By MOOK Scenic Spots, compiled and reported
Don’t miss this lunar new year holiday trip！Located in southern Taiwan, Chiayi boasts exceptional natural advantages. From its coastline to mountain peaks, it’s not only fun but also incredibly photogenic. Even international media have been flocking to report on it. Check out these eight must-visit Chiayi spots for your lunar new year outing—hurry and add them to your itinerary！
The most famous forest railway in Alishan, loved even by foreigners. (Photo / Forestry Bureau)
1.Alishan Forest Railway
The Alishan Forest Railway is one of the world’s renowned alpine railways. The line stretches 71.4 kilometers in total, climbing from lowland to an altitude of 2,274 meters, passing through three forest zones—tropical, warm temperate, and temperate—offering breathtaking scenery along the way.
The sea of clouds in Alishan is a spectacular sight. (Photo / Alishan National Forest Recreation Area)
2.Alishan Sea of Clouds
The sea of clouds in Alishan, Chiayi, is one of the area’s five major wonders and a must-see natural beauty in Taiwan. Some of the best spots to enjoy the sunset sea of clouds include the Ogasawara Mountain Observation Deck, Ciyun Temple Observation Deck, the second floor of Alishan Station, and the viewing platform outside the main gate ticket office—all offering stunning views of the ethereal clouds.
An aerial view from Puzi toward Dongshi shows the area as if half-dissolved into the water. (Photo / Mr. Flip-Flops Esheng Huang)
3.Dongshi Fishermen's Wharf
Dongshi Fishermen's Wharf is designed around elements such as wind, sunlight, fish, boats, the ocean, and lighthouses, presenting a multifaceted maritime experience. Key facilities include the Ocean Culture Museum, Specialty Product Museum, shopping street, Sea View Pavilion, floating bridge market, and seaside walking platform. It also retains its original fishing port functions, making it a great spot for a lunar new year excursion.
Ao-Ku Wetlands. (Photo / Chiayi County Government)
4.Ao-Ku Wetlands
The biggest highlight of Ao-Ku Wetlands is its richly diverse geographical environment, featuring paddy fields, dry farmland, windbreak forests, mangroves, grass marshes, freshwater swamps, saltwater swamps, muddy tidal flats, and intertidal zones. The Ao-Ku Wetlands Forest Park even won the 2011 ASLA Professional Awards for Analysis and Planning in the General Design category—the “Oscars” of landscape architecture—absolutely worth a visit.
Lighting show at the Taiping Sky Bridge suspension bridge. (Photo / molly888666)
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