Fenqihu is located in Zhonghe Village, Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County, at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and low in the center, its terrain resembles a dustpan, hence the old name “Dustpan Lake.” Positioned midway along the Alishan Forest Railway, Fenqihu was historically known for its bustling old street, bento boxes, and square bamboo. The area also served as a gathering place for markets in nearby villages, leading many residents to settle around the train station.
The buildings in Fenqihu are constructed along the mountain slope, with a roughly 500-meter-long old street located just below the train station. This old street is lined with shops selling local delicacies such as bento meals, tofu, and pastries, attracting many tourists. With the rise of tourism, this street—reputedly the highest-elevation old street in Taiwan—has become a popular stop on Alishan travel itineraries. As the oldest commercial center of Fenqihu, the street originally had no formal name and was simply referred to by locals as "Jiezi" (the street). Its history predates the opening of the Alishan highway and railway, making it a century-old historic street.
Walking along Fenqihu Old Street feels like stepping into a time tunnel, especially with the stone stairways connecting the area in layers of ups and downs. Though the district is small, its nostalgic atmosphere is reminiscent of Jiufen in northern Taiwan, earning it nicknames like "Jiufen of Alishan" or "Sad City of Alishan." The similarities in landscape and history contribute to its rich, nostalgic charm.
The square bamboo across from the Fenqihu train station is named for its square-shaped stems. Originally native to Mount Emei in Sichuan, China, this bamboo was introduced to Taiwan by the Japanese around 1924. Today, it only grows in Xitou and Fenqihu, with Fenqihu being the first place it was cultivated. The “Stepmother Tree” can be found along the road to Taihe and Laiji—it's a loquat tree growing from the trunk of a mountain palm tree. Their roots are intertwined, hence the nickname “Mother-and-Child Tree.”
From Sunrise Peak on Mount Dadong, one can enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the Yushan mountain range. The “Seven Star Rocks” consist of more than ten large boulders of various shapes—some resemble pugs, others look like honeycombs. One large, flat rock even bears indentations resembling footprints, earning it the name “Fairy Footprint.” The “Giant Tombstone” is a small rocky hill about 30 meters tall, with a flat rock face that resembles a massive tombstone.
On the southwest side of the train station is a spot known as the “Bat Palace,” home to around 200 bats. They arrive in spring and summer and leave in autumn and winter, as if treating this place as their seasonal palace. “Hero Wall” is a three-tiered cliff with slopes between 60 and 90 degrees, making it an ideal site for rock climbing training. A deep valley enclosed by triple cliffs drops hundreds of feet, forming a dramatic and unique natural landscape.
Additionally, Fenqihu is famous for its mountain vegetables, bamboo shoots, rice cakes, and aiyu jelly—all delicious treats that are well worth sampling during your visit.
