Chiayi Fenqihu: A Bicycle Route Through the Railway Town at the Foot of Alishan

Fencihu: A Cycling Exploration of Alishan Railway Culture

Fencihu, located in Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters, is an important midway station on the Alishan Forest Railway. This small town hidden at the foot of the Alishan mountains preserves the complete railway culture of the Japanese colonial era and the atmosphere of mountain life. Cyclists riding from Chiayi City, after conquering the long climb, are often deeply moved by the tranquility and beauty of Fencihu.

Route Basic Information

Chiayi City to Zhuqi: The Plains Section

Departing from Chiayi City and heading east along Provincial Highway 18, the initial section crosses the agricultural area of the Chianan Plain. The terrain is flat, making it a good opportunity to warm up. Zhuqi is the gateway into the mountain area, with convenience stores and restaurants along the street, serving as the last resupply point.

Zhuqi is famous for Zhuqi Park, where the aerial roots of the park’s large banyan trees intertwine, forming a spectacular natural landscape. Take a short rest here to prepare for the climbing section ahead.

Zhuqi to Fencihu: The Core Climbing Section

From Zhuqi, a sustained climb begins. This approximately 30-kilometer stretch is the soul of the entire route. The road winds along the mountainside, with elevation gradually rising from 200 meters to 1,400 meters. Along the way, vegetation changes with elevation: from low-elevation bamboo groves and acacia trees, to mid-elevation makino bamboo and mixed forests, finally entering the temperate broadleaf forests around Fencihu.

Some sections have gradients exceeding 8%, testing riders’ climbing ability and willpower. However, every few kilometers, the road’s switchbacks offer excellent views overlooking the Chianan Plain or the Alishan mountain range—the best motivation to keep riders going.

Fencihu: A Mountain Town Where Time Stands Still

Upon arriving at Fencihu, the first thing that catches your eye is the well-preserved Japanese-style wooden old street. On both sides of this short old street are uniformly Japanese colonial-era wooden buildings, each exuding the charm of time.

Fencihu’s most famous specialty is the “bento”—the railway bento here follows the tradition of the Alishan Railway era, served in bamboo lunch boxes. The contents are simple yet delicious, making it the most representative food culture of Fencihu.

Alishan Forest Railway

The Alishan Forest Railway still passes through Fencihu today. Although it now primarily serves tourism, the whistle of the small train adds a unique railway romance to this mountain town. Interested riders can arrange to take the forest train to Alishan for a different mountain experience.

Best Cycling Seasons

• Spring (March–May): Fresh mountain air and cool weather make this the most comfortable cycling season
• Autumn (September–November): Clear air, expansive views, and the mountains begin to show autumn colors
• Avoid summer typhoon season: During the July–September typhoon season, mountain roads may be closed due to heavy rain
• Winter: Fencihu may see frost or light snow in winter; be mindful of low temperatures and slippery roads

Related Reading

• Chiayi Alishan Highway Cycling: The Classic Climb from Zhuqi to Fencihu
• Riding into the Mist: A 14-Kilometer Journey Slowly Leading to Fencihu Old Street
• Chiayi Alishan Highway: The Complete Guide to the Long-Distance Climb from Zhuqi to Alishan
• Alishan Highway Cycling Challenge: A Magnificent Climb Chronicle from Chiayi to Alishan