[2024 Chiayi County Shopping Mall] Travel Guide for Fenqihu Old Street (Updated Nov)
Address:
604, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Zhuqi Township, 24
Opening times:
Opens at 6:00-21:00Open Now
Phone:
+886 5 259 3900
Nostalgic Bento Bliss
#winhkflight
The traditional iron-boxed nostalgic bento features spare ribs accompanied by simple side dishes. If you opt for dining in, you'll enjoy a complimentary refillable bamboo shoots soup, permeating the entire space with its smell. (Most of tourist might not be used to it) The pork chop and drumstick bento is exceptionally tasty. We also tried another pork rib bento, with the meat seasoned generously and marinated deliciously. Although it's a bit pricier compared to neighboring stores, the iron box adds a retro flair to the experience. While the ribs are thick but tend to be dry, the rice portions are modest, and the side dishes are satisfactory.
However, the low tables and closely arranged stools leave little room for maneuverability. The chairs are particularly low, making it challenging for elderly individuals to stand up after their meal. Additionally, during peak hours, sharing tables becomes necessary due to limited space.
📍老街懷舊便當
941, Taiwan, Zhuqi Township, 舊庄路21號 21號 21-3.21-4.21-5.21-6號1樓
Hope to win flights to Hong Kong and try the delicious egg tarts 😋
Xyxx.m
The hidden destination among the clouds
Address - Fenqihu Old Street, 604, Chiayi County, Zhuqi Township, 24
Getting There - Recommended to take train from Chiayi or by self driving
Attractions - Train, train railway, old food & shopping street
Food & Restaurants - Train bento lunch box, fried donut
Personal experience - The 'Jiufen' of the South. Surrounded by misty clouds atop a range of grandeur mountains, I had a good time taking in the scenes of the scenery, the train and it's picturesque railway. Even though the train bento lunch box is quite a touristy trap, the food there is worth every cent and honestly, it is not even quite that expensive at TWD 190 for the big set which includes pork and chicken. After having a meal, walk around the old street to digest your stomach and remember to always have a fried donut if you see it. Calories well spent.
#taiwan #fenqihu #train
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Tasty Donut at Fenqihu, Jiayi, Taiwan
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Esllery
Fenchihu - Historic Railway Town with Japanese Charm
Inspired by my sister’s enthusiasm for Fenchihu—a quaint town nestled between Chiayi and Alishan—we decided to spend a night there to experience its charm for ourselves. Her stories painted a picture of a place rich in history and local character, ideal for a quiet interlude on our journey to Alishan.
Our trip from Taipei to Alishan was wonderfully smooth, with everything arranged online—train tickets, accommodation, all set for a relaxed, leisurely pace. We enjoy travelling slowly, so we chose to break up the journey with an overnight stop in Chiayi before continuing to Fenchihu. Chiayi, a tranquil county, serves as a gateway for many heading up the mountain, and its laid-back atmosphere reminded me of my hometown, Tanjung Pinang, with its traditional shophouses and absence of high-rise buildings. It felt like a town preserved in time, perfect for retirement, with a calm and unhurried energy. A one-night stay was enough to take in the town’s unique charm.
The next morning, we set off early to catch the 9:00 a.m. train to Fenchihu, just a short five-minute walk from our hotel. While some travellers choose to take the bus, I couldn’t pass up the chance to travel by train. There’s something special about the slower pace, the rhythmic chugging, and the unfolding scenery outside. This wasn’t a high-speed service but an old-fashioned train, winding through lush landscapes at a gentle pace, turning the 2.5-hour journey into a step back in time.
Arriving in Fenchihu, I quickly saw why my sister was so taken with it. This town, tucked into the mountains, is truly a hidden gem. Once a major stop on the Alishan Forest Railway, Fenchihu has a rich history tied to its role as a transport and supply centre during the Japanese colonial period. The railway was originally built to transport timber, and Fenchihu became a bustling town where workers and travellers would rest and refuel. Remnants of this history are still visible today in the traditional Japanese-style architecture, old wooden train carriages, and narrow alleyways filled with shophouses, all of which give the town its distinct, nostalgic charm.
Spending a night here allowed us to fully appreciate its rich history, including the famous Fenchihu bento—a traditional meal first popularised to serve railway passengers, packed with local ingredients and presented in a nostalgic metal lunchbox. We also indulged in the town’s iconic sweet doughnuts, queuing for about 15 minutes to experience the treat beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Fenchihu was more than just a stopover on our journey—it was a step back in time, where history lives on in every corner, inviting you to slow down and savour each moment amidst the town’s unique character and natural beauty.
Journeywithfit
Step Back in Time: Exploring Fenqihu Old Street
Fenqihu Old Street is in Chiayi Taiwan, it is along the way if you are heading to Alishan forest. Fenqihu is a railway town and known for the delicious railway bento.
Getting There - I went there on the way to Alishan, as part of a day tour with a local guide.
Attractions - There is a lower and upper street for Fenqihu Old Street.
1. Old train station/ railway - There are old trains displayed here and you can learn about the history if this station and railway
2. Old street with local shops - Many local souvenir and food shops with local delicacies
3. The food! See below for recommendations of must-eats.
Food -
1. Railway bento - This is a highlight to me, the pork chop and chicken drumstick ones were both delicious, the bento had so many delicious side dishes that go well together.
2. Fried donut - This buttery delight was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
3. Glutinous rice cake (Caozaiguo) - This unique rice cake is green and made with herbs. It is chewy and has a range of sweet or savoury fillings.
4. Aiyu jelly - I enjoyed the wintermelon and honey drink with this soft and silky jelly.
#traveldiaries #travellerswonderland #deliciousfood #awesomepic #taiwan #100waysoftravel #culture #photolocation
LQCS
Alishan
Alishan is really a great place to visit. U may feel the tree surrounds you with the bird chirping. Phytoncide is good to human and u may enjoy it in Alishan. The food in alishan just normal but u can try the bento in Fenqihu. There’s a train station nearby the bento shop. The portion is quite big for one person. For us we serving two bento with three girls, and still leftovers.