In 1704, the county seat was moved to Tsulosan, the site of modern-day Chiayi City.

'commended righteousness') by the Qianlong Emperor to acknowledge the citizens' loyalty during the Lin Shuangwen rebellion.

It was given its modern name by the Qianlong Emperor after the Lin Shuangwen rebellion in 1788 for its role in resisting the rebels.

[6] In July 1982, Chiayi City was upgraded to a provincial city, thus in December 1981, Chiayi County government relocated the county seat to Dongshiliao Farm in Taibao Township.

Weng Chang-liang of the Democratic Progressive Party is the incumbent Magistrate of Chiayi County.

[1] In 2013, the birthrate in the county was 5.89, lower than the average in Taiwan of 8.91, and the second lowest after Keelung.

Over the past 20 years, Chiayi County had often been left out in the regional economic development due to its less strategic location, lack of infrastructure and appropriate industrial land to attract manufacturers to set up factories in the area.

[14] It also houses the Chukou Nature Center, Haomeiliao Wetland and Meishan Park.

The county houses the Dongshi Fisherman's Wharf, Chiayi Performing Arts Center and High-Heel Wedding Church.

Taiwan High Speed Rail stops at Chiayi HSR Station in Taibao City.