Railway Xianghu Lake: Fun in the West District of Chiayi City – A Super Fun One-Day Town Stroll

By / Scenic Spots Home (compiled and reported)
 
The West District, as the name suggests, is located to the west of Chiayi City. With its flat terrain and dense population, it features both urban and rural characteristics, making it quite unique. The area boasts abundant natural parks and cultural architecture. Spend a weekend exploring the West District with your family!

Originally an unused railway warehouse, the Chiayi Railway Art Village was transformed by the government into a venue for artistic creation and exhibitions. It also developed surrounding imagery and aesthetics to provide various creative spaces for artistic exchange and enjoyment. The indoor and outdoor areas are designated for creation, exhibitions, performances, and educational outreach. By establishing an artistic ambiance around the railway, it has become an alternative space for art performances.
 
Address: No. 37-10, Beixing Street, West District, Chiayi City

Located near the Cultural Center, Pizitou Botanical Garden is situated on flatland, unlike the hilly Shanziding area. The two locations once conducted differing forestry experiments before transitioning to tropical and subtropical afforestation trials. Over time, it became a site for cultivating afforestation tree species and landscaping seedlings, offering travelers a recreational park destination.
 
Address: West District, Chiayi City

Xianghu Park recreates one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Zhuluo recorded in Qing Dynasty literature—“North Lake Lotus Fragrance.” The park features North Xianghu Lake and is planted with over 2,000 shrubs and more than 70,000 trees of various species. Together with nearby Bo'ai Park and Pizitou Botanical Garden, it forms the largest green space in the West District, becoming the “lungs of Chiayi City.” Within the park, you’ll find Songfeng Pavilion, cherry blossom woods, Pizitou Botanical Garden, and grassy slope scenic areas for visitors to enjoy.
 
Address: No. 552, Wenhua Road, West District, Chiayi City

Taiwan’s tobacco and liquor monopoly began in the 33rd year of the Meiji era with the establishment of the Taiwan Governor-General's Monopoly Bureau. Its building features rounded corners, a recessed entrance, and a simple yet symmetrical and elegant exterior that conveys grandeur. The facade is adorned with horizontally striped, zigzag-patterned bricks for added aesthetic appeal. At the stairwell landings on the second and third floors, there are octagonal beams, while the stairwell walls feature grid-like air vents, and the column capitals beside the stairs are uniquely decorated.
 
Address: No. 659, Zhongshan Road, West District, Chiayi City