Chiayi Taiping Cloud Ladder and Alishan Forest Breathing 2-Day Tour | Stay in Chiayi City

Meishan, Chiayi, is home to Taiwan's longest scenic suspension bridge, the Taiping Ladder. Strolling up the ladder offers breathtaking views of the Jianan Plain, a sight many admire. The delicious local snacks along Taiping Old Street are a must-see! Meishan boasts tea plantations, delicious food, and historic trails. Nestled in the valley, the Sanheyuan (Three-Courtyard House) is home to Taiwan's finest coffee. Have you ever seen coffee beans dance? At this coffee farm in Meishan, the owner shares the story of coffee growth with visitors. The beans are stirred in specially designed containers, exuding a unique and captivating aroma – Alishan coffee! Visitors can also experience roasting their own beans and create their own custom coffee bags.

When it comes to traveling to Chiayi, besides the nostalgic atmosphere of Fenqihu Old Street, the Alishan Forest Railway that winds through the sacred trees, the picturesque scenery of the Japanese-style Hinoki Forest Village, and the diverse local snacks at the Wenhua Road Night Market, are you looking for something different? A two-day trip to the Taiping Cloud Ladder in Chiayi is the perfect choice!

- Attraction Introduction | Two-Day Trip to the Taiping Cloud Ladder in Chiayi -

▲ Taiping Cloud Ladder in Chiayi
Located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, the Taiping Cloud Ladder is 281 meters long and takes about 10 minutes to walk one way. It's not only the longest scenic suspension bridge in Taiwan, but also the highest. Enjoy the cool breeze atop the Taiping Cloud Ladder in summer, and the mountain scenery, sometimes shrouded in mist and sometimes crystal clear, has been a favorite for photographers capturing stunning views. After reaching the Taiping Cloud Ladder, it's highly recommended to walk along the adjacent Yunzhinan Road and take photos. After about an hour's walk, you'll exit at Taiping Old Street.

▲ Taiping Old Street
This short old street, about a 5-10 minute walk from end to end, is home to numerous shops. For example, Old Daddy Farm sells homemade fruits and vegetables, small potted plants, dried tofu burgers, and mulberry juice. Zhizhu Huile is an honest shop on Taiping Old Street, selling mostly fruits and vegetables. Bayue Renwen Restaurant is a hipster-style restaurant. Hou Coffee sells coffee, cookies, and light meals. Winter Melon Girl sells winter melon tea and tea eggs. Longrong Store is a local grocery store. You can also visit the former residence of Zhang Wenhuan, a prominent novelist and magazine editor during the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan. There are also succulents to admire along the way.

▲ Fumo Coffee Farm
Have you ever seen coffee beans dance? After learning about the coffee bean processing process, try your hand at crafting. The coffee beans dance in a specially crafted container, emitting a unique and captivating aroma – the essence of Alishan coffee. Visitors can also roast their own beans and create their own custom ear-hanging coffee bags.

▲ Chiayi Wenhua Road Night Market

Wenhua Road Night Market is a hub for local Chiayi snacks and delicacies, boasting numerous local stalls, including Yuanxing Yuxiangwu, Thai Rainbow Coconut Rice, Guo's Turkey Rice, Lin Congming Claypot Fish Head, A'e Tofu Pudding, A'an Rice Cake, Crispy Fried King Oyster Mushrooms, and Laotan Fresh Fruit. For a spicy and authentic southern flavor, this is a must-see for Chiayi's local delicacies.

▲ Alishan Cherry Blossom Season (March-April)

Alishan's cherry blossoms are a must-see in Taiwan. The Alishan cherry blossoms boast a diverse variety, including the renowned Yoshino and Thousand Island (Kangshi) cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom forest in front of the Alishan Hotel is ablaze with falling petals, the Zhushan Trail entrance features a cherry blossom tunnel, and the cherry blossom railway at Zhaoping Station complements the cherry blossoms with a train. Alishan National Forest Park's precious natural resources allow visitors to not only enjoy the cherry blossoms but also learn about and protect the natural ecosystem, including sacred trees and spider orchids, making for a truly enriching experience!

Recommended Alishan Forest Tour Route: Take the train from Alishan Station to Zhaoping Station > Zhaoping Park > Sister Pond > Shouzhen Temple > Sandaigi Tree > Thousand-year-old Cypress > Giant Tree No. 28 > Alishan Sacred Tree Ruins > Return to Alishan Station by train from Sacred Tree Station (approximately 2-2.5 hours)