EDITOR’S CHOICE 8/10

Chiayi is the capital city of Chiayi County in southern Taiwan. As one of the oldest cities in Taiwan, Chiayi houses a number of historical attractions and its traditional folk arts and handicrafts are an essential part of daily life.

Several Buddhist shrines dating back to the 1700s are scattered throughout the region. Other spots include scenic Lantan Lake, which was created by Dutch settlers several centuries ago and now serves as a water supply for the city. This beautiful lake turns into a hot spot for moon gazers during the mid-autumn festival.

Chiayi is a gateway to one of the most famous mountains in Taiwan, Ali Shan. Vistors on their way to Ali Shan often make a stop in Chiayi for a day or two to enjoy the idyllic countryside and local attractions, such as Chiayi Park, the Yimin Pagoda, Orchid Lake, and the Chiayi Museum. During the annual dragon boat, Chiayi also attracts a great number of tourists who come to watch the festivities.

We recommend staying at the Park Motel in Chiayi. This motor hotel is reasonably priced with comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms. Each unit has its own separate garage, drinking water cooler, refrigerator, 29″ TV, ultrasonic jacuzzi bath, oven, steam room, and ADSL internet.

Guests receive a welcome basket and the cheerful young woman at the check-in booth will take your breakfast order when you are given your room key. Room rates include a free Chinese or western-style breakfast for each guest. Complimentary drinks are supplied and a free ADSL hookup is included with the room. Guests also receive a complimentary newspaper and sightseeing brochure.

Pick-up and drop-off service to the Jiayi train station can be arranged for an extra fee. Bicycles can also be rented here for a nominal charge. Rooms run anywhere between NT$1600 and NT$4000 a night.

• Phone 05-2757171
• Fax 05-2759661
• Address NO.790 Section 1. Daya Rd, Chiayi, Taiwan
• Web site

By train:

Get off at Chiayi Station. Take Chiayi Bus Company’s “Ban Tian Yan Da Hu” route and get off at the “Shanzaiding” station. Take a taxi to Park Motel or arrange a pick-up time when you reserve your room.

By car:

If you’re coming by National Highway No. 1, take the Sun Yat-sen Freeway to the Chiayi Interchange. Drive toward Chiayi city center. Drive to Jiasiung Overpass on Minsu Road and look for Daya Road. Park Motel is in Sec. 1

If you’re coming by National Highway No. 3, take the southern Second Freeway to Jhongbu Interchange and drive toward Chiayi city center. Get on Mito Road at Ciming Road intersection. Drive to Daya Road, Sec. 1