From Fish to Fairy Tales: Chiayi County, Part 5
Our journey through Chiayi County wraps up with two unforgettable stops that showcase the region’s resilience, creativity and surprising charm. First, Andrew Ryan dives into the world of milkfish farming on Chiayi’s short but bountiful coastline. Join him as he wades through ponds, learns the secrets of eco-friendly aquaculture and samples the dried version of this local catch. From pond to plate, discover how young entrepreneurs are turning tradition into immersive, sustainable tourism. Then, we visit one of Taiwan’s most unexpected landmarks: a 17-meter-tall glass high heel that holds a Guinness World Record. Inspired by a bittersweet local legend, this structure is more than just a quirky photo op—it’s a nod to Chiayi County’s history and spirit. WATCH more episodes here. https://www.taiwanplus.com/news/taiwan-news/wheres-the-mayor-taking-us [Taiwan’s Mayors and County Chiefs] Taiwan is home to 13 county chiefs, six mayors of special municipalities (New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung) and three mayors of provincial cities. These elected officials serve a maximum four-year term and can be re-elected for one additional term. The first episodes of the series aired prior to the local elections in 2022.
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The World’s Largest High-Heeled Shoe: A Symbol of Resilience
Chiayi County, located in southern Taiwan, is home to a unique Guinness World Record holder: the world’s largest structure shaped like a high-heeled shoe. Standing 17 meters tall, this glass landmark is not just an eye-catching architectural wonder but also a symbol of the region’s history and strength.
The high-heeled shoe, located in the seaside town of Budai, pays homage to a difficult chapter in Chiayi’s past. Decades ago, many locals relied on groundwater for drinking, which contained arsenic. The prolonged exposure to arsenic resulted in heavy metal poisoning, leading to severe health complications and, in many cases, amputations.
“There’s a legend about a bride who was about to get married,” says Chiayi County Chief Weng Chang-liang. “She wore only one high heel because her other foot had been amputated.”
Today, the high-heeled shoe stands as a tribute to resilience and serves as a popular wedding venue.
Milkfish Farming in Chiayi: Tradition Meets Sustainability
Beyond its iconic landmarks, Chiayi County is also a powerhouse in Taiwan’s milkfish industry. Despite having one of the shortest coastlines in the country, Chiayi produces over 60% of Taiwan’s milkfish products. The coastal town of Dongshih is at the heart of this thriving aquaculture scene, where fish farms are evolving into immersive tourist destinations.
Chiang Po-ju, a 29-year-old fish farmer, left a career in law to return to his hometown and run an eco-friendly fish farm. Chiang’s farm combines traditional aquaculture with modern sustainability practices.
“We embrace the spirit of green water, green food, and green living,” he said.
Visitors can tour the fishponds, dine on freshly prepared milkfish dishes, and learn about local culture through interactive experiences.
One highlight is the transformation of fresh milkfish into overnight-dried fish. Visitors are taught how this process enhances the fish’s flavor, giving it a meatier texture.
While milkfish are often thought to be overly bony, Chiang clarified the misconception: “Milkfish only have around 222 bones, which isn’t that many. Proper preparation is key.”
These farms are doing more than just producing seafood—they are creating a unique tourism experience that connects visitors with Chiayi’s rich traditions and sustainable future. From wading into the ponds to sampling fresh fish, tourists leave with a deeper appreciation of this rural community’s ingenuity and culture.
With its innovative attractions and deep cultural roots, Chiayi County exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit. Through aquaculture, storytelling, and community-driven tourism, the region is building a future that celebrates its past while looking ahead to new possibilities.
