Looking towards the Penghu Islands in the South China Sea, Budai Township is a coastal settlement in Taiwan’s Chiayi County. It’s long been renowned for its salt-mining industry and draws tourists wanting to explore its bird-filled wetlands and to photograph its Guinness World Record-holding high heel.
Things to do in Budai Township
While strolling around Budai Township, you can’t miss the High-Heel Wedding Church, a striking landmark that opened in 2016 as a unique place for couples to wed. At just over 17 metres in height, it has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest high-heel structure in the world and is spectacularly covered in 300 pieces of blue glass.
Directly across the water from the High-Heel Wedding Church is the Haomeiliao Wetland, a 1,171-hectare area of coastal forest, mangroves and a lagoon that protects a variety of wildlife species. It’s a particularly popular birdwatching destination, with foragers flocking here to feed on the resident fish, shrimp and crabs.
East of the town centre is the Budai Salt Hill, a huge mound that’s a lasting reminder of the salt-mining industry established during the reign of the Qing dynasty Emperor Qianlong. Learn about the hardships for salt miners before the industry was completely mechanised, then enjoy a tour of the surrounding salt fields. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a sea salt-flavoured ice cream!
Getting around Budai Township
Budai Township is about a one-hour drive from the centre of Chiayi City and around the same distance from Tainan Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Buses connect from cities throughout Taiwan to Budai Township while ferries connect from the Budai Port to the Penghu Islands. The centre of Budai Township is compact enough to explore on foot.