Alishan National Scenic Area
Alishan National Scenic Area covers an area of 41,520 hectares; located in Chiayi and spans across four towns including Fanlu, Zhuqi, Meishan and Alishan, it is one of the most prominent scenic areas in the world. Alishan features magnificent natural landscape and its sea of clouds are crowned as one of the eight major sceneries in Taiwan. Furthermore, Alishan’s natural sceneries such as sunrise, sunset glow and sacred tree are also well known throughout the world. Alishan’s uniqueness is accentuated by the Alishan railroad, train, cherry blossom and Tsou indigenous tribal culture.
Holland Lake
Holland Lake is also known as Nantan, it is located in the vicinity of Shanzaiding in the eastern outskirt of Chiayi City’s East District, 3km from downtown. Often called the back garden of Chiayi, its vast lake surface covers thousands of hectares and is surrounded by hills that offer pleasant vista. At night with a clear sky, the moon casts a reflection on the lake surface to form a spectacular sight known to be one of the eight major sceneries in Chiayi. The picturesque round-lake road is an ideal location for exercising and recreation.
Brief history: Its ancient name was Hongmaopi; according to legend, it was developed by the Dutch when they arrived in Taiwan 300 years ago, hence the name Holland Lake.
Culture center
Chiayi City’s culture center covers over 1.65 hectares of space and is divided into three buildings: museum, library and music hall. The culture center is complemented by a magnificent garden and the alfresco square, making it a great venue for recreation and taking a stroll.
Wenhua Road Night Market
Wenhua Road is one of Chiayi City’s busiest roads; the night market not only offers a diverse selection of well-known Chiayi delicacies, there are also numerous clothing stores to satisfy your shopping needs and appetite.
Specialty stores: Guo’s Chicken Rice, Lin Cong-ming Fish Head Casserole, Jen Jen Seafood Porridge, A E Tofu Pudding
Chiayi Park
The park is situated in the East District of Chiayi City adjacent to the baseball stadium and the botanical gardens. There are numerous historic monuments and scenic spots in the park such as the Chiayi Tower and the Historic Archives Building of Chiayi City. Offering elegant landscape, it is another renowned recreational venue in Chiayi City.
Chiayi Botanical Gardens
Also referred to as the Chiayi Tree Park or Shangdingzai Botanical Gardens, it is located northeast of the Chiayi Park and occupies approximately 8.6 hectares. Founded it 1908, it was originally a rubber experimental forest for the Japanese government and it is currently under the jurisdiction of the Council of Agricultural Affairs, Executive Yuan. The important recreational green space is also one of the eight major sceneries of Chiayi City.
Pei Men Railroad Station of Mt. Ali
Constructed in 1910, this is the starting station for the Alishan Railroad. The quaintly designed station was built with red Chinese cypress from Alishan. During the Japanese Occupation Period, forestry was the most important source of income, and Pei Men Railroad Station of Mt. Ali became the distributing center for lumbering in Alishan with significant strategic importance. Currently, it has been transformed into the Railway Museum featuring public art installations such as “Calling Landmark”, “Time Gallery” and “Ecological Arts Wall”.
Chiayi Railroad Art Village
This was formerly the warehouse of Chiayi Rear Station. When the station was renovated, the Chiayi City Cultural Affairs Bureau rebuilt it into an exhibition hall. Besides exhibits of Taiwan Railways historic relics, there are also many installation artworks by local artists in Chiayi. Besides appreciating art, one can also head to the delicacy stalls next to Beixing Street to savor local specialty eats.
Taiwan Cigarette & Wine Monopoly
It was founded in 1936 by the Japanese. After Taiwan’s Recovery, the building was retained to become one of the historic monuments in Chiayi City. The minimalistic Japanese architecture and façade finished in patterned bricks are an important part of the public’s memory, and the historic building also played a significant role in the city’s industry development and history.
Chiayi Brewery
Constructed in 1916 and relocated to the Minxiong Industrial Park in 1982, the original site was preserved together with numerous equipments. After renovation, the brewery became a creative park offering a glimpse into the history and technology of distilling in Chiayi. The park emanates rich history and culture amidst the mild fragrance of liquor.
The Chiayi Tower
The most iconic landmark in Chiayi is located inside the Chiayi Park. The pair of bronze clouded leopards at the entrance symbolize Taiwan’s guardian. The exterior design is inspired by the sacred tree of Alishan. In the center there is a 40m high skyline that resembles the split sacred tree. At the observatory on the top of the tower, one can gaze into the Zhuluoshan River in the distance and the panoramic landscape.
Central Fountain
The fountain was built in 1970 under the administration of former City Magistrate Dr. Xu Shi-Xian. The water dance is programmed with 14 variations that changes every 15 minutes, and the highest water beam can reach 20 meters. At night, neon lights of the rainbow colored fountain accompany the dancing water to form a spectacular sight. This is the first rainbow colored fountain in Taiwan. One day before the election, the fountain becomes the arena where various candidates compete against one another, splitting the circle in half, this is how its laudatory title of “Mecca of Democracy for the Opposition Party” was derived.
Cochin Pottery Building
Inaugurated in May 2000, the only Cochin pottery hall in Taiwan is situated inside the Culture Center. Chiayi is the hometown of Cochin pottery, which is known as Chiayi pottery in Japan, and the majority of Cochin artists having learnt their craft in Chiayi. There are six exhibition areas, a Wall of Fame, a children’s creative zone, and a ceramic classroom in the building, in turn comprehensively introducing the origin, decorative scenario, tradition, aesthetics of sculptures and glazing, as well as the creative themes of Cochin pottery to the public.
