Fenqihu

The best season to visit Fenqihu is spring, especially from March to April, when cherry blossoms bloom quietly along the old street, offering a serene and colorful atmosphere. Additionally, visiting from May to June lets you experience the magical firefly season in nearby bamboo forests at night. The weather is mild, perfect for hiking and exploring the town’s cultural sites.

Must-see attractions in Fenqihu include the 500-meter Fenqihu Old Street with its traditional wooden houses and local food vendors, the historic Fenqihu Railway Station, and the wooden clogs exhibition hall showcasing the town’s unique craft heritage. Don’t miss tasting the famous Alishan railway lunchbox and visiting the lookout platforms for panoramic mountain views.

Most travelers start their Fenqihu visit from Chiayi City, which is well connected by train and bus. From Chiayi, you can take the Alishan Forest Railway or a direct bus to Fenqihu. Many also combine Fenqihu with a trip to Alishan National Park, which is a short drive or bus ride away from the town.

Fenqihu’s uniqueness lies in its historical role as a major railway stop on the Alishan Forest Railway where trains paused for lunch. This led to the birth of the famous railway lunchbox culture. The town’s streets were once paved with cinders, making wooden clogs a popular footwear, a tradition preserved in the local wooden clogs exhibition. Fenqihu also offers rare firefly viewing during mating season, a natural spectacle not found everywhere.

Fenqihu is ideally paired with a visit to Alishan National Park, known for its sunrise, cherry blossoms, and hiking trails. Nearby Shizhuo offers bamboo forest hikes and additional firefly viewing. Chiayi City serves as the convenient gateway for transport and cultural exploration, making these spots perfect for a combined travel itinerary.