Everything you need to make the most of your stay in Chiayi — the warm-hearted gateway to Alishan and one of Taiwan's most beloved destinations.
On behalf of the ICABCCI 2026 Organizing Committee, we are delighted to welcome all participants to Chiayi (嘉義) — a city of remarkable warmth, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between Taiwan's magnificent mountain ranges and its fertile southwestern coastal plains, Chiayi is a place where tradition and innovation coexist in perfect harmony.
Chiayi is renowned as the gateway to Alishan (阿里山), Taiwan's most iconic high-mountain resort, famous for its ancient cypress forests, dramatic sunrise sea-of-clouds, and celebrated high-mountain oolong tea. Yet the city itself overflows with character — from its beautifully preserved Japanese-era architecture in Hinoki Village (檜意森活村) and the legendary Wenhua Road Night Market, to world-class museums and the spectacular Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum.
The conference venue, National Chiayi University (NCYU), is located in the heart of Chiayi City, offering convenient access to hotels, restaurants, night markets, and cultural landmarks. The city's compact, walkable layout makes it easy and enjoyable to explore — on foot, by bicycle, or by scooter — at your own pace before or after the conference.
We invite you to arrive a day or two early, or linger after the conference, to savour the unique flavors of Chiayi — from its celebrated turkey rice (火雞肉飯) to its legendary taro balls — and to discover why this city has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world.
From Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Chiayi — all major routes
| Route | Duration | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚐 Apple Bus (Conference Transfer) TPE Airport → Chiayi Hotel |
~2.5 hrs | NT$1,000/person NT$4,500/van |
Recommended Door-to-door. Pre-booking required. |
| 🚄 HSR (High Speed Rail) Taipei → Chiayi HSR Station |
~1.5 hrs | ~NT$990 | Fastest + taxi/shuttle to city center (~20 min) |
| 🚂 TRC Train Taipei → Chiayi TRA Station |
2.5 – 4 hrs | ~NT$400–600 | Scenic Arrives directly in city center. Alishan Forest Railway departs here. |
| 🚌 Express Bus Various cities → Chiayi |
2 – 5 hrs | ~NT$250–500 | Unibus, Kamalan Bus. Comfortable and economical option. |
| 🚗 Taxi / Rental Car TPE Airport → Chiayi City |
~2.5 hrs | ~NT$3,000–4,500 | Flexible. Good for groups of 3–4 people. |
Hotels listed below are within convenient distance of National Chiayi University (NCYU). Early booking is strongly advised as June is a popular travel season in Taiwan.
Limited rooms are available at the NCYU International Exchange Guesthouse, located directly on campus — the most convenient option for conference participants. Clean, comfortable, and ideal for those who wish to minimize commute time. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the conference secretariat to enquire about availability.
📧 icabcci2026@gmail.com · 📍 300 Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City (NCYU Lantan Campus)
Explore the best of Chiayi City, Chiayi County, and the iconic Alishan region
A stunning cluster of 28 beautifully restored Japanese-era wooden buildings, once used as forestry bureau housing. Explore artisan shops, cafés, and cultural exhibitions in an atmospheric heritage setting.
A fascinating outdoor museum showcasing original Alishan Forest Railway carriages, steam locomotives, and historic rolling stock. The whimsical train-themed toilets are a must-see!
Housed in the beautifully restored 1930s Tobacco & Alcohol Bureau building, this modernist art museum features rotating contemporary exhibitions and a permanent collection of works by Chiayi's famed artists.
A beloved city park home to the iconic Sun Shooting Tower (射日塔), the Confucius Temple, a historical relic museum in a Japanese pavilion, and lush green spaces — perfect for a morning stroll.
Chiayi's most famous night market — featured on Netflix's Street Food: Asia. A paradise of local delicacies including turkey rice, square-cut tofu, taro balls, and fresh oyster omelets.
An enchanting collection of traditional Taiwanese decorative tiles spanning from the Japanese colonial era to the mid-20th century. A hidden gem beloved by design enthusiasts.
A stunning contemporary museum in Taibao City housing exquisite artifacts, Asian textile collections, and East Asian tea culture exhibits. Arguably more impressive than its Taipei counterpart, with beautiful surrounding gardens and water features.
A charming mountain village and mid-way stop on the historic Alishan Forest Railway. Famous for its legendary railway lunchboxes (鐵路便當), bamboo forest hikes, and firefly watching in spring.
The heartland of Alishan High Mountain Tea (阿里山高山茶). Hike through rolling tea terraces on the Trail of Tea, Mist Trail, and Cloud Trail. Spectacular sunset and sea-of-clouds views from farm guesthouses.
One of Taiwan's most dramatic sky bridges, suspended above a deep mountain gorge in Meishan Township. The surrounding area offers tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls, and the legendary 36-switchback mountain road.
One of only a handful of mud hot springs in the world, located just across the Chiayi–Tainan border. Bathe in warm, silty spring water that locals have treasured for its skin-softening properties for over a century.
The coastal plains of Chiayi are famed for their oyster and seafood aquaculture. Budai Harbor is a working fishing port where you can enjoy ultra-fresh seafood at waterside restaurants and watch the fishing fleets come in at sunrise.
Taiwan's most iconic natural spectacle. Rise before dawn to ride the Chushan Line small train to the sunrise viewing platform. On clear mornings, a golden sun rises above an ocean of clouds, framed by silhouetted ancient forest giants.
Walk among towering thousand-year-old red cypress (檜木) trees on the Giant Tree Trail and Sacred Tree Trail. The misty old-growth forest, draped in moss and ferns, is a truly awe-inspiring experience that connects you to deep geological time.
A UNESCO-candidate narrow-gauge railway and one of the world's great mountain railway journeys. Fully reopened in July 2024, the 5-hour scenic ride from Chiayi City to Alishan climbs from sea level to 2,216 metres through tropical, temperate, and alpine forest zones.
Each spring, Alishan is transformed into a sea of pink and white cherry blossoms — one of Taiwan's most celebrated seasonal events. Though June is outside cherry blossom season, the cool summer forest remains a wonderful respite from the lowland heat.
June is one of the best months to visit Alishan for stargazing — the high altitude and clear summer skies offer extraordinary views of the Milky Way. The Fenqihu area is also famous for its firefly displays through late spring and early summer.
Taiwan's most prized tea, grown at elevations of 1,000–2,300 metres in the cool, misty Alishan mountains. The high altitude and temperature difference between day and night produce leaves with exceptional sweetness and a lingering floral fragrance. A perfect souvenir.
Don't leave Chiayi without tasting these iconic local specialties
Chiayi's most iconic dish. Steamed rice topped with silky shredded turkey and a drizzle of savory pan drippings. Simple, sublime, and absolutely addictive.
A legendary boxed meal served since the Alishan Forest Railway era. Pork chop, bamboo shoots, pickled vegetables, and rice — eaten beside the mountain railway tracks.
Chewy taro balls in sweet red bean soup or shaved ice. A classic Taiwanese dessert that Chiayi's vendors have perfected over generations.
Fresh oysters from Chiayi's coastal aquaculture farms, fried in a starchy egg batter with sweet potato powder and topped with house-made sauce. A night market staple.
Taiwan's finest oolong tea, grown in the misty high-altitude tea gardens of Alishan. Available to taste and purchase at tea houses throughout the region.
Silken tofu squares in a delicate, savory broth — a uniquely Chiayi preparation that showcases the subtle art of tofu craftsmanship. Found throughout the Wenhua Road Night Market.
Purchase a prepaid SIM card at Taoyuan Airport (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone). 4G/5G coverage is excellent throughout Chiayi City and County. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Taiwan New Dollar (TWD / NT$). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants. Night markets and small eateries typically prefer cash.
Hot and humid; temperatures range 28–35°C in the city. Light clothing is recommended. Carry an umbrella (typhoon season begins in June). Alishan is pleasantly cool at 15–22°C — bring a light jacket.
City buses and taxis are the primary urban transport options. Scooter and bicycle rentals are popular for the city. For Alishan, book bus or Forest Railway tickets well in advance — June demand is high.
June is peak season in Chiayi. Conference-preferred hotels, especially near NCYU, fill up quickly. We strongly recommend booking your accommodation at least 2 months in advance. NCYU guesthouse is limited — contact us early.
Mandarin Chinese is the primary language. English signage is widely available at tourist sites, HSR stations, and major hotels. Google Translate works well for restaurant menus and local signs.
travel.chiayi.gov.tw/English
Official tourism portal for Chiayi City with attractions, events, and maps.
tbocc.cyhg.gov.tw/en
Chiayi County official tourism and cultural information portal.
ali-nsa.net/en
Official guide to Alishan, including trail maps, weather, and transport schedules.
en.thsrc.com.tw
Book High Speed Rail tickets up to 28 days ahead for early-bird discounts.
Alishan Forest Railway
Fully reopened July 2024. Book tickets early — demand is extremely high in summer.
ICABCCI 2026 Apple Bus
Book your dedicated conference airport transfer directly on this website.