FengqihuIt is not a lake, but rather a basin-shaped depression surrounded by mountains on three sides, hence the name "Banjī Lake." Later, the name was adapted for its phonetic similarity.Fengqihu
When it comes to Chiayi, everyone immediately thinks of Alishan and chicken rice!
But actually, Chiayi has many more places and specialty snacks worth your visit!
The housekeeper from Anlanju has arrived today at the well-known Fenqihu!
This article is divided into three sections—feel free to pick and choose the parts you're interested in!
I. The Origin of Fenqihu
II. World-class high-altitude railway construction techniques (from Chiayi Station to Fenqihu Station)
III. What can you do and eat when you arrive at Fenqihu?
I. The Origin of Fenqihu
When it comes to Fenqihu,
Does everyone really think there's an actual lake?
Here's a surprising fact: Fenqihu isn't actually a lake!
Fengqihu Lake is so named because its former name in Taiwanese was "Bengji Lake." This place is surrounded on three sides by mountains—Dongshan, Guanglunshan, and Motianling—forming a basin-like terrain.
Additionally, at an elevation of 1,405 meters, it sits precisely at the altitude where clouds and fog tend to gather.
Looking down from above, it appears as if the lake has been gathered up with a scoop.
Another explanation is that in Taiwanese, "盆地" (basin) is pronounced as "hú zǎi."
So this settlement came to be known as "Bengji Lake."
It wasn't until the Republican era that it was renamed "Fengqihu."
"畚" and "奮" are homophones; "箕" is changed to "起". The intent is "strive for excellence".
During the Qing Dynasty in China, the Alishan Highway and railway had not yet been constructed.
A crowd had already gathered here, and the primary industry at the time was developing camphor trees.
Over time, it has become what the older generation now refers to as Old Old Street.
During the Japanese colonial period, Fenqihu—abundant in timber resources—became a major hub for wooden clog manufacturing.
Back then, most streets were paved with cinder, so wearing wooden clogs kept your feet from sticking to the ground. That's why everyone in the area had a pair.
After the completion of the Alishan Forest Railway, Fenqihu Station became the largest intermediate station.
The steam locomotive traveled from Chiayi's Beimen Station to this location to replenish water and coal.
Therefore, the train will remain stopped for a longer period of time.
As it was nearing lunchtime, both the crew and passengers would stop here to rest.
It also gave rise to Fenqihu's railway bento culture;
The streets along the railway line also flourished, becoming new and old streets.
After the Alishan Highway was completed, Fenqihu experienced a period of decline and desolation as the railway's importance diminished.
It wasn't until the recent boom in rail travel that it regained its status as a popular tourist destination.
Among these, nighttime firefly tours, railway bento boxes, wooden clogs, and the sacred tree of Fenqihu are particularly distinctive.
The Old Street is currently about 500 meters long and has a history spanning over a century.
II. World-Class Mountain Railway Construction Techniques
On the journey aboard the Taroko Forest Railway from Chiayi Station to Fenqihu Station,
Experience the world's most unique mountain railway construction techniques.
At Independent Mountain, the routes used are loop lines and spiral routes.
This is one of the five fundamental construction methods for world-class mountain railways.
Facing isolated mountain and hill terrain, to reduce the railway gradient,
The mountain railway was constructed using a loop-type route and a spiral-type route.
Even winding around many times to gain a certain elevation.
A railway line encircling a central point is called a loop line.
Circling multiple times around the same center point, or irregularly circling around different center points, constitutes a spiral route.
Other world-class mountain railway construction methods include:
1. S-shaped route and 180-degree U-turn lane
2. Rack railway (Cog railway)
3. Switchback Route (Switchback, Zig Zag)
4. Specially designed mountain railway locomotive
In addition to rack-and-pinion mountain railways,
The Alishan Forest Railway incorporates four other mountain railway construction methods.
The multifaceted nature of such unique technology has made the Alishan Forest Railway world-renowned.
III. What can you do and eat when you arrive at Fenqihu?
Having said all that,
Here's the highlight—when you're in Fenqihu, you absolutely must try the local railway bento!!
Then pair it with the famous alyssum jelly from Alishan!
Add a little honey and lemon for a refreshingly cool taste.
Moreover, Alishan's aiyu jelly is naturally hand-kneaded, containing natural plant collagen.
Sip on one during the sweltering summer—not only does it beat the heat, but it also nourishes your complexion and enhances your beauty.
I also have to recommend the grass jelly cake from the old lady at the end of the street!
Because their production methods differ from others,
It's usually made with mugwort, but they use yarrow instead.
So it has a slightly sweet taste and is chewy without sticking to your teeth!
We recommend getting there early to shop, as some popular styles sell out quickly.
Next up are the recently super popular freshly baked crispy-skinned donuts!
The outer layer is crispy, and with one bite, the inside is soft yet pleasantly chewy.
The most famous donut shop is "Century Cypress."
(On Old Old Street, at the end of the alley, you must first traverse a long slope near the entrance to the Cypress Trail),
But you'll need to do your own research on this one's business hours.
Sometimes you might come by on a weekday only to find it sold out. Plus, quantities are limited—once it's gone, it's gone.
Beyond the establishments mentioned above, there are many more specialty delicacies waiting for you to discover!
After eating and drinking your fill, it's time to take a stroll and get some exercise!
Here are several classic hiking trails,
These are the "Cedar Forest Trail" at the southern end and the "Circular Mountain Trail" at the northern end;
The "Cedar Forest Trail," true to its name, begins at the small path beside the fire station.
At one end is the first parking lot accommodation area, and at the other is the century-old Land God Temple.
The "Circular Mountain Trail," after being extended and expanded, now connects to the giant trees of Fenqihu on its eastern end.
Named the "Wooden Horse Trail," it connects to the Fenrui Ancient Trail on the west side, known as the "Fenrui Trail."
If you're in good physical shape, you can hike the entire loop of the "Cedar Forest Trail," "Wooden Horse Boardwalk," and "Striving Trail," which is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and takes approximately 2 hours. If you prefer not to complete the full route, you can choose a single section to walk at a leisurely pace. This option is about 1 to 2 kilometers (0.6 to 1.2 miles) and takes roughly 1 hour.
Along the way, there are four unique wonders worth seeing.
And what are the Four Wonders?
1. "Great-Grandfather-Class Steam Locomotive"
2. "Four-sided Bamboo Crossing the Ocean"
3. "Azaleas in Bloom Year-Round"
4. "The century-old Land God Temple sheltered by giant trees"
That's all for today's introduction. Want to learn more or experience it for yourself?
Come visit Chiayi soon!
