A paradise of joy for both kids and adults!

Text and photos byHu Hu Long Long and Zhen Tai Fei

When in Chiayi, don’t miss the super cute cat bridge — go through the tunnel and hop on the mini train. The Ban Tao Yao Jiao Zhi Jian Nian Craft Park in Xingang Township, Chiayi, is packed with whimsical and adorable ceramic figurines that are perfect for photos. It can be combined with nearby attractions like Nan Cai Hui Village, Bei Cai Hui Village, Elephant Cai Hui Village, and Ding Cai Yuan for a fun Chiayi one-day trip. In Ban Tou Village, you can either park on the roadside or rent a bike — free parking is available if you rent. The whole Ban Tou community is filled with many Jiao Zhi artworks to enjoy along the way, and almost every household mailbox here is a Q-version ceramic figurine — it’s just too cute!

These are the Jiao Zhi seats on the Ban Tou Village community railway line. If it's hot, we recommend walking along this railway first — there are shaded areas to cool off under.

Even those without transportation can easily visit Ban Tao Yao by taking the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle’s Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum route.

Xingang is my hometown where I grew up. Though I’ve been away for decades, I still remember the carefree childhood memories — red brick walls, playing innocently under the big trees. Ban Tou Yao is truly a wonderful place that combines countryside charm, simplicity, and art.

This park is full of delightful surprises in Jiao Zhi art — even the trash bins are turned into artworks. Every corner and detail can bring a smile to your face.

Admission is 100 NTD per person, redeemable in full toward food & beverages [50 NTD] or art & DIY products [50 NTD].

It feels like stepping into a Q-version fairy tale world — every seat is also a piece of ceramic art.

The almost non-repetitive ceramic pieces are all so cute and exquisitely made — they’ll definitely make you stop for photos non-stop along the way.

Rustic childhood memories are brought to life here: washing clothes by the river, pumping water by hand, all blending with the area’s simple local culture.

How cute is cooling off under the tree? Frogs become the best companions for rest. The park also has a restaurant serving meals such as hot pot, light bites, and drinks.

Even the washbasins are this playful.

Kids will even love washing their hands here.

Even the cows become this lovely.

Just as I said, it's super photogenic — you can’t even stop taking pictures even when you’re just resting.

This is the craft DIY workshop, offering activities like making ceramic figurines or ceramic plates. There’s also a delivery service for finished works.

If you really take your time exploring here, you could easily spend half a day here. Add in cycling around the surrounding areas, and a one-day trip is totally doable.

Then walk up the stairs to another space — the moment you arrive, you're greeted with such a cute scene. It gives off the warm feeling of a childhood home, with roofs always covered in ivy and mischievous cats often resting up there.

The three-dimensional sculptures are incredibly lifelike.

Walk through the corridor to the other side of the park, where you’ll find natural flowing water and adorable children playing and “fishing.” Of course, the fish in the pond are not for catching!

So poetic — kids who grew up in the countryside will surely relate.

Ban Tou Yao isn’t just cute, it’s romantic too!

The 3D cherry blossom tree installation is absolutely gorgeous. It’s even more atmospheric in winter, and did you notice the tree and flowers are all ceramic artworks? The artistry is simply taken to the extreme.

Girls definitely shouldn’t miss this wall — it’s totally my style. Can’t fly to Japan? Getting your fill here is pretty great too, and it’d be even better with a kimono experience.

The central fish pond is the kids’ favorite spot to feed the fish — every fish looks so well-fed!

Under the tree, a cow and farmer are resting — this is the most realistic side of Xingang Township. The lush green rice fields are always tended by hardworking farmers, who take a break under the trees at noon.

While the adults work in the fields, the kids love playing cricket-catching games nearby, bringing back tons of childhood memories.

Scream!!! This giant cat just stands right here in the Ban Tou Yao Park area—oh my goodness, it’s absolutely adorable!!! There’s also a staircase next to the cat bridge that you can climb up, and you can even go through a little tunnel in the cat’s belly on a mini train. Isn’t that so much fun? There are also a few coin-operated electric cars in the square for kids to have a blast driving around!

This whole area is filled with cat-themed elements—whether it’s the huge cat bridge, the cute cat-shaped benches, or even the cat stationmaster nearby—you just can’t help but go “meow”!

And there’s also an adorable frog wedding procession that’s super charming.

Haha, enjoying being waited on is such a delight.

This is another entrance to the park.

Just looking at this giant cat bridge is cute enough, and kids can even take a mini train through its belly—it’s really so much fun!

The cat station is about to depart—Up, please insert one 50-dollar coin.

Even this little tunnel can be made so beautiful—there’s truly no part of this place that isn’t a surprise. Ban Tou Yao is even more fun and photogenic than I imagined. If I had more time, I could also explore the surrounding Ban Tou community, which is also full of pottery vibes everywhere.

Also nearby is Ding Cai Yuan, with an admission fee of 50 NTD per person that can be used as credit toward food. You can have meals or pizza here, among other things.

Ban Tou Yao Jiao Zhi Jian Nian Craft Park
Address: No. 45-1, No. 45-2, Ban Tou Village, Xingang Township, Chiayi County
Phone: (05)781-0832
Business Hours: Monday–Sunday 09:30–17:30, closed on New Year’s Eve

Ju Zhen Tai, who lives in the boys’ dormitory, 【elder brother is a Tiger, younger brother is a Dragon】, shares moments of parenting and family life with everyone~
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