"Chiayi City" Chiayi by eric_ives

Chiayi Travel Guide: 22 reviews and 54 photos

My Time In Chiayi

I arrived in Chiayi early in July of 1990. I worked as an English Teacher there at the Oxford Language school, then located at the traffic circle at Chun-Shan Road and Wen-Hwah Road, above the New Taiwan Bakery (also no longer there). I lived in Chiayi until February of 1992, when I moved to TaiChung. I've been back to Chiayi in 1994, 1998, 2000, and 2003.

When in Chiayi I have lived in four different places. My wife grew up across from Chiayi Park on Chi-Min Road, and during my returns to Chiayi I've stayed there with my mother-in-law.

Chiayi was a great place to live, and I love to return there for visits. The people are, in general, friendly and helpful. The social workers and community activists in town seem dedicated and optimistic. There is a relaxed atmosphere compared to the big city life I experienced in TaiChung or TaiPei.

Chiayi, although not a suitable tourist destination in itself, is a fine place to spend a day on your way somewhere else if you happen to be passing through. Like TaiNan, it seems many of the Taiwanese customs are preserved. In Chiayi the temple celebrations are well observed, and people take the Seventh Lunar Month (Ghost month) seriously.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Human Scale, Friendly, Near Mountains, Traditional Culture
Cons:Lawlessness, Neglect by the Central Government, Inadequate Recreational and Arts Opportunities
In a nutshell:A place from which, on a rare clear day, you can see the mountains, where you'd rather be.

Last visit to Chiayi: Jul 2000
Intro Written Apr 29, 2003
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Reviews (4)

Old City Hall on Jung-Shan Road, replaced in 1997 - Chiayi

Chiayi's Peculiar Customs Local Customs (1)

Are there any customs or cultural traits that set Chiayi's happy residents apart from the rest of the Taiwanese? If you... more travel advice

Cute Ching Dynasty Turtle Lurks in... Off The Beaten Path (2)

If you make it out to Chiayi Park be sure to check out the old turtle. Just go east from the train station on... more travel advice

Bears near Ali Mountain in Chia-i County Off The Beaten Path (2)

In the past decade there have been a few bear sightings in eastern Chiayi County. As you go up the mountain highway... more travel advice

Hot Snails are one pushcart delicacy - Chiayi

Street Stalls Sell Snails Restaurants (1)

If you want to have some street vendor or pushcart food your best bet is to attend a night market in Chiayi. Friday... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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Redlats Jul 9, 2005 at 10:15 PM

I wonder how many people miss that Ching Dynasty turtle?
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demonia Apr 29, 2003 at 12:49 PM

Nice writeup! Welcome to VT :)