Fenqihu Old Street | Chiayi Attraction

At 1,405 meters above sea level, Fenqihu is the Alishan Forest Railway's most important intermediate stop. A century-old wooden streetscape extends along both sides of the tracks, and it was here that the bento box culture of the mountain route was born. Once a vital supply hub deep in the mountains, Fenqihu has since transformed into a mountain village that preserves the character of its timber-framed commercial street — a singular place to experience Taiwan's railway history.

Highlights of Fenqihu Old Street

Fenqihu (formerly known as Benjilhu) sits in a basin ringed on three sides by mountains, a topography that gave rise to its original name, meaning "dustpan lake." When the Japanese colonial-era Alishan Railway opened and Fenqihu became an intermediate station, its flat terrain and the presence of a locomotive depot and supply facilities allowed a substantial mountain settlement to grow. The surviving timber shophouses lining the tracks date largely from the Japanese colonial period through the early postwar years; though weathered by time, they still reflect the layout of the old mountain town.

Fenqihu's bento box tradition grew from the needs of railway workers and travelers, served in wooden boxes and known for its mushroom-and-pork-rib rice — the birthplace of Taiwan's railway bento culture. The old street also sells Alishan area specialties such as high-mountain tea, processed bamboo shoot products, and mountain-grown produce; the local mountain snacks are well worth sampling. The railway scenery and mountain forest atmosphere make excellent subjects for photography.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

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Try the signature railway bentoThe mushroom-and-pork-rib wooden-box bento is the most iconic local food in Fenqihu. Eating on-site is recommended for the full experience of the railway bento's historical context.

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Watch the forest railway scheduleTrains on the Alishan Forest Railway stop at Fenqihu infrequently. Check the official Alishan Forest Railway website for exact timetables to avoid missing your train.

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Stroll the timber old streetThe wooden shophouses lining both sides of the tracks are the soul of the old street. Walk slowly and observe the architectural details to sense the historical texture of this mountain settlement.

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Walk the nearby trailsShort forest trails are available around Fenqihu — a pleasant post-bento walk. Note that afternoon fog is common in the mountains.

Practical Information

Getting There & Hours

Take the Alishan Forest Railway to Fenqihu Station (check the official timetable); by car, follow Provincial Highway 18 and turn off at the Fenqihu junction.
Most old-street shops open from around 10:00 a.m. Plan to arrive in the morning and leave before dusk to avoid driving mountain roads after dark.

Nearby Connections

The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area lies further up the mountain; Fenqihu works well as a stop on the way up or down.
Zhuqi Township also has Zhuqi Water Park, which can serve as an additional stop after descending the mountain.

Source: Public historical records from the Alishan Forest Railway and local archives. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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