【Chiayi x Yunlin】A Slow-Life Tour in the Mountain City 🚗💨 Enter the Secret World of Tea Plantations and Coffee Aromas Wrapped in Mist!
Last weekend, I planned a spontaneous trip to Meishan, Chiayi, and Gukeng, Yunlin. It was a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, a truly relaxing experience for both body and soul! This itinerary combined breathtaking mountain views, tranquil trails, quaint cafes, and stunning night views. It was a truly enriching experience, and I'm sharing it with you if you're looking to unwind too!
📍 First Stop: Meishan, Chiayi | 1314 Observation Deck & 1314 Love Tower
The aptly named "Lifetime" Observation Deck truly captivates you with its breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the tea plantations! On a clear day, the breathtaking views of the mountains and lush green tea fields create postcard-worthy photos. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of tea, and just taking a deep breath was truly refreshing.
📍 Second Stop: Meishan, Chiayi | Yuantan Ecological Trail
Descending the mountain, we arrived at this very family-friendly ecological trail. The trail is gentle and easy, passing lush greenery and gurgling streams. You can also get up close to the three waterfalls: Yuantan, Xiangshan, and Xinhu. The entire hike is shaded by trees, making it a cool and comfortable spot for breathing in the cool air and absorbing the phytoncides!
📍 Stop 3: Gukeng, Yunlin | Aotu Cafe
Having traveled across county lines to Gukeng, Yunlin, we couldn't miss the famous Taiwanese coffee! The Aotu Cafe's distinctive exposed concrete architecture creates a play of light and shadow, making every corner photogenic. I ordered a cup of Gukeng's hand-poured coffee, which was rich and mellow. Paired with a dessert, it was the perfect afternoon tea.
📍 Stop 4: Gukeng, Yunlin | Footbath with a Night View of Huashan
This was definitely the chillest part of the trip! After dark, we found a restaurant with a view and soaked in a warm herbal foot bath while admiring the night view stretching from Yunlin to Chiayi. The starry sky and the vibrant city lights complemented each other, instantly relieving any fatigue. It was truly a luxurious experience!
📍 Final Stop: Huwei, Yunlin | Chenglin Agarwood Forest Garden
On the way back, we stopped by this beautiful Japanese garden, known as the "Taiwanese version of Kenrokuen." While the garden isn't large, it's packed with beautiful scenery, especially the heart-shaped island in the center of the lake and the bald cypress trail, which makes you feel like you've been transported to Japan. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities, creating a peaceful and perfect end to our trip.
This trip to Chiayi Mountain City wasn't fast-paced, but every attraction was truly memorable. If you're looking for a place to unwind, this is highly recommended!
#ChiayiTravel #YunlinTravel #MeishanAttractions #GukengAttractions #TaiwanTravel #WeekendDestination #1314ObservationDeck #YuantanEcoTrail #AotuCafé #HuashanNightView #ChenglinAgarwoodForestGarden #MountainCityTour #CoffeeHighway