Chiayi CountyPlay Recommendations

Alishan Forest Recreation Area in Chiayi County is Taiwans most celebrated mountain escape. The park draws travellers with its breathtaking sunrise, seas of clouds, ancient giant trees, Sister Ponds, and tea estates. Summer averages around 15 degrees Celsius, refreshingly cool, and the grounds lend themselves to forest bathing, hiking, and the heritage narrow-gauge train rides. Trails such as the Shui-Shan Giant Tree Trail and the Giant Tree Trestle lead past thousand-year-old red cypresses that breathe their woody fragrance into the air. The Alishan train carries passengers to sunrise and scenic platforms, with dawn breaking over the peaks as the signature view. Plan at least two days and one night to take in the full rhythm of day and night on the mountain.

Cloud Trail (Yun-Zhi-Dao) in Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County, is a forest path threaded together with wooden boardwalks and stairs in the Alishan area. The full length is about 670 chi (roughly 204 metres), flanked by towering cedar forest and often wrapped in drifting mist that makes hikers feel as though they are walking in the clouds. A viewing platform mid-way offers a place to rest and take photos, and when sunlight filters through the canopy the soft interplay of light and shadow makes the trail an outstanding choice for cooling off and getting close to nature, well-suited to mountaineers, families, and photographers.

Yun-Tan Waterfall in the Rui-Li Scenic Area of Meishan Township, Chiayi County, sits within the Alishan National Scenic Area. The trail drops about 600 stone steps, and a 10-to-15-minute walk brings you to the first-tier viewing platform; the path is wrapped in bamboo groves, the air is fresh, and the route is a popular summer retreat. The waterfall cascades in three tiers, often crowned by rainbows and a heavy dose of negative ions; the roar is impressive yet the crowds are sparse, offering a quiet forest walk and waterfall-viewing experience. Difficulty is low and the trail suits all ages; visitors should bring their own water and snacks as commercial facilities nearby are limited.

Lei-Yin (Thunder-Sound) Waterfall sits beside the Zhu-Keng Stream Trail in Meishan Township, Chiayi County, a five-tier cascade visible from a dedicated viewing platform. The path threads through forest trails and across several suspension bridges; visitors pass Long-Gong (Dragon Palace) Waterfall first, then turn down a side trail to reach the Lei-Yin viewing deck, where the layered water and the opposite Long-Gong Falls come into full view. The spot is loved for its dense negative ions, forest phytoncide, and cool mountain breeze, making it a summer-cooling paradise for families and hikers. Access is via Route 162-A in Meishan, the full trail runs about 3.3 km, and some suspension bridges may be closed after heavy rain, so check current conditions before setting off.

Long-Gong (Dragon Palace) Waterfall sits inside the Zhu-Keng Stream Trail in Meishan, Chiayi County, a natural spot built around a water-curtain cave and the falls themselves. The route centres on the west entrance and threads through several suspension bridges and past Thunder-Sound Waterfall on mostly gentle terrain that suits the whole family. Reaching Long-Gong, visitors pass through a distinctive water-curtain cave where water jets from the cave mouth to form a dramatic curtain, a scene that draws many travellers to stop for photos. In summer the mist and negative ions from the falls cool the body, making it a top choice for beating the heat and getting close to nature. The trail runs about 2 km, walking time about 1.5-2 hours, with parking and basic facilities on site.

1314 Viewing Platform sits at the summit of Hai-Shu Mountain in Meishan Township, Chiayi County, about 1,314 metres above sea level, and is a celebrated tea-country viewpoint. From the deck the layered tea fields and mountain ridges roll out in a full 360-degree panorama with no blind spots, a setting often borrowed for wedding, advertising, and travel-blogger shoots. Beside the deck stand a tower and a heart-shaped installation that symbolise love, drawing couples, families, and nature lovers. The path is gentle and reaches the deck in five to ten minutes from the car park, with alpine tea fields and cloud seas along the way; admission is free, making it an easy outdoor stop anyone can enjoy.