Chiayi County Hiking Trails & Guide
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Calling all nature lovers!
Chiayi County not only has a reputation for amazing tea leaves and sprawling tea plantations but also is the best spot for hiking enthusiasts who enjoy being away from touristy trails. Chiayi County has plenty of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels.
This guide will focus on two unique hiking experiences — the Mist Trail (霧之道) and the Trail of Tea (茶之道). The Mist Trail takes you through a breathtaking sea of clouds over the tea plantations, while the Trail of Tea lets you admire the tea plantations from up top.
This post is packed with valuable information to help you plan your hike with tips and suggestions on other trails nearby so you can enjoy these scenic trails with confidence.
So, lace up your hiking shoes and get ready to discover Chiayi County's hiking trails!
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Mist Trail (霧之道)
📍 604, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Zhuqi Township, 16
The Mist Trail gets its name from the captivating sea of clouds that can be witnessed depending on the weather and the month you visit. During your steep hike up the hill, you'll see tea fields, cedar trees, and enchanting bamboo forests.
Planning your hike
DIFFICULTY
Hard. Be prepared for a steep climb, breaks are recommended to enjoy the tea plantations surrounding you.
ESTIMATED TIME
Approximately 50 minutes to complete.
FEES
The trail is free to enter and requires no permits.
GEAR
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, and breathable clothing. Bring a reusable water bottle filled with water. Also, consider packing mosquito spray if visiting during warmer months.
SEASON
For the best chance to witness the sea of clouds, plan your hike for the cooler months like November to April
Hiking experience
Get ready to work out your glutes! The trail is quite steep, so be prepared to break a sweat. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery of the tea plantations! If you're lucky, you might see the mesmerizing sea of clouds blanketing the tea fields.
The path through the bamboo forest is a mix of concrete and cement, often covered in fallen bamboo leaves. Due to the frequent mist from the clouds, the ground can be quite slippery. Sturdy shoes with good grip are essential! (I learned this the hard way with my regular running shoes since I kept slipping! 🥲)
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Trail of Tea (茶之道)
📍 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, 樂野村
The Trail of Tea offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Chiayi County's renowned tea culture as you stroll through the tea plantations, bamboo forests, and greenery while breathing in the fresh air.
Planning your hike
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Inspired by the photos I’ve seen online, the best time to visit would be before the sun rises or the sun sets to admire the breathtaking scenery.
DIFFICULTY
Moderate. While not as strenuous as the Mist Trail, the terrain can vary, so be prepared for some inclines.
ESTIMATED TIME
Approximately 2 hours to complete.
GEAR
Sunscreen, hiking shoes with good grip, mosquito spray, and a reusable water bottle filled with water.
SEASON
Plan your hike during the cooler months like November to April.
Hiking experience
Although I didn’t get to hike the entire Trail of Tea due to time constraints and catching our dinner reservations at Hotel Indigo, I got a glimpse of the breathtaking experience when heading up the stairs.
The steepness of the hike was definitely burning my glutes! Make sure to wear comfy gripped shoes to avoid slipping!
REMINDER ✨
Remember to respect the tea plants and refrain from picking or touching the leaves.
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nearby trails
Alishan Sakura Trail (櫻之道)
⚲ 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Zhuqi Township, 和村石棹Cloud Trial (雲之道)
⚲ 604, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Zhuqi TownshipDadongshan Trail (大凍山登山步道)
⚲ 604, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Zhuqi TownshipDinghu Trail (頂湖自然生態區)
⚲ 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township
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getting there
TRAIN
From Chiayi High Speed Rail (HSR), it’ll take about an hour's drive to the trails. Alternatively, Chiayi Train Station also has a similar travel time to the trails.
BUS
For a more budget-friendly option, consider taking the bus. You can get off at the Alishan Medical Treatment Station (阿里山醫療站) and begin your hike towards the Mist Trail.
CAR
Renting a car offers the freedom to explore Chiayi County at your own pace.
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tips + safety
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
In case of an emergency, the general numbers for police is 110 and ambulance is 119.
HYDRATION
Bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout your hike. The Taiwanese climate can be warm and humid, so proper hydration is essential.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Respect the natural beauty of Chiayi County by adhering to Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash and avoid disturbing the environment.
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what’s nearby
【佐一茶屋】
🍡 Chaya Zoy
This traditional teahouse is located near the Alishan Medical Treatment Station (阿里山醫療站) bus stop and offers stunning mountain views, a cozy ambiance, and delicious tea and snacks. It's the perfect way to experience Chiayi's natural beauty.
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check out my Taichung travel vlog
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