Taitung Travel Guide: Yuanzhongyuan Homestay (緣中園)

Introduction

Nestled in the quiet rural countryside of Taitung County, Yuanzhongyuan Homestay (緣中園) is a sunlit, family-run escape that lets you step away from Taiwan’s crowded tourist hubs and immerse yourself in the island’s unspoiled eastern landscapes. Tucked into the rolling green hills of Longtian Village, this cozy property is perfect for slow travelers, hikers, and anyone craving a genuine taste of rural Taitung life, with warm hospitality and all the practical comforts you need for a relaxing getaway.

Hotel Overview

Yuanzhongyuan is located at No. 166, Guangrong Road, Longtian Village, Taitung County – a peaceful enclave just a 15-minute drive from central Guanshan and 40 minutes from Taitung City. Every room is designed for comfort, with private en-suite bathrooms fitted with a standing shower, toilet paper, towels, complimentary slippers, and a hair dryer. Most rooms open out to stunning views of surrounding mountains or the property’s lush, well-tended garden, and all include air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a flat-screen TV, and convenient amenities like clothes racks and drying racks for hikers or beachgoers.

The homestay offers a range of shared facilities to make your stay seamless, including a fully equipped shared kitchen with cleaning supplies, a spacious common lounge with TV, free WiFi in all public areas, and complimentary private parking (including accessible spots, with advance booking required). Additional services include luggage storage, personalized private check-in and check-out, Taitung travel advice from the knowledgeable local hosts, and a shuttle service for guests arriving via train or intercity bus. The entire property is smoke-free with well-maintained safety features including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and 24/7 security cameras, and the hosts speak fluent Mandarin for easy communication with local and international Mandarin-speaking travelers.

Attractions

Yuanzhongyuan’s central location puts three of Taitung’s top natural and cultural attractions within easy reach:

• Guanshan Waterfront Park: Just 15 minutes from the homestay, this sprawling riverside park is one of Taitung’s most beloved cycling destinations. It features a smooth 12-kilometer bike loop, wetlands teeming with migratory birds, open grassy picnic areas, and scenic views of the Central Mountain Range – perfect for a lazy afternoon or early morning sunrise ride.
• Luye Highland: A 25-minute drive away, this rolling grassy plateau is famous for its annual hot air balloon festival in summer, and draws visitors year-round for paragliding, open-air concerts, and panoramic views over the East Rift Valley.
• Dulan: A 40-minute drive to the east coast, the bohemian coastal village of Dulan is home to indigenous culture, quirky art galleries, surf schools, and the iconic Dulan Sugar Factory Cultural Park, ideal for a day of coastal exploration and sunset watching by the ocean.

Travel Tips

If you’re arriving by train, book the homestay’s complimentary shuttle service in advance to get from Guanshan Train Station directly to the property. Free parking requires pre-booking, so confirm your spot when you make your reservation if you’re driving. Taitung’s weather is warm and humid year-round, so pack lightweight hiking clothes and sunscreen – and don’t forget to ask your hosts for their favorite local night market spots and hidden hiking trails, as they share excellent off-the-beaten-path recommendations.