transit hubs to allow others to pass on the left.
- Check the Alishan Forest Railway schedule weeks in advance and book online early, as tickets from Chiayi Station sell out almost instantly.
What’s new in Chiayi in October 2026?
- Chiayi County Specialty Coffee Festival: A three-day celebration of local high-mountain coffee culture and specialty beans, running from October 24 to 26, 2026.
- NPM Asian Art Festival—Himalayan Moon: A month-long special exhibition and cultural festival at the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, running from October 8 to November 8, 2026.
- Fullon Voco Hotel Chiayi: A viral new landmark and the first voco-branded hotel in Taiwan, trending for its high-floor views and proximity to the city's main cultural hubs.
Research receipt
How this Chiayi guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Chiayi replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Chiayi?
Start with Hinoki Village, Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, Chiayi Art Museum, Chiayi Park, and Lantan Scenic Area: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 27 places are pinned on the Chiayi map.