Located in the Laiji Tribe of Alishan, Chiayi, Taiwan, the "Toe'uana" permanent housing community is often referred to as the version of "Gassho-zukuri of Taiwan." With fewer than 50 chalets, the settlement intentionally spaces the houses widely apart to preserve the natural landscape. From a distance, it appears as if scattered like chess pieces, creating a charming and picturesque scene. The colorful walls and slanted roofs complement each other, resembling a scene from an isolated wonderful tale.
To visit "Toe'uana," one must travel to the Laiji Tribe in Alishan. If driving is not an option, public transportation involves taking the Chiayi Alishan Forest Railway to the "Duolin" train station and then walking approximately 2.9 kilometers for about 40 minutes to reach Toe'uana. Alternatively, visitors can arrange transportation with local bed and breakfast operators in the tribe.
Xiao Liuqiu is known by the Taiwanese as "the pearl of the sea" and not without good reason. This tiny coral island, which offers some of the best snorkeling, hiking, sunbathing, and dining options in all of Taiwan, has reinvented itself as a peaceful alternative to some of the country's more crowded attractions. Its easy accessibility, fascinating colonial history, and recently upgraded tourist infrastructure have made the island one of Taiwan’s best year-round destinations.