Chiayi connected to nature but also looked worldly. It had some global tourists but also demonstrated traditional Taiwanese cultural themes.
It’s a middle-sized city and an important transport hub connecting mountains and seas, urban and rural regions. People know Chiayi as the hometown of Alishan Mountain. How about its city heritage and culture quintessential?
On the first morning, I headed to the Chiayi Museum. But I just casually strolled through the nearby cultural village on the way. It had a garden-like scenic setting; a small pond, and interesting cartoon sculptures. There were quite a few gift shops that sold local-produced merchandise, food, or drinks inside. So tourists enjoyed this culture-enriched park and did some gift shopping.
Looking up, there were strong mango trees with many fruits hanging on the branches. With the staff's approval, tourists shook the tree to let the mature fruits fall on the ground, so they could pick up and taste them. I also tasted a small one; it was honey-sweet, but the core in the middle of the fruit was huge.
After this early morning refreshment, I found the Chiayi Library and museum buildings. Local people sat in the library reading quietly. The Liberians showed me the directions to the nearby museum, at which I could understand this southeastern city a bit deeper.
There were local art sessions that exhibited paintings, pictures, and video introductions to Chiayi’s geography and history. A few stone-made groups of monkey sculptures were cute and vivid, presenting the harmony and love of the animal world.
On the second floor, there were presentations on local cultures such as traditional costumes, local food, and cooking. In the night market of Chiayi, I did taste a few interesting snacks such as rice cakes, and flavoring soups, they tasted fine.
On the third floor, there were comprehensive introductions of local art - Koji pottery. The artwork of the different legendary figures such as Guanyin, looks cool and bright.
Besides the famous mountain does Chiayi have a pond, river, or ocean view? The second day morning, I went to Lantan Dam. It’s a charming lake surrounded by mountains with a quiet, greenery environment. The campus of National Chiayi University was not so far away. A team of local residents came here to organize the cycling competition that morning. Besides hiking, I guess local people like all sorts of exercise. They are lucky to have great mountains and lucid lakes surrounding the cityscape.
Then I stopped by Chiayi Park, at which local retirees paired up and danced around as the weekend activity. They broadcasted the Waltz, a Western style of music and songs loudly. Perhaps in different parks or recreation areas, there were some social events going on on the weekend, attracting residents and tourists to participate, the booths were set up to sell green products or services for protecting the environment
In the late afternoon, I also visited the art museum with a limited collection of art. The unique experience I had there was to wear 3D glasses, fly inside the bodies of blue-green-white butterflies, and observe them closely. Also, the visitors could walk around the nearby cultural center and buy books, and gifts, or sip coffee or tea there.
Like all other cities, Chiayi had many food stalls and small restaurants. At night, the lights were lit up, and the tourists came out to experience the city and recharge their energy. Chiayi connected to nature but also looked worldly. It had some global tourists but also demonstrated traditional Taiwanese cultural themes. Can they keep reinventing the city, bringing us fresher feeling constantly?
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