“Did you know that Yijhu is not only known for its corn but also for producing PhDs?”
“PhDs? What kind of PhDs?”
This was part of a casual conversation I had with a local resident upon arriving at Yijhu Station. At first, I was baffled, unable to process what he meant. All I could gather was the proud look on his face, clearly brimming with pride for his hometown.
After some digging, I learned that this small township, home to just over 17,000 people, has produced more than 100 PhDs and many other notable figures. The density of PhDs in Yijhu is so high that it has earned its place alongside Chiayi’s Xikou and Kaohsiung’s Meinong as one of Taiwan’s "Three Major PhD Townships."
Contents
◦ Chiayi Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Chiayi
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚗 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei
🚌 Shared City Transfer between Chiayi and Alishan
🛵 Chiayi Scooter Rental - Chiayi Railway Station Pickup
02｜Popular Attractions in Chiayi
🎫 Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket
🎫 Chateau de Jourdeness Ticket in Chiayi
🎫 Three Pigs Farm Ticket in Chiayi
🎫 Chiayi Taiping Suspension Bridge Ticket
🎫 National Palace Museum Southern Branch Ticket in Chiayi
03｜Things To Do in Chiayi
🚌 Alishan Day Tour from Taichung, Chiayi or Kaohsiung
💆🏻♀️ Yuxiantang Chuiyang & Linsen Hall・Foot & Meridian Acupressure Massage Coupon
🏕️ Guipu Glamping in Chiayi
◦ The History of Yijhu
The name "Yijhu" is closely tied to the area's historical bamboo groves. In the past, Yijhu was heavily planted with bamboo, and residents used bamboo fences to protect their villages from bandits and drifting sands. Early settlers coming inland from the coast named the first bamboo-fenced village they encountered “Touzhuwai” (First Bamboo Enclosure). The second village they reached was called “Erzhuwai” (Second Bamboo Enclosure). Over time, the name “Erzhuwai” was changed to “Yijhu,” as the pronunciation of “Er” (two) in Hokkien sounds similar to “Yi” (righteousness). Thus, Yijhu Township got its current name.
After 1736, large numbers of Han Chinese migrated to the area. Among them, members of the Weng clan from Anxi, Fujian, settled in Erzhuwai Village, profoundly shaping the local demographic. Today, five of Yijhu’s villages are predominantly populated by families with the surname Weng, a living testament to the history of early migration and settlement in the region.
◦ Attractions in Yijhu
01｜Bazhang River Old Levee Corridor
The Bazhang River Old Levee Corridor is a scenic pathway repurposed from the former levee of Bazhang River. Starting near the back entrance of Yizhu Elementary School, covering a total distance of approximately 4 kilometers. Along the corridor, amenities such as pavilions and exercise equipment have been installed, providing local residents with spaces for recreation and relaxation. This corridor not only enhances community life but also serves as an excellent spot to take in the picturesque riverside views of the Bazhang River.
02｜Mulberry Bank
When I first heard the name "Mulberry Bank," combining agriculture with economics, I thought it sounded incredibly modern. It wasn’t until I visited in person that I realized the founder, Ke Zongzhi, genuinely runs it with the concept of saving and storing—like a bank—while actively contributing to the local industry. In recent years, Yijhu has become Taiwan’s largest mulberry-producing area. To ensure that people can enjoy this once-a-year harvest of highly perishable mulberries all year round, the founder leveraged the advantages of being close to the production site. Freshly picked mulberries are transported to a nearby Production and Marketing Group, where they are washed, juiced, packaged, and frozen—all within a single day. This process effectively "deposits" the fresh, sweet-tart flavor into the "bank," allowing customers to "withdraw" it anytime, even outside of harvest season.
During my visit, the founder—affectionately called "Class Leader Ke" by locals—was busy perfecting the golden ratio for reconstituting their signature concentrated mulberry juice back into fresh juice. I had the good fortune to taste the deliciously fresh flavor myself.
Mulberry Bank Opening Hours: 0800-1800 Please make a reservation in advance by phone or via a message on the Facebook. No. 68, Xiaxizhou, Yizhu Township, Chiayi
03｜Yijhu Station
During the Japanese colonial period, Taiwan was a major producer of sugar, and Yijhu was widely planted with sugarcane, providing livelihoods for many local families. Taiwan Sugar Corporation even offered special privileges for the children of sugarcane farmers, allowing them to ride the company’s narrow-gauge trains for free. As a result, Yijhu Station was not only a key hub for transporting sugarcane but also the sole station for students traveling from Yijhu to pursue their education in Yanshui, Xinying, Chiayi, or Tainan.
After being restored, Yijhu Station has transformed into a local tourist attraction. When I first saw the words "馨滿義竹" ("Fragrance Fills Yijhu") prominently displayed, I assumed it was a playful pun, something Taiwanese people like. It wasn’t until a friendly local explained that it’s also the title of a song by the folk group Takao Run. Today, the platform is no longer bustling with people, but the stories and memories of the station will continue to be retold and sung for generations to come.
04｜Dongrong Village Railway Park
Dongrong Village, located at the intersection of Provincial Highway 19 and County Road 22, is a community deeply intertwined with Taiwan’s sugar industry. In the Qing Dynasty, Dongrong and Dongguang villages were collectively known as Donghouliao and are now jointly referred to as the Guangrong Community. For decades, the shrill whistles of narrow-gauge trains would break the stillness of countless early mornings in Donghouliao. However, with the decline of the sugar industry and the cessation of Taiwan Sugar Corporation’s trains, the railway and surrounding spaces fell into disuse, gradually descending into neglect.
In recent years, the residents’ deep affection for their homeland sparked a grassroots revival. Forming a volunteer team, they began cleaning and repurposing idle spaces. Through collaboration with the government and negotiations with Taiwan Sugar Corporation, the Dongrong Village Railway Park emerged from an ambitious community-driven effort to revitalize the area. Today, the once-abandoned railway has been transformed into a lush community park, breathing new life into the neighborhood.
Dongrong Village Railway Park No. 295, Yizhu Township, Chiayi
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Yijhu
01｜Weng’s Fish Roll
As mentioned earlier in the history of Yijhu, the majority of its residents share the surname Weng. This historical connection resonated deeply with me when I came across Yijhu’s famous Weng’s Fish Roll.
Located in the Yijhu Public First Vendor Market, Weng’s Fish Roll has been a beloved local business for over 40 years. Their signature offering is fish rolls made from milkfish paste, while their shrimp rolls and cuttlefish rolls are also popular favorites. Personally, I enjoy steaming the fish rolls first, then lightly pan-frying them before slicing. The result? A golden, crispy exterior with a rich, savory flavor that is absolutely delicious!
Weng’s Fish Roll Opening Hours: 0730-1800, closed on Monday. No. 238-13, Yizhu Township, Chiayi
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Chiayi
➤ Lucao | Rediscovering Simplicity in the Countryside