Travel Guide: Distance Hostel (距離青年旅館), Chiayi City

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Chiayi’s walkable old town, Distance Hostel is a laid-back, adults-only budget accommodation perfect for independent travelers exploring Alishan, Chiayi’s cultural landmarks, and local street food scene. More than just a place to sleep, this cozy hostel prides itself on its warm, welcoming vibe and central location that puts all of Chiayi’s best offerings within minutes on foot.

Hotel Overview

Distance Hostel is located at No. 273, Lanjing Street, making it easy to reach from Chiayi Train Station in just a 10-minute walk. Catering exclusively to adult guests, the property prioritizes comfort and convenience for budget travelers. All rooms are non-smoking, with hardwood flooring, air conditioning, bedside outlets, and ample hanging and storage space for each guest. Complimentary WiFi is available across the entire property, so you can easily plan your day’s adventures or share photos from the road.

The hostel’s standout feature is its fully equipped shared kitchen, with a refrigerator, microwave, oven, toaster, electric kettle, cooking utensils, and a washing machine — ideal for travelers looking to save money by preparing their own meals or do laundry after a long hike on Alishan. Common areas include a shared lounge with TV, a dedicated dining area, lockers for valuables, and complimentary luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures. The on-site tourism information desk can help you book Alishan tours, organize local transportation, and answer any questions about the area. For security, the property has smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and CCTV in all public areas and outside the building.

Note that Distance Hostel has no on-site parking, and upper floors are only accessible via stairs, so pack light if you’re booking a higher room. The staff only speaks Chinese, but basic translation apps make checking in and communicating seamless for international visitors.

Nearby Attractions

Three can’t-miss local spots are all within a 15-minute walk of the hostel:

• Chiayi Old Prison: A 10-minute walk from the hostel, this century-old former maximum-security prison is now a unique national historic site. Guided tours walk visitors through original cell blocks, warden’s quarters, and permanent exhibitions detailing Taiwan’s carceral history, blending eerie atmosphere with thoughtful cultural context.
• Wenhua Road Night Market: Just a 7-minute walk away, Chiayi’s most famous night market is the best place to sample local specialties like turkey rice, spicy fish ball soup, and grilled squid. Open every evening, it also features small independent stalls selling handmade accessories and local crafts.
• Chiayi Park: A 15-minute walk from the hostel, this sprawling green urban park is home to the iconic Sun-Shooting Tower, a 62-meter observation tower with panoramic views of the city and outlying Alishan mountains. The park also houses the Chiayi City Zoo and several historic Japanese-era shrines, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll.

Travel Tips

If you’re driving to Chiayi, look for paid public parking lots within a 5-minute walk of the hostel for daily rates that average NT$100–150. If you’re heading to Alishan for a day trip or overnight hike, book your train tickets through the Chiayi TRA station 1–2 weeks in advance, especially during peak cherry blossom season in March and April. Stop at the local 7-Eleven two blocks from the hostel to stock up on water and snacks for your hike before you go. For the best street food experience, visit Wenhua Night Market after 6 PM when all stalls are fully set up, and come with an empty appetite.