Sawdust and Coal Smoke – Retracing Chiayi City's Forestry Roots

Photos and articles provided by iSeeTaiwan Foundation

The deep-forest aromas of Taiwanese cypress intensify as forest railway tracks trace into the city of Chiayi. Cypress' invigorating fragrance abounds in Chiayi City, which, for more than half a century, was a bustling center of log and lumber processing. Today, the lumber boom of the early 1900s is remembered in historic sites around the city. The Alishan Forest Railway Chiayi Garage Park houses steam locomotives and railcars that once hauled high-mountain cypress to processors on the Chiayi Plain. Also, Japanese aesthetics and solid, cypress-wood construction define historic sites in the city such as the Pei-Men Station, Cypress Forestry Life Village railway dormitories, and Eirin (Forestry) Club.

Chiayi City is the second destination highlighted in the International Spotlight Central Region program sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and iSee Taiwan Foundation. With a history stretching back over three centuries, Chiayi City attractions include its distinctive forestry industry heritage, narrow-gauge forest railway and historic traditional homes. iSee Taiwan Foundation Chief Executive Director Jessica Huang expressed her hope to see, "more visitors take the time to discover Chiayi City's unique, century-old railway and forestry heritage."

For more information, please visit:
http://www.lohaspot.com.tw
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Local Delicacies

Tasteful Treats from Dawn 'til Dusk – Passionate about Chiayi Cuisine

Cuisine is one of the quickest ways to learn about Chiayi City. Tried-and-true culinary traditions are cherished in this corner of Central Taiwan, where favorite flavors and family recipes have been passed faithfully down through the generations. Infused with passion and local pride, Chiayi cuisine is more than just food – it's a tasty shortcut to area heritage.

There's something delicious to eat in Chiayi City every hour of the day. Greet the morning with a steaming bowl of classic chicken rice; enjoy a creative meal at lunch; and dig into a braised fish-head casserole for dinner. After nightfall, explore all the tasteful temptations on offer at the Wenhua Road Night Market – a Taiwan "Top-10" night market destination. Before you leave, be sure to pick up some of the city's best-known food gift items, including sguare cookies and Alishan high-mountain tea. Chiayi's tantalizing culinary landscape has something for everyone's palate. Try us once, and we're sure you'll be back for more!

LOHAS Learning

Hands-on Experience – 12 Exceptional (and Free) DIY Events

Hands-on experience is a key ingredient in the best, most memorable vacations. In this spirit, the International Spotlight Central Region program is pleased to offer a series of hands-on LOHAS Learning activities on Saturday afternoons from November 24th, 2012 through February 23rd, 2013 (11/24/2012 - 02/23/2013). Each 2-hour activity will focus on some aspect of local culture or craftsmanship. Taste the handmade fig jelly (aiyu), learn about traditional Taiwan tea culture, and learn to do creative wood branding. Classes will be held in the Chia-Lin Story House building in Cypress Forestry Life Village, and are limited to 12 persons per class. Please make reservations early to ensure your spot! Visit the International Spotlight Central Region program website (http://www.lohaspot.com.tw) for all the details.