When it comes to Alishan, most travelers' first impression might be the spectacular sunrise, sea of clouds, and ancient cypress trees. However, surrounding this beautiful mountain town lies a unique night market culture. Since Alishan is a highmountain scenic area, its night markets are smaller compared to those in urban areas, but they offer a more intimate and warm community feeling, making them perfect for experiencing local life.
Alishan Scenic Area itself doesn't have large traditional night markets, but radiating from the core of Alishan National Scenic Area, in Chiayi City and surrounding mountain settlements, there are still many worth-visiting night markets and food stalls. Most of these night markets combine local specialty agricultural products with Indigenous flavors, creating a unique mountain town night market experience.
Don't miss these must-try night market experiences at Alishan. First is the evening atmosphere of "Fenchihu Old Street." While this is a bustling tourist street during the day, many shops remain open in the evening, selling local specialty aiyu jelly, lingzhi tea, and mountain delicacies. Walking along the stone steps with candlelit lighting against ancient architecture creates a special atmosphere. We recommend trying the Fenchihu bento late-night version and tea-flavored eggs seasoned with Alishan high-mountain tea—can't find these anywhere else!
The second recommended spot is "Chiayi Cultural Night Market." Chiayi City is the main gateway to Alishan, and Cultural Night Market is one of Chiayi's most famous night markets, drawing crowds every night. Its特色 (unique feature) combines traditional snacks with creative cuisine, from famous Chiayi chicken rice and sand pot fish head to trendy hand-shaken drinks. "Guo Jia Chicken Rice" is especially recommended—its chicken is tender, and the rice grains are distinct, a classic flavor locals have enjoyed since childhood.
The third recommended spot is "Ai Zhan Night Market," a newly emerged night market in the Chiayi area in recent years, appearing every Saturday evening in eastern Chiayi City. Ai Zhan Night Market has a moderate size with diverse stall types, including ring toss and balloon shooting games, plus various budget-friendly美食 (food). Its biggest特色 (unique feature) is its youthful energy and lively atmosphere, perfect for travelers wanting to experience Chiayi's vibrant night life.
The fourth recommended spot is "Food Stall Cluster Inside Alishan Forest Recreation Area." While not a traditional night market, mobile stalls gather around the Alishan Forest Railway station in the evening, selling tea eggs, grilled wild boar, and sausages. Walking and eating in the cool mountain night while gazing at the star-filled sky is Alishan's unique romantic experience.
The last recommendation is the evening atmosphere of "Taiping Old Street" in Meishan. Meishan is an important midpoint on the Alishan Highway. Taiping Old Street is a popular spot for tea and high-mountain vegetable shopping during the day, but in the evening, fewer tourists wander the street. Red lanterns light up in front of shops, presenting a completely different tranquil beauty. We recommend trying the local specialty "Taiping Cloud Cake" and high-mountain oolong tea, experiencing the rare relaxed evening in the mountain town.
Transportation to night markets around Alishan mainly includes: From Taipei or Kaohsiung, take the high-speed rail to Chiayi Station, then transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle buses or taxis to various attractions. If driving yourself, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Chiayi City to Alishan Forest Recreation Area. The mountain roads are winding, so only experienced mountain drivers should self-drive. Night markets in Chiayi City like Cultural Night Market are accessible by bus or YouBike—transportation is quite convenient.
For accommodation, if planning to visit multiple night markets, we recommend staying in Chiayi City the night before for easy night market exploring; then wake up early the next day to take the small railway or bus to Alishan for sunrise. Chiayi City has diverse accommodation options, from youth hostels to star-rated hotels, with weekday double rooms priced between NT$1,500 and NT$4,000.
Operating hours: Chiayi Cultural Night Market is open from around 5 PM to midnight; Ai Zhan Night Market is every Saturday from 4 PM to 10 PM; Fenchihu Old Street shops usually close around 8-9 PM; stalls inside Alishan园区 (park) start appearing after 4 PM and close around 8 PM.
Travel tips: Alishan's altitude exceeds 2,000 meters, so nighttime temperatures are cooler—bring a light jacket or windbreaker even in summer. Mountain weather is changeable with high rainfall probability, so carrying rain gear is essential. Additionally, most night markets are cash-only, so remember to bring enough New Taiwan Dollar cash. When choosing night market food, we recommend trying small portions of many varieties—you can taste more types while avoiding stomach discomfort.
