Chiayi is more than just Alishan！ The Youth Ridge Trail, known as Taiwan’s version of the Dunhuang Grottoes, is absolutely stunning

▲ “Swallow Cliff” is one of the scenic spots on the Youth Ridge Trail. (Photo by IG user)@yintheshadow(Please do not repost without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

When visiting Chiayi, besides going to Alishan to watch the sunrise, what else is there to do? If you’re up for a bit of a physical challenge, why not try the stunningly scenic “Youth Ridge Trail”! Located in the Rui-Li Scenic Area of Meishan Township, Chiayi, the Youth Ridge Trail links several attractions including the Lovers’ Suspension Bridge, Swallow Cliff, Thousand-Year Bat Cave, and Youth Ridge. While strolling through the forested mountain paths, you can witness the marvels of nature — a destination worth visiting even if it leaves your legs completely worn out.

▲ The “Lovers’ Suspension Bridge” on the Youth Ridge Trail is perfect for couples to enjoy some quality time. (Photo by IG user)@yintheshadow(Please do not repost without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The Youth Ridge Trail has two entrances. One is located at the 78.8K mark on County Road 166 in Chiayi; the other, which is the more recommended route, is accessed by turning right onto an industrial road at the 72.2K mark on County Road 166, eventually exiting near Rui-Li Elementary School. This entrance is marked with a sign indicating the trail length as 2,385 meters. Along the way, famous attractions such as “Swallow Cliff” and “Thousand-Year Bat Cave” are located around the 1,200-meter point.

▲ % Home called? The steep cliff is quite thrilling. (Photo by IG user)@mushilin,@jimmy0985085(Please do not repost without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Upon entering the Youth Ridge Trail, you’ll find yourself surrounded by bamboo groves. Further down, the path becomes a flat wooden boardwalk, and the latter section consists of stone steps. Before long, you’ll come across the “Lovers’ Suspension Bridge,” where you can enjoy a unique view of the canyon below. After crossing the bridge, you’ll see steep cliffs with layered, cake-like textures — this is “Swallow Cliff.” The horizontal striations on the cliff face, formed by wind erosion, are truly breathtaking. If you’re lucky, you might even spot swallows nesting on the cliffs.

Continuing along the trail, you’ll reach the “Thousand-Year Bat Cave.” Although there are no bats there now, you can imagine the spectacle of bat colonies from the past in these cave-like formations reminiscent of the Dunhuang Grottoes — a truly magnificent sight. There are also wooden benches here for visitors to rest. The final stretch of the hike leads to “Youth Ridge,” on the way to Rui-Li Elementary School. This part is about one kilometer long but features slopes as steep as 70 degrees, with an average gradient of 60 degrees — making it the most physically demanding section of the entire trail.

▲ The “Thousand-Year Bat Cave,” comparable to the Dunhuang Grottoes, no longer houses bats. (Photo by IG user)@jac0239(Please do not repost without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

After completing the popular spots on the Youth Ridge Trail, what awaits you is the equally challenging return journey. Although the round trip of nearly 2,400 meters is tough, being able to appreciate the wonders of nature up close and getting some exercise along the way makes it all worthwhile. Next time you visit Chiayi, why not take on this challenge?

▲ % The rugged cliffs along the Youth Ridge Trail showcase the power of nature. (Photo by IG user)@aeiou42113,@yening___(Please do not repost without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Youth Ridge Trail
Access the entrance by turning onto a road around 200m from the 72.2K mark on County Road 166 in Chiayi