Journey Along the Taiping Cloud Ladder in Chiayi – DIY Herbal Incense & Taste Wild Mountain Greens

▲ The high mountain tea fields in Bihu Village set against misty surroundings create a breathtaking scene.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Chiayi

The "Taiping Cloud Ladder" located in Meishan Township, Chiayi, is touted as the country’s longest scenic suspension bridge. At an altitude of 1,000 meters, it offers sweeping views of the vast Chiayi-Kaohsiung Plain and the Taiwan Strait. Once completed, it is expected to draw large numbers of tourists to Taiping Village. In addition to walking across the bridge and exploring the old street, nearby stops along the route such as Taixing Herb Garden and Bihu Coffee House are also highly recommended for a mountain mini-trip.

Hua Jie’s Wild Vegetable Stall
Address: No. 9, Xitou, Taixing Village, Meishan Township, Chiayi County
Phone: (05) 257 1608(*Reservations required by phone in advance)

▲ Every dish is a unique mountain delicacy you won’t find elsewhere.

Surrounded by lush mountains and misty peaks, the Taiping Scenic Area in Meishan Township, Chiayi County, is a great summer retreat. With an altitude of over 1,000 meters, the area enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. The verdant mountain scenery lifts the spirits of every visitor. For those tired of greasy meats and rich foods, head to a wild vegetable shop to discover nature’s hidden treasures. Hua Jie’s Wild Vegetable Stall in Taixing Village, Meishan Township, is a beloved local favorite. Dishes like purslane (commonly known as “Pig’s Milk”), silky stir-fried fern tips, mountain celery, and homemade preserved vegetable chicken soup offer flavors you won’t taste anywhere else.

▲ Purslane, also called “Baoxian Cai,” is delicious even simply blanched.

Herbal Legend
Address: No. 19-1, Xitou, Taixing Village, Meishan Township, Chiayi County
Phone: 0933 359 359

▲ The herb garden grows a variety of herbal plants and flowers.

After eating and drinking your fill, visit the herb garden to witness the natural wonders of botanicals. Nestled among the mountains is a small white house where herbs, fragrant plants, and flowers thrive. The owner couple runs the garden with love and patience, creating a natural classroom in the deep mountains. Visitors can learn about plants through hands-on workshops, relax their minds, and enjoy complete healing from nature.

▲ Sip floral tea while admiring the mountain views to heal your mind, body, and soul.

▲ The DIY incense-making workshop is a lot of fun, and you can even take your creations home for natural mosquito repellent.

Amber Society Coffee Estate
Address: No. 38, Bihu, Bihu Village, Meishan Township
Phone: 0922204987

▲ Enjoy a hand-brewed coffee at ease at an altitude of 1,000 meters.

Bihu Village is home to expansive high mountain tea fields, offering beautiful landscapes and pristine scenery. The owner of Amber Society Coffee Estate is a model of youth returning to rural areas. Leaving behind the urban jungle, he has created his own sanctuary on a mountain at 1,000-meter elevation. The red brick cottage and vintage wooden window frames are full of thoughtful details. Amid the misty mountains, enjoy authentic high mountain tea and rich coffee, perfectly concluding your mountain adventure.

▲ The old house built with red bricks has great charm.

▲ The café also offers hands-on experiences in roasting coffee beans.