From May until around the Mid-Autumn Festival is the prime season when oysters are at their fullest, juiciest, and most irresistibly sweet. In other words, right now is the best time to savor them at their finest. Dongshih in Chiayi, protected by the natural barrier of Waisanding Sandbar, is not only the largest oyster-producing area in Taiwan but is also renowned nationwide for its exceptional quality.
I still remember back in college, one of my roommates was from Dongshih. One year during the Mid-Autumn barbecue, she specially ordered oysters from her hometown. As soon as they hit the charcoal grill and the shells popped open, the rich aroma of fresh, succulent oysters filled the air. Without any seasoning, they were already a heavenly delicacy. In that moment, Dongshih left a lasting and wonderful impression on me.
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 Dongshih
In the 17th century, people from Quanzhou, Fujian, followed Koxinga to Taiwan and began cultivating and settling in the Dongshih area. During the Kangxi era, more settlers crossed the sea from Dongshih in Jinjiang County, Quanzhou (today’s Dongshih Town in Jinjiang City, Fujian), making their home here and sustaining themselves through fishing and oyster farming. To honor their homeland, they kept the original place name, calling this new land “Dongshih” as well. Since then, Dongshih in Taiwan and Dongshih in Fujian have stood across the sea from one another, gradually developing into important trading ports.
◦ Attractions in Dongshih
01｜Dongshi Fisherman's Wharf
The first thing that caught my eye upon arriving at Dongshi Fisherman’s Wharf was the striking Dutch-style windmill. Walking further toward the Tropic of Cancer landmark, I passed a pristine white sandy beach and a family-friendly water play area. The environment is well maintained, making it an ideal spot for families to relax and have fun together.
However, the row of colorful shops along the way currently looks rather quiet, as many have temporarily closed. It feels like such a pity. I truly hope that more people will come visit in the future so this family-friendly destination can regain its vitality.
Dongshi Fisherman's Wharf Opening Hours: 0900-2100 No. 420, Caixia Blvd., Dongshi Township, Chiayi
02｜Dongshi Tropic of Cancer Marker
Located at Dongshi Fisherman’s Wharf, the Tropic of Cancer Marker here is the fifth of its kind in Taiwan, with the others found in Hualien and Shuishang, Chiayi. Compared with the other landmarks, Dongshih’s version carries a touch of ocean-blue romance. Blended with the nearby artistic installations and the colorful shopping street, it creates a lively and vibrant backdrop where every angle makes for a great photo. Because of this charm, it has also become a popular spot for couples to take their wedding photos.
Dongshi Tropic of Cancer Marker Opening Hours: 0900-2100 No. 420, Caixia Blvd., Dongshi Township, Chiayi
03｜Dongshi Tourist Fish Market
Less than a kilometer from the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Dongshi Tourist Fish Market is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. With its spacious free parking lot, it draws crowds eager to shop for the freshest catch of the day. The stalls overflow with variety—from common choices like ayu, yellow croaker, and cutlassfish to an impressive selection of shrimp, snails, clams, and oysters. The abundance, reasonable prices, and freshness make it a true seafood paradise—one quick stroll is all it takes to enjoy “seafood freedom”!
What caught my eye the most were the stall along the market’s outer edge. Two women, chatting and laughing as they worked, skillfully processed customers’ purchases with incredible speed and precision.
Dongshi Tourist Fish Market Opening Hours: 0800-1500, closed on Monday. No. 300, Guanhai 3rd Rd., Dongshi Township, Chiayi
04｜Dongshi Xiantian Temple
Xiantian Temple in Dongshi boasts a history of over 300 years. With its grand and imposing architecture, it stands as the most important center of local faith.
Originally, the temple enshrined Baosheng Dadi and Ji Fu Qiansui. In 1923, it is said that the Jade Emperor issued a decree for Venus (Taibai Jinxing) to lead twelve Wangs (royal deities) to Dongshi to bestow blessings, marking the beginning of the “Five-Year Qiansui” tradition. Because of this, Xiantian Temple has become a must-visit for Wangye devotees. It is not only a spiritual center for one of the four main systems of the Five-Year Qiansui faith but also home to the “Xiao Fu Taifu,” a soft-bodied deity statue with a history of over 500 years. In this way, the temple fully embodies the essence and continuity of Wangye belief.
The temple’s most important ritual is the “Wang Boat Festival,” held every five years. The next celebration is scheduled for 2026, offering a unique opportunity to witness a grand event that beautifully blends faith, history, and culture.
Dongshi Xiantian Temple Opening Hours: 0530-2000 No. 243, Dongshi Township, Chiayi
05｜Dongshi Shuizhong Old House
Along the Coastal Expressway (Taiwan Route 61) stands an old house abandoned by its owners due to land subsidence and seawater intrusion. Over decades of exposure to sun, wind, and rain, the weathered structure has developed a unique, nostalgic charm, attracting many photography enthusiasts. In July of this year, Typhoon Danas severely struck Chiayi, damaging over a thousand homes in the Dongshih area. This long-neglected old house was not spared—the main roof was completely torn off, and the beams were blown away by strong winds, turning it into a truly “open-air” structure.
Dongshi Shuizhong Old House Try searching “Dongshi Shuizhong Old House” on Google Maps.
06｜Gangkou Temple
Gangkou Temple in Bengangkou was established in the 23rd year of the Kangxi reign (1684), when early settlers brought a statue of Mazu from Meizhou, Fujian. The temple has a history of over 300 years. For more than three centuries, Gangkou Temple has preserved the Mazu faith through four traditional practices: selecting a spirit medium, requesting divine orders, carving a divided spirit, and establishing new temples. To date, the temple has enshrined more than 18,000 Mazu statues and established over 6,000 altars and temples, spreading its influence throughout Taiwan and across the world.
Every year around the third lunar month, during Mazu’s birthday celebrations, the various branch temples organize pilgrimages, gathering thousands of devotees who return to Gangkou Temple. The grand and solemn processions vividly demonstrate the unmatched unity and devotion inspired by Mazu worship.
Gangkou Temple Opening Hours: 0500-2200 No. 5, Dongshi Township, Chiayi
07｜Aogu Wetland Forest Park
The Aogu Wetland Forest Park was once a Taiwan Sugar Corporation farm in Dongshih. Due to land subsidence and seawater intrusion, the farmlands and fish ponds gradually became salinized and were eventually abandoned. Without human interference, nature slowly reclaimed the land, nurturing a rich and diverse wetland ecosystem. Today, the park has become a paradise for birds, attracting over 200 species to rest and winter here.
What I personally love most is the park’s pedestrian trail. Shaded by lush greenery along the way, it makes for a comfortable walk while allowing visitors to observe the birds up close in their natural state—without disturbing them.
Aogu Wetland Forest Park Opening Hours: 0900-1630 No. 54, Sigu, Dongshi Township, Chiayi
08｜Baishuihu Shou Island
Baishuihu Shou Island is a more remote spot, known by many as a secret place to watch the sunset. For me, however, its true charm lies not only in the glow of dusk but also in the countless oyster racks scattered across the sea, the hardworking oyster harvesters at work, and the local residents sitting by their doorsteps, chatting while shucking oysters. These simple, everyday scenes capture the most authentic side of Dongshih.
Beyond this way of life—so closely tied to oysters—Baishuihu Shou Island also hides an unexpected attraction: the so-called “front-row ocean-view toilet.” Located just outside a corrugated metal hut on the seawall, this quirky sight has become one of Dongshih’s most talked-about landmarks, drawing visitors who can’t resist snapping a photo.
Baishuihu Shou Island Try searching “Baishuihu Shou Island” on Google Maps.
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Dongshih
01｜Lin’s Oyster Dumplings
Just a three-minute walk from Xiantian Temple, Lin’s Oyster Dumplings is highly rated by locals. With free parking and air conditioning, the restaurant is especially welcoming for visitors. Before even stepping inside, I was drawn to a poster at the entrance advertising “Stir-Fried Oyster vermicelli.” Without thinking twice, I knew exactly what I wanted to order.
When the dish arrived, the generous portion surprised and delighted me. The aroma of sesame oil rose with the steam, while the vermicelli—stir-fried with fresh vegetables and plump oysters—were so flavorful that I couldn’t stop taking bite after bite. Though priced at NT$130, which might not seem cheap at first glance, one scoop revealed a hidden treasure: over 20 oysters tucked beneath the vermicelli. That’s the unbeatable advantage of dining right at the source!
Lin’s Oyster Dumplings Opening Hours: 1030-1930, closed on Tuesday. No. 154-23, Dongshi Township, Chiayi
02｜Dongshi A-De Oyster Fritters & Oyster Buns
After finishing a plate of stir-fried oyster vermicelli, I was already full. But when I noticed a small shop ahead bustling with customers, my curiosity got the better of me—I just had to check it out. It turned out to be the famous Dongshi A-De, a must-try no matter how full you are, especially for their signature oyster buns.
The shop specializes in oyster fritters, oyster buns, and deep-fried oysters. Everything is made to order, using freshly harvested oysters paired with crisp vegetables, then fried to golden perfection. The aroma alone is irresistible. One bite into the oyster bun and the fragrance of chives bursts forth, followed by the juicy, plump oysters inside. It was so delicious I simply couldn’t stop eating.
Dongshi A-De Oyster Fritters & Oyster Buns Opening Hours: 1000-1830, closed on Monday to Wednesday. No. 206-9, Dongshi Township, Chiayi
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Chiayi
➤ Yijhu | More Than Just Corn: A Place That Produces PhDs Too?
➤ Lucao | Rediscovering Simplicity in the Countryside