Don’t limit yourself to Alishan anymore!A big roundup of Chiayi’s hottest “must-visit spots” for the New Year

▲ Aside from Alishan, Chiayi also boasts nine super-popular attractions this year, waiting for netizens to bring their families and explore them all during the holiday break. (Photo/@br.0108Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The holidays are all about family outings together. When Chiayi is mentioned, Alishan is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But beyond this top-tier destination, there are actually many other scenic spots that have received widespread acclaim online. ETtoday EBC News Cloud has compiled a list of Chiayi’s super-popular“Classic Attractions”—if you’re still unsure where to go, going with the classics is always a safe bet.

▲ The limited-time Taibao Beautiful Flower Sea is absolutely stunning, making it a must-visit for flower-loving netizens during the Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo/@lioumonn Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

1. Taibao City Flower Sea Festival
The hottest winter attraction is the “Taibao Organic Rice Field Area” located next to the Chiayi HSR Boulevard, which has transformed into a colorful sea of blossoms. Yellow, pink, purple, and white flowers intertwine across acres of vibrant fields—a sight flower enthusiasts simply can’t miss. Come and immerse yourself in the fragrant blooms and snap some dreamy, fairy-tale photos.

Location: Taibao Organic Rice Special Zone (next to the HSR Boulevard)
Opening Hours: 1/22/106 ~ 1/31/106

▲ The whimsical design of Forest Song has drawn crowds of hipsters from all over to take photos. (Photo/@115xwenProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Forest Song
The wood-woven art landmark “Forest Song,” which has gone viral on Instagram, is located right in downtown Chiayi. Whether it’s the winding yellow vine corridor or the pop-art-inspired dome, both exude an alternative, mesmerizing beauty—making it a must-shoot spot for social media influencers. If you haven’t been yet, why not visit during the holiday?

Location: Beside the Cultural Road Underpass in Chiayi City

▲ Following the success of Forest Song, Moon Shadow Pool Heart has also become a top photo spot recommended by Chiayi’s hipster crowd. (Photo/@@__ni613__Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

3. Lantan Scenic Area (Moon Shadow Pool Heart)
Resembling a bird’s nest, Moon Shadow Pool Heart is constructed from hollow woven aluminum sheets and tree trunk supports. Its unique design shares a similar creative spirit with Forest Song. At night, it lights up with neon glow, adding a dreamy, fantastical ambiance. You can also enjoy water dance performances through the gaps in the structure.

Location: No. 4, 187 Hongmaobi, Lukiao Li, Chiayi City

▲ Well-planned and constantly updated, Guiyi Senlin Village offers a fairytale-like Japanese countryside vibe. (Photo/@Guiyi Senlin Village Hinoki Village Fan Page)Fan Group)

4. Guiyi Senlin Village
With its Japanese-inspired minimalist charm, Guiyi Senlin Village has remained highly popular since its launch in 2013. It offers everything from cultural and creative goods, specialty souvenirs, local delicacies, to art and cultural events—making it a fun and delicious destination in Chiayi. The nostalgic, retro layout feels like stepping back in time through a time tunnel.

Location: No. 1, Lin Sen East Road, East District, Chiayi City
Opening Hours: Closed on New Year’s Eve, open as usual during other holiday periods

▲ Despite past controversies over the 12 zodiac animal heads, it continues to attract culture-loving visitors. (Photo/@National Palace Museum Provided)

5. National Palace Museum Southern Branch
The Palace Museum isn’t just for Northern Taiwan anymore. The Southern Branch officially opened at the end of 2016, with exhibits rolling out according to schedule. Its cutting-edge, modern design breaks away from the traditional impression of the Northern Branch, making it both photogenic and entertaining—and highly praised by locals.

Location: No. 185, Gugong Boulevard, Taibao City, Chiayi County
Opening Hours: Closed early at 4 PM on New Year’s Eve, regular hours resume starting the first day of the New Year (9:00-17:00)

▲ The European-style Bear Big Manor cleverly incorporates cute animal elements, attracting both adults and children. (Photo/@Little White Whale Provided.)provided.)

6. Bear Big Manor Forest-Themed Leisure Park

Stepping into Bear Big Manor feels like entering a fairy tale world. Filled with adorable, cartoonish elements, it’s truly a parent-child paradise in Chiayi. Playful little bears are scattered throughout the park, and its castle-like buildings are especially eye-catching. There’s also a glasshouse restaurant, souvenir shop, and various whimsical landscapes to keep kids entertained.

Location: No. 17, Gongye 2nd Road, Touqiao Industrial Area, Minxiong Township, Chiayi County
Opening Hours: Only closed on New Year’s Eve, open as usual from the first day of the New Year (8:00-17:30)

▲ Within its expansive grounds, you can experience various DIY activities that combine fun with learning for kids. (Photo/@Minxiong Kumquat Sightseeing Factory / Kumquat Farm Fan Page)Fan Group)

7. Minxiong Kumquat Sightseeing Factory

Here, you can try your hand at DIY jam and wind chimes, and the venue also offers camping areas and bike rentals. With so many activities, laughter often fills the fresh, open space. There’s even a Kumquat Time Tunnel that introduces related cultural knowledge, while the souvenir shop sells a variety of kumquat-based products. Afterward, you can swing by Wanglai Mountain to try their famous pineapple cakes.

Address: No. 38, Lane 7, Chencuoliao, Sanxing Village, Minxiong Township, Chiayi County
Opening Hours: Closing early at 3 PM on New Year’s Eve, open as usual from the first day of the New Year (9:00-17:00)

▲ The high-heeled shoe church casts stunning blue-green gradient effects through its transparent materials under the setting sun. (Photo/@Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan, So Much Fun!!! (Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Coastal Scenic Area))))

8. High Heel Church

Standing 17.76 meters tall, 25.16 meters long, and 11.91 meters wide, the High Heel Church took the internet by storm last year and remains wildly popular. Made of 320 pieces of azure blue glass and countless steel structures, it’s perfect for both distant group shots and interior exploration—helping girls live out their princess dreams. Since you’re in Budai, don’t miss trying the giant meatball specialty.

Address: Haixing Street, Budai Township, Chiayi County

▲ Hyper-realistic 3D marine life murals attract huge crowds for photos. (Photo/@Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan, So Much Fun!!! Fan Page)Fan Group)

9. Budai Haomeili Mural Village

Marine creatures seem to swim beneath your feet. The artistic and fishing village culture of Haomeili Mural Village come together to create distinctive ocean-themed 3D murals. Their lifelike effect has netizens pulling out their cameras non-stop. Many use forced perspective poses to appear as if interacting with the artwork.

Address: No. 132, Huweiliao, Budai Township, Chiayi County (Tai Sheng Temple)