Chiayi CountyPlay Recommendations

Ding-Hu Trail in the Ding-Hu Nature and Ecology Zone of Alishan Township, Chiayi County, is a nature path known for its lake and mountain scenery. The route threads past the clear Ding Lake and through rich forest canopies and mountain views, ideal for hikers and nature observers. The distance is moderate, the grade is gentle, and the trail suits all ages including furry family members, making it a relaxed option for a family outing with pets. There are no commercial facilities here, but the natural environment is well preserved - a quiet escape to unwind away from the citys noise.

Zhong-Pu Visitor Center at No. 1-9 Tong-Ren Road in Zhongpu Township, Chiayi County, is a family rest stop inside the Siraya National Scenic Area. The centres fairytale-castle exterior houses Siraya Indigenous culture displays, clean restrooms, drinking-water refills, and travel information, allowing riders and drivers heading up Alishan to pause and recharge. The grounds add a spacious childrens play area, interactive multimedia exhibit hall, and volunteer-led tours, friendly to families and pets (some zones are pet-friendly). Admission is free, hours run 9 AM to 5 PM daily (closed Wednesdays), and the centre is as much a photo hotspot as it is a window into Siraya culture and local ecology.

Bei-Men (North Gate) Station is ringed by pet-friendly restaurants and cafes that serve pasta, risotto, steak plates, burgers, and all-day brunch in spacious and comfortable settings suitable for group meals, business talks, or study-and-work sessions. Every spot allows dogs and cats at the table and provides water bowls and dedicated pet zones, so owners can share the mealtime with their pets without compromise.

Chiayi County Animal Protection Education Park at No. 37-2 Hou-Shan-Zi, Song-Shan Village, Minxiong Township, opened in 2023 after an investment of about NT$91.3 million. The multi-purpose facility combines sheltering, adoption, and education under one roof, with 40 dog kennels and 2 cat rooms that can house up to 210 dogs and cats. The architecture focuses on ventilation and daylight - interlocking pitched roofs and a central air channel boost airflow - and the grounds include semi-open kennels, a medical zone, an operating room, a pet display area, and a life-education multimedia briefing room, all aimed at promoting adoption and animal-welfare education. Adoptions and visits run by appointment Tuesday to Friday, 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM; weekends and public holidays are closed. Admission is free.

Bu-Dai Small Happiness Beach in Bu-Dai Township, Chiayi County, is a pet-friendly coastal secret. The beach runs about 150 metres long in a quiet setting that suits walks with furry friends, sea-breeze breathing, and sunset viewing. Small in scale but right by the town centre, it has become a leisurely spot for locals and visitors alike. Entry is free, there are no set opening hours, and visitors simply need to mind tidiness and keep their dogs on leash to enjoy the natural coastline and its calm.

Wang-Lai-Shan Love Grassland sits in Fan-Lu Township, Chiayi County, inside the Chu-Kou Niu-Bu-Zai grassland park alongside the Alishan Highway. The park is themed around a wide green meadow dotted with installation art, providing a pet-friendly space for walking and photography that suits families, couples, and pets alike. At the on-site Wang-Lai-Shan pineapple-cake shop, visitors can taste a whole pineapple cake for free and pick up local agricultural products as souvenirs. Pavilions and a car park beside the grassland make picnics and short breaks easy, and the site doubles as a transit stop and rest point on the way into the Alishan National Scenic Area.