Back to ExplorePlan a trip

Destination Guide

Best things to do in Chiayi

1 curated attractions in Chiayi, Taiwan. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

About Chiayi

Chiayi is essentially a pit stop for those aiming for Yushan National Park, home to Taiwan's highest peak. This modest city provides a base for hikers and nature lovers setting out to tackle the two-day trek to the summit, which is no leisurely stroll. The park’s ecosystems shift from subtropical rainforest to alpine tundra, shaping the city's landscape and influencing local life. Chiayi itself is a blend of traditional markets and modern amenities, but it’s really the culinary scene that surprises visitors, particularly with its famous turkey rice, which is a dish worth climbing a mountain for. Despite its urban elements, the city is a backdrop to the natural beauty nearby, with most visitors showing up primarily to head into the park rather than to explore Chiayi itself.

Who it's for

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and serious hikers, especially those ready for the challenge of Yushan. Not a great fit for anyone looking for a urban experience or expecting a wealth of attractions in the city itself. If you can't appreciate a good turkey rice, you may also leave disappointed.

Getting around

  • The city centre is compact and easily walkable in about twenty minutes
  • High-speed rail from Taipei takes around 90 minutes, but the station is a bit of a trek from downtown
  • Local buses regularly connect to Yushan National Park, but don't expect on-time departures
  • It’s easy to underestimate the hiking gear you’ll need for the summit
Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles

Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles

Cultural & Heritage Sites

Where to eat in Chiayi

The places worth planning a meal around.

SMARTFISH

SMARTFISH

Taiwanese · $$

★ 4.1 · 23,662 reviews

Democracy Turkey Rice

Democracy Turkey Rice

$

★ 4.2 · 12,592 reviews

野川堂秘境鍋物 嘉義店

野川堂秘境鍋物 嘉義店

Chinese · $$

★ 4.8 · 6,444 reviews

TOKIYA Chiayi Linsen W. Branch

TOKIYA Chiayi Linsen W. Branch

Japanese · $$

★ 4.6 · 5,574 reviews

螺螄福Rose food正宗柳州螺螄粉（嘉義文化店）

螺螄福Rose food正宗柳州螺螄粉（嘉義文化店）

$

★ 4.8 · 3,600 reviews

Kakumo Shokudo

Kakumo Shokudo

Japanese · $

★ 4.4 · 2,206 reviews

Travel Tools

Check visa for TaiwanEstimate costs for ChiayiCompare Chiayi with another cityPacking list for Chiayi

AI Travel Planner

Planning a trip to Chiayi?

Get a personalized itinerary built around your travel personality — with optimized routes, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Take the quiz — it's free →