Summer in Chiayi: Gateway to Alishan & Taiwan's Rustic Charm

#summervacay Tucked between **lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and historic streets**, **Chiayi** is the perfect blend of **cultural heritage and natural escapes**. Summer here means **cool highland breezes, vibrant festivals, and unforgettable sunrises**. Here’s how to experience the best of Chiayi this season. --- ## **First Impressions: A Slow-Paced Cultural Hub** Stepping off the train at **Chiayi Station**, I was greeted by **retro baroque buildings, bicycle-lined streets, and the scent of grilled turkey rice** (a local must-eat!). The city feels refreshingly **un-touristy**, with a mix of **Japanese-era charm and bustling night markets**—but the real magic lies just beyond, in the **Alishan highlands**. 🌿 *Summer Tip:* June–August is **hot in the city (28–35°C) but cool (18–25°C) in Alishan**. Pack **layers, sunscreen, and comfy walking shoes**. --- ## **Must-Do Summer Experiences** ### **1. Ride the Alishan Forest Railway** - **Zigzag up to Alishan** on this **century-old narrow-gauge train**, passing **tea fields, waterfalls, and misty forests**. - **Sunrise Bonus:** Stay overnight in Alishan to catch the **legendary sea of clouds** at **Zhaoping Station**. ### **2. Explore Alishan’s Cool Highlands** - **Sacred Tree Trail:** Walk among **ancient cypress trees**, some over **2,000 years old**. - **Shouzhen Temple:** A **serene Zen temple** surrounded by cherry blossoms (yes, they’re green in summer!). - **Fenqihu Village:** Stop for a **bento box lunch** and stroll the **old railway street**. ### **3. Discover Chiayi’s Historic Core** - **Chiayi Park:** Climb the **Sun Shooting Tower** for city views and visit the **Koi-filled ponds**. - **Hinoki Village:** A **Japanese-era lumber village** turned artsy café hub. - **Baroque-Style Old Streets:** Snap pastel-hued facades on **Zhongshan Road**. ### **4. Feast on Chiayi’s Iconic Eats** - **Turkey Rice (火雞肉飯):** Try **Fangyuan** or **Liuhe** for the best shredded turkey over rice. - **Aiyu Jelly (愛玉冰):** A refreshing **lemony dessert** made from wild figs. - **Night Market Hunts:** **Chiayi Cultural Night Market** for **oyster omelets and coffin bread**. --- ## **Hidden Gems** - **Eryanping Trail:** A **lesser-known Alishan hike** with **tea fields and bamboo forests**. - **Dongshi Forestry Village:** A **ghost-town-turned-art-district** with vintage vibes. - **Budai Salt Mountain:** A **mini desert-like landscape** by the coast (45-min drive). --- ## **Day Trip Idea: Southern Taiwan** - **Zengwen Reservoir:** Kayak or bike around Taiwan’s **largest lake**. - **Tainan:** Just **1 hour away** for **historic temples and beef soup**. --- ## **Summer Festivals** - **Alishan Tea Festival (July):** Sample **high-mountain oolong** with farmers. - **Chiayi International Band Festival (August):** Free outdoor concerts in the park.