Chishang is probably the most scenic spot in Taiwan to watch the rice fields. The area is absolutely stunning, especially in spring and autumn when the fields are vibrant green and you don’t have the humidity and typhoons from the summer months.
The best way to explore the Chishang rice paddies
The rice fields are just outside Chishang town. Everywhere in and around town are bike rental shops that offer a great collection of bikes that you can rent for a few hours or the entire day. As a solo traveler, I got an electric bike, but whole families go on electric carts which come in all shapes and sizes.
The area can only be traversed by bicycle or on foot, scooters and cars are not allowed on the roads between the rice fields. The best time to visit the rice fields are in the early morning or late afternoon, to have the best light and the least visitors.
After already exploring the East Rift Valley scenery that day, I came back to Chishang around 3PM and noticed the light was getting spectacular at those few hours before sunset. I rented an electric bike and started randomly driving around the area, but also stopping at the go-to spots like: Brown Boulevard, Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree, Dapo Pond, Great View Pavilion and Paradise Road.
East Rift Valley
Another highlight of the area is to venture out into the East Rift Valley. In Chishang I rented a scooter again to be able to get to see more of its surroundings. First driving about 45 minutes up north to Fuli township along highway 9 with more magnificent rice fields.
Walami trail
My first stop is to the starting point of Walami Trailhead. The original plan was to hike the first 3.1km of the Walami trail, which can be done without a permit and also is the nicest part. Unfortunately the trail was closed during my visit in October 2025 due to typhoon damage.
Sixty Stone Mountain
From the Walami trail parking I backtrack to highway 9 where I venture into the mountains towards Sixty Stone Mountain. As I’m steering through the steep mountain roads I’m delighted I opted to rent a more powerful scooter, which makes the ride all the more fun and without worry. When I reach the top at the altitude of 800 meters, I witness a breathtaking view of the valley below.
In the area I made several stops at various viewing platforms on Liushishi mountain to enjoy more of the scenery.
Een mooie samenvatting van je reis en prachtige foto’s.