A Relaxing Trip of Firefly Watching and Coffee: A 2-Day Tour of Six Must-Visit Spots in Chiayi

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Chiayi’s tourist attractions are becoming increasingly popular. In addition to numerous check-in hotspots in the city area, the mountainous regions boast rich forest landscapes and breathtaking sea of clouds. Below is a list of stunning spots near the Alishan Scenic Area, including experiences of indigenous culture, strolling through old streets, firefly and flower viewing, making it perfect for a two-day-one-night trip.
 
Day 1Route 1: Yuyupas → Fenchihu Old Street → Laiji Tribe → Rainbow Ecovillage (firefly watching)
Day 2Route 2: Rueili Green Tunnel → Taiping Skywalk and Old Street → Return Journey

1. Yuyupas
Yuyupas is an Tsou cultural park, named in the Tsou language of the indigenous Tsou people of Alishan. It is located in a tea plantation paradise at an altitude of 1,300 meters, offering views of Yushan and the Rainbow Valley. Aside from learning about the history and culture of the Tsou people of Alishan, the park’s architecture is also built in the style of traditional Tsou houses.
 
Address: No. 127-2, Lane 4, LeYe Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi County

2. Fenchihu Old Street
Fenchihu is often referred to as the “Jiufen of Southern Taiwan.” The houses built along the mountain slopes are densely packed on both sides of the winding, undulating alleys. The area is filled with the sounds of vendors selling railway bento boxes and the lingering aroma of pastries, giving it a strong old street vibe.

3. Laiji Tribe
Laiji is an indigenous tribe located at the foot of Tsou people’s “sacred mountain,” Mount Tata, with an average altitude between 700 and 1,000 meters, nestled beside the beautiful Alishan River. Here, visitors can experience the culture of the indigenous tribe and admire layered terraced fields. The mountainsides are covered with lush moso bamboo and fir forests. Additionally, Laiji coffee beans are of high quality, with a mellow and gentle flavor. 

Driving route: Exit at Meishan Xi Interchange on National Freeway 3 → County Highway 162 and Provincial Highway 3 → Meishan → Provincial Highway 162A → Taiping → Ruifeng → Taihe → County Highway 149A → Laiji.

4. Rainbow Ecovillage
Every spring and summer, it’s the peak season for fireflies, when you can search for magical flickering lights in the dark jungle. Located in Chiayi, Rainbow Ecovillage is the firefly-watching spot with the highest density of fireflies in Taiwan. Every April and May, large numbers of fireflies appear here, and during the day, beautiful wisteria flowers bloom, making it a must-visit destination in spring.