Travel Guide to Champs Hsiang Hotel (香榭旅店), Chiayi County

Nestled in the rolling green hills of central Chiayi County, Champs Hsiang Hotel (香榭旅店) is a quiet, family-run escape that puts rural Taiwan’s natural beauty and warm hospitality front and center. Far from the crowded tourist hubs of Alishan’s main mountain trails, this cozy property is perfect for travelers looking to slow down, connect with local culture, and explore off-the-beaten-path Chiayi.

Hotel Overview

Champs Hsiang Hotel is located at 112-6, Ciqijiao, Wanqiao Village, a leafy countryside village surrounded by lychee orchards and forested slopes. The property prioritizes comfort and affordability, with soundproofed, air-conditioned rooms that cater to everything from solo travelers to family groups. Every room includes a private en-suite shower, free toiletries, a hairdryer, plush bedding, and ample closet space, with select rooms opening out to private balconies perfect for sipping morning coffee while watching the mist lift off the hills. The property’s shared sun terrace is a favorite gathering spot for guests to watch sunsets, and all public areas offer free WiFi. Additional perks include free private parking for drivers, on-site tourist咨询 to help plan your itinerary, fax and copy services for business travelers, a dedicated smoking area, and all rooms are entirely non-smoking. Only Mandarin is spoken by staff, so having a translation app on hand is helpful for international visitors.

Local Attractions

Three standout nearby attractions make this base particularly convenient. First, the Wanqiao Bamboo Forest Trail is just a 10-minute drive from the hotel: this 3-kilometer easy loop winds through dense emerald bamboo groves and past small mountain creeks, with almost no crowds even on weekends. It’s ideal for casual hikes and photography. Second, Zhongshan Bridge Old Street is 15 minutes away by car, a preserved Japanese-era commercial street dotted with traditional tofu shops, local pastry stalls, and small temples that showcase the area’s agricultural history. Third, Baihe Reservoir is a 20-minute drive north, a scenic man-made lake surrounded by hilltop walking paths where you can kayak, picnic, or watch migratory birds in the winter months.

Travel Tips

The hotel is best accessed by private car or scooter, as public bus service to Wanqiao Village is infrequent. Book at least two weeks in advance during peak season (November to February, when Alishan’s cherry blossoms and maple leaves draw crowds) to secure your room. Don’t leave without trying the local pineapple cakes and hand-made salty soy tofu at the old street markets nearby, and bring layers if you’re visiting in the winter—rural Chiayi can get cool in the evenings, even in Southern Taiwan. If you’re planning a day trip to Alishan National Scenic Area, the hotel is just a 1-hour drive from the mountain entrance, making it a more affordable alternative to staying on the crowded mountain itself.