Brief Introduction of Chaiyi County 嘉義縣
Chiayi County is bordered with Yushan to the easat, Taiwan Strait to the west, Tainan City to the south and Yunlin County to the north.
Total Area of 1901.67sq.km., rank 10th of 22 counties.
Has a Population of 524,783people in Dec 2014, ranked 14 of 22 counties and have a density of 273 people per sq.km., rank 18th of 22 counties.
Chiayi County has：
Two Cities (Taibao and Puzi), Two Uban Towhships (Budai and Dalin),
13 Rural Townships:
1. Dapu, 2. Dongshi, 3. Fanlu, 4. Liujiao, 5. Lucao, 6. Meishan,
7. Minxiong 8, Shuidhang, 9. Xikou, 10. Xingan, 11. Yizhu, 12. Zhongpu,
13. Zhuqi.
and one Mountain Indigenous Townships: Alishan Township.
Chiayi County is bordered with Yushan to the easat, Taiwan Strait to the west, Tainan City to the south and Yunlin County to the north.
Total Area of 1901.67sq.km., rank 10th of 22 counties.
Has a Population of 524,783people in Dec 2014, ranked 14 of 22 counties and have a density of 273 people per sq.km., rank 18th of 22 counties.
Chiayi County has：
Two Cities (Taibao and Puzi), Two Uban Towhships (Budai and Dalin),
13 Rural Townships:
1. Dapu, 2. Dongshi, 3. Fanlu, 4. Liujiao, 5. Lucao, 6. Meishan,
7. Minxiong 8, Shuidhang, 9. Xikou, 10. Xingan, 11. Yizhu, 12. Zhongpu,
13. Zhuqi.
and one Mountain Indigenous Townships: Alishan Township.
Must see places
1. The Eternity Suspension Bridges (Tien Chang Di Jio Bridge)
These pair of suspension bridges, are at Chukou village or you may say that is at the foot of Alishan Forest Park.
The name of these pair of bridges is known as Tien Chang & Di Jio in Chinese langue, meaning 'eternal love' or 'love forever', the one next to the parking area is the 'Di Jio' bridge - cause Di in Chinese mean earth therefore is on ground level, and 'Tian Chang' bridge is the one you need to cliam many stairs - again the meaning 'Tian' means sky, that is why is high up near the sky..., this introduction is according to folklore.
But according to 'Alishan National Scenic Area' website, it said that these bridges was built in 1937 during the Japanese occupation time, the name of the bridge 'Tien Chang' was name after the Japan Emperor's birthday (Japan emperor's birthday is known as Tien Chang Festival 天長節）, the 'Di Jio' bridge was name after the Grand Princess's birthday (In Japan Queen's birthday is known as Di Jio Festival 地久節）
It is interesting to go on both suspension bridge, they give difference view of the scenic area.
2. Long Yin Temple
Situated between the two bridges, if you visit to Tien Chang and Di Jio you will never miss this temple --- Opposite of Di Jio Bridge and if you want to get to Tien Chang bridge the stairs to the bridge is right behind this temple.
The temple, which enshrines the 'Gi Gong' Buddha, one of the more interesting god of the Chinese folk believe. By visit to the temple you can appreciate the interior structure and will be impress by the detailed architecture and carvings on its walls and ceiling.
Situated between the two bridges, if you visit to Tien Chang and Di Jio you will never miss this temple --- Opposite of Di Jio Bridge and if you want to get to Tien Chang bridge the stairs to the bridge is right behind this temple.
The temple, which enshrines the 'Gi Gong' Buddha, one of the more interesting god of the Chinese folk believe. By visit to the temple you can appreciate the interior structure and will be impress by the detailed architecture and carvings on its walls and ceiling.
3. Fencihu or Fen Qi Hu 奮起湖 奋起湖
Fencihu or Fenqihu, the 1,405meter above sea level mountain railway town is a great stop for a few hours if you are traveling up into Taiwan's famous Alishan. It is currently the final stop on the famous Alishan Railway line that makes itw way up the mountain from Chiayi City.
Fencihu is famous of its old train station, nature scenery, the old street which is the highest old street in Taiwan, selling delicious foods and snacks, ' Alishan Railway Lunchbox', and a locomotie museum detailing its storied past.
If you ever been to Jiufen in New Taipei you will find that this little town, especially the terrain and feeling is quite simiar, except the sea view, that is why is also commonly called the 'Jiufen of South Taiwan'.
Alishan Forest Recreation Area 阿里山國家森林遊樂區
Alishan, most will think that is a mountain by itself, it is not and it doesn't have a peak, is a branch of the Central Mountain Range and it is actually composed of 18 mountains such as Jialun Mountain, Zhu Mountain, ad Data Mountian etc.
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is located in Alishan Township, Chiayi, covering an area of 1,400 hectares with the main tourism spot locating at about 2,200 meters above sea level.
Alishan, most will think that is a mountain by itself, it is not and it doesn't have a peak, is a branch of the Central Mountain Range and it is actually composed of 18 mountains such as Jialun Mountain, Zhu Mountain, ad Data Mountian etc.
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is located in Alishan Township, Chiayi, covering an area of 1,400 hectares with the main tourism spot locating at about 2,200 meters above sea level.
Alishan Forest Recreation Area is famous for five wonders:
(1) The Nostalgia Railway:
Originally, there are three lines within the recreation area, 'Zhushan Line' was the first mountain railway built by Taiwanese, which take you to the sunrise viewing station.
The Shenmy line, for visitors to view the sacred tree, which is at the northwest of the recreation park, and you may start you Giant Tree Trails from here and take a walk back to Alishan Station.
The Mianyue line take you to the 'Shi Hou' scenic area, but due to the 921 earthquake disaster it still under repair and close to visitors now.
(1) The Nostalgia Railway:
Originally, there are three lines within the recreation area, 'Zhushan Line' was the first mountain railway built by Taiwanese, which take you to the sunrise viewing station.
The Shenmy line, for visitors to view the sacred tree, which is at the northwest of the recreation park, and you may start you Giant Tree Trails from here and take a walk back to Alishan Station.
The Mianyue line take you to the 'Shi Hou' scenic area, but due to the 921 earthquake disaster it still under repair and close to visitors now.
(2) Forest Trails
There are many walking trials in the forest, other than the Zhaoping Park which has lots of cherry trees, the other walking trial will lead you the Sister Pound, the Giant Tree Trails featuring dozens of massive ancient red cypress trees estimated at over 1,000 to 3,000 years old, the 'Three- Generation Tree' 'Elephant Trunk Tree' and the Sacred Tree', and you find two temple within the park too.
There are many walking trials in the forest, other than the Zhaoping Park which has lots of cherry trees, the other walking trial will lead you the Sister Pound, the Giant Tree Trails featuring dozens of massive ancient red cypress trees estimated at over 1,000 to 3,000 years old, the 'Three- Generation Tree' 'Elephant Trunk Tree' and the Sacred Tree', and you find two temple within the park too.
(3) Sea of Cloud
The best time to view the sea of cloud is during autumn and winter season. When sun rises the light sweeping over the sky, the clouds suddenly yield to the clear sky and it give a grand view, in the evening the clouds give even better picture with the magnificent afterglow.
The best time to view the sea of cloud is during autumn and winter season. When sun rises the light sweeping over the sky, the clouds suddenly yield to the clear sky and it give a grand view, in the evening the clouds give even better picture with the magnificent afterglow.
(4) Sunrise View
To view the famous wonder sunrise at Alishan is almost not to missed for visitors, but prepare to gets up as early as 4a.m. in the morning to board the train to the viewing deck at Zhushan Train Station.
Yo uwill never be disappointed when yo usee the sun emerge from the dark blue sky and light change from faint orange red rays until a bright new day is born, of course if your is not that good, you will not see this sunrise because of raining day or foggy day, anyway good luck to all visitors going to Alishan for sunrise viewing.
To view the famous wonder sunrise at Alishan is almost not to missed for visitors, but prepare to gets up as early as 4a.m. in the morning to board the train to the viewing deck at Zhushan Train Station.
Yo uwill never be disappointed when yo usee the sun emerge from the dark blue sky and light change from faint orange red rays until a bright new day is born, of course if your is not that good, you will not see this sunrise because of raining day or foggy day, anyway good luck to all visitors going to Alishan for sunrise viewing.
(5) Sunset Glow
Many who visit Ailshan is for the view of sunrise, but if you come to this place for sunset is also a good idea and you won't be sorry, cause the sunset can be stunning and spectacular sights too.
The good place to view sunset is at Alishan Hotel, Alishan Train Station, ChaoPing Park, Ciyun Temple, and around the first car park area.
Many who visit Ailshan is for the view of sunrise, but if you come to this place for sunset is also a good idea and you won't be sorry, cause the sunset can be stunning and spectacular sights too.
The good place to view sunset is at Alishan Hotel, Alishan Train Station, ChaoPing Park, Ciyun Temple, and around the first car park area.
You will be surprise if you visit to this forest park, cause once you get into the main entrance, yo usee a public car park, restaurants and some souvenir shops and any hotels.
Another interesting place is the post office of Alishan, many visitors send their post card from this post office back home for memories.
Overall, if you have time it will be good to stay in this recreational park for 2 nights if not at least one night to enjoyed the real fresh air.
Another interesting place is the post office of Alishan, many visitors send their post card from this post office back home for memories.
Overall, if you have time it will be good to stay in this recreational park for 2 nights if not at least one night to enjoyed the real fresh air.
