Wenchang Night Market Beats the Palace Museum! It Claims the Top Spot in Chiayi's Strongest Attractions Top 10, Praised by Tourists for Diverse Food, Must-Visit Status, Reasonable Prices, and Tidy Environment

When people think of Chiayi, many immediately recall local delicacies such as chicken rice and vinegar cold noodles. However, beyond these affordable and authentic foods, Chiayi also boasts historic buildings, cultural creative clusters, and warm, personable neighborhoods. Combined with a relaxed pace of life, these features have become key attractions for visitors. According to statistics from Taiwan's Tourism Administration for January to July 2026, the most visited attraction in Chiayi was Wenchang Night Market, with 7.2 million visitors. In second place was Hinoki Village, with 2.9 million visitors, followed by Chiayi City Art Museum, also attracting 2.9 million.

Top 10 Attractions in Chiayi by Visitor Numbers (Jan–Jul 2026)

Rank | Attraction | Visitors 1 | Wenchang Night Market | 7,213,385 2 | Hinoki Village | 2,987,765 3 | Chiayi City Art Museum | 2,977,530 4 | Song of the Forest, Chiayi Lumber Mill & Garage Park | 2,515,134 5 | Chiayi Park | 1,662,817 6 | Budai Recreation Area | 1,540,182 7 | Chiayi City God Temple | 1,091,955 8 | Lantan Reservoir | 699,600 9 | Chiayi Oil Iron Bike Trail | 647,006 10 | Alishan National Forest Recreation Area | 562,252

TOP 1: Wenchang Night Market

Located in central Chiayi, the market stretches approximately 400 to 500 meters. During the day, it functions as a two-lane road, but at night it closes to traffic and transforms into a bustling pedestrian zone. It features a wide array of food vendors, clothing stalls, and general merchandise. Popular snacks are abundant, and some eateries operate 24 hours, making it a must-visit destination in Chiayi.

Google reviews from visitors include: "Chiayi Wenchang Tourist Night Market is one of the city’s most iconic food districts. After visiting, I realized it’s not just a night market—it’s more like a culinary avenue full of local flavor. The street is brightly lit, clean, lined with shops, and filled with a lively atmosphere." "So lively! Even though it’s packed, it feels great to walk around, and there’s so much to eat. This place is amazing." "When visiting Chiayi, you must go to Wenchang Night Market. It stays vibrant from day into night—a true Taiwanese-style walking-and-eating experience." "A must-visit in Chiayi! The layout is long and straightforward, unlike other night markets with confusing paths. The wide streets mean you won’t feel overcrowded, even on holidays." "A great night market—plenty of food options from both shops and stalls, transparent and fair pricing. Definitely worth a visit." "Excellent experience—police actively manage motorcycle traffic, making shopping enjoyable." "Don’t miss Wenchang Night Market in the evening! It’s packed with local specialties and fun stalls, offering a fantastic atmosphere." "A night market full of food, stylish clothes, and arcade games—open almost every day. If you’ve been to Chiayi but haven’t visited Wenchang Night Market, you haven’t really been to Chiayi."

TOP 2: Hinoki Village

Situated along Linshen East Road, Hinoki Village preserves 29 Japanese-style wooden historical buildings that once served as housing for forestry officials during the Japanese colonial era. It is not only Taiwan’s earliest forestry village but also the largest cluster of Japanese-style architecture on the island. After restoration, it now showcases the historical charm of a forestry settlement. Today, it is designated as a Chiayi City historic site, bearing witness to the city’s forestry heritage.

Google reviews from visitors include: "The park features many well-preserved Japanese-style buildings with a strong traditional atmosphere—perfect for photography." "Taiwan’s largest preserved Japanese architectural zone. Twenty-nine old wooden dormitories are scattered across the expansive area, transformed into shops selling clothing, drinks, snacks, coffee, and handicrafts. Visiting feels like house-hopping—each shop offers something unique, making it impossible to get bored." "Pet-friendly—pets are welcome. The indie goods are distinctive, the environment is clean. A 30-minute stroll and photo session is ideal. Public restrooms could be brighter, though." "The area is vast and rich in content. Beyond Japanese elements, the cypress wood and natural features are excellently integrated, creating a serene forest corridor with a strong historical ambiance. The shops are diverse and creative—each one reveals delightful details. Perfect for a relaxing weekend walk, where an entire afternoon passes unnoticed." "Charming historic buildings, a culturally rich creative park with many unique small shops—great for walking and photography. A must-visit in Chiayi." "A historically rich area blending preserved garden landscapes with modern art installations, making the site more vibrant. The Japanese streetscape is well-preserved—ideal for visiting with family or a partner to experience the atmosphere."

TOP 3: Chiayi City Art Museum

Located in the West District of Chiayi City, the museum officially opened in 2020. Its predecessor was the historic “Chiayi Branch of the Monopoly Bureau,” designated as a city historic site during the Japanese colonial period. The complex combines the historic building with a new main hall and side wing, skillfully merging old architecture with modern wooden design. It features exhibition halls, a bookstore, and a café, making it a prominent cultural landmark in Chiayi.

Google reviews from visitors include: "You can feel the staff’s dedication to maintenance. The museum looks beautiful both during the day and at night. I was lucky enough to attend a guided tour—the guide was lively, fun, and professional." "The overall architecture of Chiayi City Art Museum is impressive, balancing historical and contemporary design. It preserves restorable old structures while removing irreparable parts and introducing new architectural language, creating a natural dialogue between old and new. The entrance has been relocated to a side alley, offering a quieter, wider flow and a more relaxed visiting pace." "My second visit—I love this bright, open space. On weekdays, it’s not crowded, allowing me to slowly appreciate all the artworks. The high-ceilinged second and third floors let natural light stream through large glass walls, giving each artwork a different appearance from every angle. The exposed wooden beams are majestic and beautiful." "It’s less than a 5-minute walk from Chiayi Train Station to the museum. Visiting during a hot summer day to see exhibitions and rest is refreshing. Personally, it reminds me of Songyan in Taipei—though much smaller." "A museum where old and new coexist harmoniously. Both interior and exterior are photogenic. The afternoon tour guide was exceptionally engaging. At just 50 NT dollars, it’s truly worth it." "I saw the exhibition first, then joined the 1:30 PM guided tour. Thanks to the guide’s humorous delivery, I learned many historical stories, architectural insights, and exhibition details—truly a worthwhile experience!"

Source: Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications Editor: Li Yi-Qing