Alishan Sunrise, Chiayi Stories: A 3-Day Private Journey Through Taiwan’s Quiet Side
HIGHLIGHTS
- • Step inside Chiayi’s layered history, from a rare Japanese-era prison to vibrant temple rituals and night market culture
- • Experience Taiwan’s high mountain tea culture firsthand, with a guided harvest and tasting session in the misty hills of Alishan
- • Catch Alishan’s legendary sunrise and walk forest trails lined with ancient cedar trees and quiet mountain charm
- • Discover the beauty of everyday art, from repurposed police dorms turned art museum to vintage rooftop tiles once used to display social status
This thoughtfully curated 3-day journey takes you deep into Chiayi, a city where Taiwan’s cultural roots, spiritual heritage, and scenic wonders converge. Begin with a visit to the historic Chiayi Prison Museum—a rare example of early 20th-century prison architecture—followed by local temple traditions and the lively energy of the city’s famous night market. On day two, escape into the highlands of Alishan, where towering forests, traditional mountain-grown tea, and scenic trails offer a refreshing contrast to urban life. Experience both nature and culture through the quiet beauty of the forest and a guided tea tasting rooted in Taiwan’s high mountain heritage. Wrap up your journey with a slow, artful final day in Chiayi. Visit the Chiayi Art Museum—housed in a former police dormitory—and explore the Taiwan Tile Museum, which showcases ornate vintage tiles once embedded into rooftops to signal family prosperity and social standing. Through these cultural landmarks, Chiayi reveals its unique blend of historical depth, design sensibility, and quiet pride. Every stop on this journey offers a new way to connect—with nature, with history, and with the stories Chiayi quietly tells.

▴ Step inside Chiayi’s layered history, from a rare Japanese-era prison to vibrant temple rituals and night market culture

▴ Experience Taiwan’s high mountain tea culture firsthand, with a guided harvest and tasting session in the misty hills of Alishan

▴ Catch Alishan’s legendary sunrise and walk forest trails lined with ancient cedar trees and quiet mountain charm
▴ Chiayi Chenghuang Temple is one of Taiwan’s oldest City God temples, offering a glimpse into vibrant local folk beliefs and spiritual traditions.
ITINERARY
Day 1 / Chiayi’s Living Heritage – History, Temples & Night Market Life
Meet your guide at Chiayi High-Speed Rail station and begin your journey at the Chiayi Old Prison, one of Taiwan’s rare examples of early 20th-century radial prison architecture. After a taste of Chiayi’s most iconic local dishes—turkey rice and silky tofu pudding—you’ll explore the historic Chenghuang Temple, where local devotees come to seek protection and blessings from the City God. As evening approaches, dive into Chiayi’s everyday charm at the bustling Night Market, where food stalls, neon lights, and local life converge. (dinner at guests' expense) Check in to your hotel and rest up
Day 2 / Alishan Highlands – Tea, Trails & Mountain Calm
After breakfast, travel into the lush highlands of Alishan, where the air turns cool and the pace slows. Your first stop is a local tea farm, where you’ll join a hands-on tea harvesting and tasting experience, learning how Taiwan’s famous high mountain teas are cultivated. Enjoy lunch with a view, then continue to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, where ancient cedar trees, scenic boardwalks, and forest tranquility await. Return to your mountain hotel for a peaceful evening surrounded by alpine quiet.
Day 3 / Sunrise, Art & Quiet Farewell
Wake early to catch the legendary Alishan sunrise—a golden spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. Spend the morning exploring hidden trails and quiet moments within the park before descending the mountain. Lunch is at your leisure (not included), with suggestions from your guide based on your preferences. In the afternoon, explore two unique cultural sites back in the city: the Chiayi City Art Museum, housed in a former Japanese police dormitory complex, and the Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles, where vintage rooftop tiles once used to signify wealth and status are transformed into i
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Pick-up at Chiayi HSR Station
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Visit Chiayi Old Prison (early 20th-century radial architecture)
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Taste local specialties: turkey rice & tofu pudding
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Explore Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple)
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Evening visit to Chiayi Night Market (dinner at guest’s expense)
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Hotel check-in & overnight stay in Chiayi
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Depart for Alishan highlands
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Visit local tea farm: tea harvesting + tasting experience
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Lunch with a view in Alishan
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Explore Alishan National Forest Recreation Area: cedar trees, boardwalks, forest trails
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Check in to mountain hotel, enjoy a tranquil evening
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Free time for nature walks or forest exploration
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Descend Alishan
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Lunch at leisure (at your own expense)
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Visit Chiayi City Art Museum (former Japanese police dormitory complex)
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Visit Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles (cultural storytelling through rooftop tiles)
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Browse for local souvenirs or art
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Drop-off at Chiayi HSR Station for departure
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Meal :
Breakfast : 2 | Lunch :2 | Dinner : 1 -
Duration :
3 days 2 nights -
Pick-up :
At Chiayi HSR Station
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Drop-Off :
At Chiayi HSR Station -
Group Size :
1-6 people -
Language :
English
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DETAILS
Inclusions
- •A knowledgeable, licensed and fun-loving English-speaking guide
- •All transportation in Chiayi (9-seater van)
- •Admission to all activities on itinerary
- •Two nights accommodation with breakfast
- •Travel insurance
Exclusions
- •High Speed Railway Ticket (ex. Taipei - Chiayi, Chiayi - Taipei)
- •Any optional activities not on itinerary
- •Meals not listed above
- •Gratuity
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made between 30 and 15 days prior to departure will receive a 70% refund.
Cancellations made between 14 and 7 days prior to departure will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to departure are non-refundable.
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