Alishan → Chiayi 阿里山 → 嘉義

We suppose you stayed at or near the Shizhuo crossing. From here, there are some downhill-only routes if you want to take it easy (we prefer the less-travelled road 159). But if you don't fear more climbing today, we guarantee you won't regret taking the following route: cycle up to Fenqihu and take a (steep!) climb north to pass Zhangshuhu 樟樹湖, a remote but oh-so-beautiful tea-growing area.

Descend further past Ruifeng and defy an endless series of hairpins, going all the way to the top of the hill where the famous 36 Hairpins of Meishan 梅山36彎 start. Descend this dazzling series of numbered hairpins with beautiful vistas of the lower-lying land ahead. A long, slowly descending road takes you to today's final destination, Chiayi 嘉義.

In the city, we love the centrally located Wenhua St Night Market 文化路夜市, and liked strolling through the many smaller alleys east and west of there. The Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles 台灣花磚博物館 was cute, and while you're in the area, don't miss the coffee at Forward Roasters.