Things To Do
in Meishan
Meishan is a quiet highland township in Chiayi County, Taiwan, set among rolling hills and tea plantations. The landscape blends lush forests, orchard-covered valleys, and traditional rural villages. Visitors come for serene scenery, farm-to-table produce, and a chance to slow down in mountain air.
Local hospitality, teashops, and hill-country cuisine give Meishan its distinctive, leisurely charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the serene Meishan Tianzhong Temple, known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings. Engage with local worshippers and learn about the cultural significance of the temple in the community. Capture the morning light as it illuminates the intricate carvings and vibrant colors of this spiritual site.
After a delicious local lunch, head to the nearby Meishan National Forest Recreation Area, where you can enjoy the lush landscapes and scenic hiking trails. Take a leisurely walk amidst towering trees and discover various flora and fauna that thrive in this rich ecosystem. Don’t forget to visit the observation deck for a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.
As the sun sets, return to the heart of Meishan and explore the lively night market. Taste a variety of local street foods, from savory snacks to sweet treats, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and chatter. Wind down your evening with a cup of fragrant bubble tea while soaking in the local culture.
Begin your day at the Meishan Cultural Village, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture through exhibitions and traditional crafts. Participate in a workshop to learn the art of Taiwanese pot making or calligraphy. This hands-on experience provides a unique insight into the history and traditions of the region.
Visit the nearby tea plantations in the afternoon and experience the process of tea picking. Enjoy a guided tour that takes you through the stages of tea production, from planting to brewing, and savor a cup of freshly brewed oolong tea. The panoramic views of terraced fields against the backdrop of mountainous landscapes are simply enchanting.
Conclude your day with a traditional dinner at a local family-owned restaurant known for its home-cooked meals. Savor dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients while conversing with friendly locals who share stories about Meishan's history. The warmth of the local hospitality creates a deeply memorable dining experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧋Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🥟Street snack | $1-3 |
| 🚲Bike rental (short-term) | $5-10 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich tea culture and scenic mountain landscapes
- Peaceful, rural charm with fresh air
- Friendly local hospitality and authentic countryside cuisine
- Affordable experiences compared with major cities
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Relative remoteness may require car or longer transit
- Fewer English-speaking services in rural spots
- Smaller selection of international cuisines
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "請問這個多少錢？" - How much is this?
- "可以刷卡嗎？" - Can I pay by card?
- "廁所在哪裡？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "請慢用" - Please enjoy (bon appétit) / enjoy your meal
Places to Visit in Meishan
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over perfectly aligned tea rows with dew on the leaves and distant hills.
A sweeping panorama of green valleys, orchards, and misty ridges—perfect for wide-angle landscapes.
Narrow paths, weathered walls, and traditional house fronts provide quiet, portrait-friendly scenes.
Fruit trees silhouetted by a warm sunset, with scattered farmhouses in the foreground.
Food in Meishan
Meishan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pork slow-roasted with dried mountain tea leaves, yielding a subtle smoky aroma and tender texture; best found at hilltop eateries and farm guesthouses.
Must-Try!
Colorful stir-fry featuring seasonal sweet potatoes and locally produced tofu, flavored with garlic, shallots, and herbs from the hillside gardens.
Greens braised with strong oolong tea and soy, served over steaming rice for a comforting countryside dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A regular village market offering fresh vegetables, fruit, tofu, and house-made preserves; a great place to taste seasonal snacks.
Seasonal snacks such as roasted sweet potatoes, millet cakes, and herbal teas sold from small stalls along winding lanes.
Compact stalls selling brewed oolong and jasmine teas, tea leaves, and light bites that pair with tastings at nearby teahouses.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a nod, avoid loud conversations in temples, and let elders pass or step back in narrow paths.
Ask permission before photographing people, homes, or temple rites; avoid intrusive shots.
Safety
Tipping in Meishan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges are uncommon in rural eateries. In tourist-oriented spots, a small tip is appreciated if service was exceptional.
Cash is widely accepted; many places also take credit cards and mobile payments (wallet apps, contactless). ATMs are common in larger towns nearby.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; carry water, light clothing, and sun protection; trails are best tackled early.
Mild and drier air with clear skies and golden light—excellent for photography and harvest markets.
Cool to chilly mornings; occasional frosts at higher elevations; tea harvests and cozy cafes make for quiet afternoons.
Mild temperatures with blooming fruit trees and greenery; expect occasional light rain and vibrant markets.
Meishan at Night
Hiking in Meishan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate to challenging ridge path with panoramic valley views.
A scenic loop through tea plantations and covering gentle ascents.
Wooded path leading to a small cascading waterfall, ideal for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Meishan by plane.
Small domestic airport near Chiayi City; convenient for domestic flights and regional connections, about an hour by road from Meishan.
Major international and domestic hub in central Taiwan; about 1.5-2.5 hours by car or rail from Meishan.
Taiwan's largest international gateway; many options to fly into and out of; typically a 3-4 hour journey to Meishan by train and bus or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant demographic; communities center around agriculture and hillside villages.
Some pockets maintain distinct customs and cuisine in the broader region.
An aging population in rural Meishan contributes to a slower pace of life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular in Taiwan; local schools and parks host friendly games.
Common in community centers and schoolyards; casual play is widespread.
Rural roads and forest trails offer enjoyable bike routes near Meishan.
Several hillside trails and forest paths are popular for day trips and photography.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Meishan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy vegetable-forward dishes, tofu options, and fresh fruit at teahouses and eateries; request no fish sauce or meat-based broth, and look for clear vegetable stock.