←Taiwan travel guide
Chiayi County, Taiwan
Chiayi
A city in southwestern Taiwan and gateway to the Alishan range.
AdventureFood & DrinkNature & OutdoorsScenic Views
Chiayi is a city in southwestern Taiwan, serving as the principal gateway to the Alishan mountain area. From here the historic forest railway and mountain roads climb to high-altitude tea plantations, cypress forests, and famous sunrise and sea-of-cloud viewpoints. The city itself is known for its parks, night markets, and chicken rice.
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Best time to visit
October to April
Region
Chiayi County
Main airport
Chiayi Airport (CYI)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Chiayi
Nature
Alishan National Scenic Area
Alishan rises above Chiayi County to approximately 2,200 metres, encompassing ancient cedar forests, terraced tea plantations, and mist-draped mountain ridges famous for their sea of clouds at dawn. The century-old Alishan Forest Railway, originally built in 1912 during Japanese colonial rule, winds 71 kilometres from the lowland city of Chiayi through four climate zones and 77 tunnels before reaching the alpine station, with a dedicated branch line running to the Zhushan sunrise viewpoint. The area is one of Taiwan's most iconic mountain destinations.
Nature
Alishan
Famous for its sunrise over a sea of clouds, Alishan is a mountain region of ancient cypress forest and a historic narrow-gauge railway. High-mountain tea plantations carpet the surrounding slopes.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Chiayi
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
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Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Taiwan
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Taiwan page at Yoogo.
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Cash is still commonly used, especially at night markets, smaller restaurants, and local shops. Cards are accepted at most hotels, chain restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs are widely available, including at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, which are found on virtually every street corner.
Taiwan is considered very safe for visitors. Crime rates are low, and tourists rarely encounter serious problems. Standard precautions apply in crowded areas. Typhoons are a seasonal hazard, typically between July and October, and travellers should monitor weather forecasts during this period.
Taiwan has an excellent public transport system. The High Speed Rail (HSR) connects Taipei with Kaohsiung in under 90 minutes. Taipei's MRT is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. Buses serve most destinations, and the EasyCard contactless smart card works across the MRT, buses, and some other transport. Scooter hire is popular but requires a valid licence.
Autumn (October to December) is widely considered the best time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Spring (March to May) is also pleasant. Summer brings heat, humidity, and typhoon risk. The north tends to be cooler and wetter than the south, which is drier and sunnier year-round.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language and is spoken widely. Taiwanese Hokkien is spoken by a large portion of the population. English proficiency is relatively high in urban areas, tourist sites, and among younger people. English signage is common on the MRT and at major attractions.
No vaccinations are required to enter Taiwan for most travellers. Routine immunisations should be up to date. Tap water is technically safe but many residents prefer bottled water. Healthcare standards are high, and travel insurance is recommended.
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally not expected. In many cases, staff may politely decline a tip. High-end hotels and some tourist-facing services are becoming more accustomed to tips from international visitors, but it remains entirely optional.
Taiwan has excellent mobile coverage and fast internet infrastructure. Prepaid SIM cards with generous data are available at the airport on arrival and at convenience stores. Free Wi-Fi is available at many public spaces, MRT stations, and convenience stores. Travel eSIMs are also a convenient option.