Chiayi CountyPlay Recommendations

Dongshi Fishermans Wharf in Dongshi Township, Chiayi County, opens onto a wide harbour and beach framed by Mediterranean-style colour-washed buildings. A pet-friendly zone lets travellers bring their dogs and cats for a relaxed stroll, and a cluster of seafood restaurants sits right by the water - notably Le-Ya Xiao-Shi-Guang, which is known for stir-fries and fresh oyster dishes in a clean, comfortable room with online ordering and QR-code menus. The wharf itself has no fixed opening hours, so visitors are free to come any time for sightseeing, photos, and a meal nearby.

Sleeping Forest Theme Park sits near the Bei-Men-Yi station in Chiayi County - small in footprint yet rich in fairytale atmosphere. The park is themed around cute sleeping animal figures - polar bears, penguins, pink elephants, foxes, rabbits - posed in restful postures so visitors can admire them in a quiet setting and snap adorable IG-worthy shots. Admission is free and the site is particularly friendly to families with pets, with dedicated pet-friendly zones that let small dogs and cats join in. The overall vibe is healing, an easy pick for travellers wanting to escape city noise and while away gentle hours with small animals.

Centenary Old Street (Xia-Jiao-Dian-Zi) sits in the Fen-Qi-Hu area of Chiayi County, a street of fully preserved Japanese-era cypress buildings. The lane is wide and lantern-dotted; on ordinary weekdays the crowds are thin, and it is a pet-friendly corner where many shops allow leashed dogs. Strolling the antique alleys, visitors can feel the old commercial pulse, take in surrounding nature, and connect with the trails that lead into Fen-Qi-Hu, making it an easy choice for families and their dogs.

Fu-Gua Shang-Hang at No. 91 You-Xiao Road, West District, Chiayi City, sits right next to Chiayi Train Station and is a pet-friendly cafe-restaurant well known among locals and travellers. The room is spacious and bright, serving made-to-order home-style dishes and desserts, with signatures including spicy-sauce cream fried chicken over rice, tornado waffles, freshly baked waffle cakes, house butter sauce, and curry. Pets roam freely here, and resident companions include Pomeranian-type fox dogs, Samoyeds, and Norwegian Forest Cats, so owners can dine and play with their furry kids at once - making the shop a top photo stop in Chiayi for travellers and local pet families alike.

Ren-Ran Coffee at No. 97 Gong-Yuan Street, East District, Chiayi City, is a pet-friendly cafe housed in a converted old house. The kitchen turns out handmade desserts, savoury plates, and brunch; signature dishes include the ma-gao pineapple song-pan pork sandwich and cinnamon rolls. The space spreads over two floors with elegant, warm artsy decor and a small courtyard that suits photo sessions. There is no advance booking, so queues are common - arrive early or register on site for a seat. Pets are welcome on leash or in carriers, making it a popular stop for travellers who love coffee, dessert, and animal companions.

Sophies Candy Box in Shui-Shang Township, Chiayi County, is a roughly 2,800-ping pet-friendly garden cafe and dessert house. The kitchen leads with handmade sweets and signature coffee; the headliner Sophie Aristocrat Snow-Soft Cake has a fine, fluffy texture and pairs beautifully with the fragrant coffee that travellers keep coming back for. The grounds are lush, with wide lawns and succulent flower beds, perfect for a slow walk with pets, a photo session, or a long afternoon tea, and the cafe offers a self-pour hand-drip coffee experience. Full reservation is required; inside there are wide bed-style lounges and outdoor seating, letting adults, children, and pets all slow down inside a fairytale setting and enjoy the sweet, healing countryside feel.