{"id":8545,"date":"2026-01-21T17:00:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T09:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=8545"},"modified":"2026-01-11T19:32:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T11:32:50","slug":"chiayieast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/chiayieast\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiayi \u25e6 East | Wearing Kimono, Exploring Historic Sites, and the Must-Try Turkey Rice | TAIWAN 368-64"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many parents must be racking their brains over where to take the family for a trip, right? Since my grandmother lives in Chiayi, we visit there during holidays and festivals. Over the years, I\u2019ve watched as more and more of this city\u2019s hidden gems have been discovered. I can\u2019t help but feel that Chiayi, a city often underestimated, truly deserves to be appreciated.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Chiayi Travel Guide<\/span><\/h6>\n

01\uff5cTransportation in Chiayi<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude84 Taiwan High Speed Rail<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude97 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude8c Shared City Transfer between Chiayi and Alishan<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5 Chiayi Scooter Rental - Chiayi Railway Station Pickup<\/a><\/p>\n

02\uff5cPopular Attractions in Chiayi<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Chateau de Jourdeness Ticket in Chiayi<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Three Pigs Farm Ticket in Chiayi<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Chiayi Taiping Suspension Bridge Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab National Palace Museum Southern Branch Ticket in Chiayi<\/a><\/p>\n

03\uff5cThings To Do in Chiayi<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude8c Alishan Day Tour from Taichung, Chiayi or Kaohsiung<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udc86\ud83c\udffb\u200d\u2640\ufe0f Yuxiantang Chuiyang & Linsen Hall\u30fb<\/strong>Foot & Meridian Acupressure Massage Coupon<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfd5\ufe0f Guipu Glamping in Chiayi<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 The History of Chiayi<\/span><\/h6>\n

The Chiayi region lies on the Chianan Plain and includes what are now Chiayi City and Chiayi County. In ancient times, Chiayi was known as Zhu Luo Shan (\u8af8\u7f85\u5c71), a name derived from the settlement of the local Pingpu tribe, the Hoanya people, called Zhu Luo Shan She. During the Qing Dynasty, the Qing government established Zhuluo County here. However, after the Lin Shuangwen Rebellion, the region was renamed Chiayi (\u5609\u7fa9) in recognition of the residents\u2019 loyalty and bravery in defending the city\u2014the name literally means \u201cto commend their righteous loyalty in protecting the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 1906, Chiayi was struck by the devastating Meishan Earthquake, which destroyed nearly all of the city walls except the East Gate. Yet, this tragedy also spurred the Japanese authorities to undertake large-scale urban reconstruction, gradually transforming Chiayi into a modern city. During the Japanese colonial period, Chiayi\u2019s advantageous geographic location made it a key hub for transporting and processing Alishan timber, establishing it as one of the central cities of Taiwan\u2019s forestry industry at the time. After Japan\u2019s defeat in 1945, Taiwan was placed under the administration of the Republic of China, marking a new chapter in Chiayi\u2019s history. In 1990, Chiayi City was officially divided into East and West Districts, shaping the city as we know it today.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Attractions in Chiayi<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cChiayi Park<\/h6>\n

Located in Chiayi\u2019s East District, Chiayi Park was built along the natural slopes of Shanziding Hill. The park is filled with towering old trees and lush greenery, with pavilions scattered along the winding paths. Early in the morning, you can see many locals exercising, strolling, or dancing here\u2014it\u2019s a truly relaxing and refreshing scene.<\/p>\n

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The park also preserves a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Confucius Temple, the Martyrs\u2019 Shrine, the Sun-Shooting Tower, the Monument to Fuk\u2019anggan\u2019s Meritorious Deeds, and the easel of artist Chen Cheng-po. These cultural relics not only bear witness to Chiayi\u2019s rich historical evolution but also make Chiayi Park a unique urban oasis where nature and culture harmoniously blend.<\/p>\n

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Chiayi Park<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 264, Qiming Rd., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cThe Sun Shooting Tower<\/h6>\n
Standing 62 meters tall, the Sun-Shooting Tower is a striking landmark within Chiayi Park. The site where it now stands was originally home to the Chiayi Shinto Shrine, built during the Japanese colonial period. After World War II, the shrine\u2019s main hall was converted into the Martyrs\u2019 Shrine. Unfortunately, a fire later destroyed the entire structure. The government initially planned to rebuild the Martyrs\u2019 Shrine and construct the Sun Shooting Tower as separate projects. However, due to limited funds, they ultimately decided to combine the two into a single structure.<\/p>\n
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The tower\u2019s design draws inspiration from the Sun-Shooting Myth of the indigenous Pingpu people. Its exterior, inspired by the sacred giant trees of Alishan, is wrapped in bronze-colored aluminum strips resembling tree bark. At the entrance stand two bronze clouded leopards symbolizing the guardian spirits of Taiwan, while the base of the tower serves as the Martyrs\u2019 Shrine.<\/p>\n
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I especially love the observation caf\u00e9 on the 11th floor and the open-air viewing deck on the 12th. Although admission requires a ticket, the panoramic view overlooking the baseball stadium and the cityscape makes it absolutely worthwhile!<\/p>\n
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The Sun Shooting Tower<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours\nWednesday to Friday: 0900-1700\nSaturday: 0900-1900\nSunday: 0900-1800\nClosed on Monday and Tuesday\nNo. 46, Gongyuan St., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cJ18 Chiayi City Historical Relic Museum<\/h6>\n
Located in front of the Sun-Shooting Tower, the J18 Chiayi City Historical Relic Museum is composed of two buildings that once served as the Saikan (purification hall) and Shamusho (administrative office) of the Chiayi Shinto Shrine during the Japanese colonial period. The Saikan was where worshippers purified themselves and prepared before ceremonies, while the Shamusho functioned as the shrine\u2019s administrative office.<\/p>\n
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Today, the Saikan has been transformed into a dining area, a cultural and creative shop, a kimono experience space, and the Chiayi Mini Literature Hall. The Shamusho now houses both permanent and special exhibitions showcasing Chiayi\u2019s rich history and culture.<\/p>\n
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Unlike the typically solemn image of a \u201chistorical museum,\u201d J18 blends cultural experiences with anime-inspired elements, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. The authentic kimono experience is especially popular among visitors. The museum offers a wide selection of kimonos and accessories\u2014while the hairstyling and makeup may not be as elaborate as those in Japan, the overall experience still feels wonderfully authentic.<\/p>\n
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J18 Chiayi City Historical Relic Museum<\/strong> J18 <\/strong>\u5609\u7fa9\u5e02\u53f2\u8e5f\u8cc7\u6599\u9928<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-1800, closed on Thursday.\nNo. 42, Gongyuan St., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cKANO Park<\/h6>\n
Chiayi was once a city that shone brightly on the international stage because of baseball. As early as the Japanese colonial period, it had already laid a solid foundation for the sport\u2019s development. In 1931, the Chiayi Agriculture and Forestry School (Chiayi N\u014drin) represented Taiwan in Japan\u2019s prestigious Koshien high school baseball tournament and won second place \u2014 the best result ever achieved by a Taiwanese team. Beyond that historic achievement, Chiayi N\u014drin made it to Koshien five times in total, becoming a source of immense pride for people across Taiwan. The 2014 inspirational film KANO was based on the true story of this legendary team. Composed of Indigenous players, Japanese players, and Han Chinese players, the team initially struggled but, under the guidance of Coach Kondo Hyotaro, rose to win the island-wide championship. They went on to represent Taiwan at the 17th Summer Koshien Tournament, carving their names into baseball history.<\/p>\n
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Completed in 2017, KANO Park allows visitors to once again feel the fiery passion of Chiayi\u2019s baseball spirit. The massive aluminum KANO sculpture at the park\u2019s center is especially eye-catching \u2014 every time I see it, I\u2019m reminded of the film\u2019s stirring, heart-pounding scenes.<\/p>\n
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KANO Park <\/strong>\u5712\u5340<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 249-1, Shanziding, East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
05\uff5cHinoki Village<\/h6>\n
Hinoki Village is Taiwan\u2019s first cultural and creative park themed around \u201cthe forest.\u201d The area encompasses the former residences of Japanese officials and staff from the colonial period, including housing for both junior and senior officers, as well as the Chiayi Forestry Club, which is now a designated city monument. It was not only Taiwan\u2019s earliest forestry settlement but also the most extensive and best-preserved cluster of Japanese-style official residences in the country.<\/p>\n
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Today, the former dormitories have been revitalized and repurposed into distinctive shops, exhibition spaces, and cultural-creative brand outlets. Guided tours and DIY craft workshops are also offered, allowing visitors to explore the historical and cultural background of Hinoki Village in depth. The park also gathers some of Chiayi\u2019s most iconic souvenir brands, such as Fuyishan and Pineapple Hill, making it a perfect place to enjoy both sightseeing and shopping in one visit.<\/p>\n
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Hinoki Village<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-1800\nNo. 370, Gonghe Rd., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
06\uff5cSleeping Forest<\/h6>\n
Located less than 100 meters from Hinoki Village, Sleeping Forest is one of the most popular photo spots among families and couples. When I visited, I happened to see three families taking pictures there \u2014 a clear sign of how beloved this place is! The park was created by illustrator SMART (Chuang Hsin-Tang) and features an enchanting dreamlike theme. Inside, you\u2019ll find adorable \u201csleeping\u201d animals \u2014 including a white bear, pink elephant, fox, owl, and penguin \u2014 all inviting visitors to join them in a world of daydreams and imagination.<\/p>\n
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Sleeping Forest<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 239, Gonghe Rd., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
07\uff5cChiayi Old Prison<\/h6>\n
It\u2019s not often that one gets the chance to visit a place like a prison, so I was especially curious about the Chiayi Old Prison. After my visit, it immediately became one of the most memorable and worthwhile attractions I explored in Chiayi. The Chiayi Old Prison was established in 1922 during the Japanese colonial period, originally known as the Chiayi Branch of Tainan Prison. After several changes in name and administrative system, the prison officially relocated to Lucao Township in 1994. The old site gradually ceased housing inmates and has since been fully transformed into a preserved historical site. The prison stands as an important witness to the development of modern correctional systems in Taiwan and holds significant cultural value.<\/p>\n
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Passing through the main gate, the first area you encounter is the administrative center, where the warden\u2019s office and staff offices were located. Today, these rooms display a variety of historical documents and records.<\/p>\n
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What surprised me most was the prison\u2019s ingenious architectural design \u2014 with a central guard tower at its core and cell blocks radiating outward like spokes of a wheel. This layout allowed supervisors to monitor all the cells from one vantage point. In the central area stands an incense burner, giving the space an eerie, solemn air \u2014 as though it still seeks to pacify lingering spirits.<\/p>\n
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Entering the cell blocks, the atmosphere becomes noticeably heavier. The narrow cells and thick iron doors silently tell the stories of the inmates who once lived their confined lives here.<\/p>\n
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Returning to the gift shop, the mood lightens considerably. Shelves are lined with self-produced goods from correctional institutions across Taiwan \u2014 including my personal favorite, Yunlin Second Prison\u2019s black bean soy sauce. It\u2019s a small but heartwarming reminder that even places once associated with punishment can nurture new forms of hope and renewal.<\/p>\n
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Chiayi Old Prison<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0930-1200, 1330-1600, closed on Monday.\nNo. 140, Weixin Rd., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Chiayi<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cKekouwei Breakfast<\/h6>\n
At 6:30 in the morning, I stepped into Kekouwei, and the phone was already ringing off the hook. The owner was busy taking orders and jotting down reservations \u2014 just another lively start to the day at this beloved eatery that has been serving locals for over 50 years. The shop\u2019s peak hours are between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., when there\u2019s almost always a line, and you might wait about 20 minutes. If you prefer a relaxed breakfast experience, it\u2019s best to avoid that rush.<\/p>\n
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Most customers come for Kekouwei\u2019s signature danbing \u2014 Taiwanese egg crepes made from their own special batter recipe. I ordered the most indulgent option, the grilled pork chop egg crepe. The crepe was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and wonderfully fragrant. Paired with the flavorful, juicy soy-glazed pork chop, it was both delicious and deeply satisfying.<\/p>\n
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Kekouwei Breakfast<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0610-1100\nNo. 4, Chengren St., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cMinzhu Turkey Rice<\/h6>\n
In Chiayi \u2014 the ultimate \u201cbattlefield\u201d for turkey rice \u2014 Minzhu Turkey Rice reigns supreme. No matter when you visit, it\u2019s always packed with people. Not only do tourists come from all over to taste it, but even locals make special trips just to grab a bowl! If it\u2019s your first time here, I highly recommend ordering the assorted braised platter \u2014 every item is richly seasoned and flavorful without being too salty. My personal must-order combo is the turkey rice, a fried egg, and a turkey offal soup. When the half-cooked yolk slowly melts into the fragrant turkey rice, the taste is simply irresistible!<\/p>\n
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Minzhu Turkey Rice<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-2040\nNo. 149, Minzu Rd., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cAh Hong Shi Turkey Rice<\/h6>\n
When I arrived at Ah Hong Shi Turkey Rice around 3 p.m. on a weekday, there was still a long line outside \u2014 I waited for at least half an hour, which says everything about how insanely popular this place is! If you come here, be sure to ask whether the limited turkey slices rice (huo ji pian fan) is available. The thick, tender slices of turkey are rich and juicy, served generously \u2014 every bite is pure satisfaction.<\/p>\n
But what truly sets Ah Hong Shi apart from the countless turkey rice shops in Chiayi is the rice itself. Each grain perfectly absorbs the savory, aromatic chicken oil, making it glossy, flavorful, and distinct. It\u2019s so delicious that you could happily eat the rice on its own. Ah Hong Shi definitely ranks among my top three turkey rice spots in Chiayi!<\/p>\n
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Ah Hong Shi Turkey Rice<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1030-2000\nNo. 108, Guanghua Rd., East Dist., Chiayi<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n