A Travel Guide to Old Wow老屋瓦共享民宿, Taoyuan City

Introduction

Nestled in the quiet residential hills of Longtan District, Old Wow老屋瓦共享民宿 is a cozy, community-focused guesthouse that turns a traditional Taiwanese rural home into a welcoming base for exploring northern Taoyuan’s natural and cultural treasures. More than just a place to sleep, this shared homestay leans into the warmth of local life, making it ideal for slow travelers, solo explorers, and small groups looking to escape Taipei’s crowded city center for a weekend.

Hotel Overview

Old Wow is located at No. 1, Alley 92, Lane 4, Jia’an West Road, Longtan District, and is entirely on the ground floor with full accessibility for travelers with mobility needs. All rooms are smoke-free, with soundproofing, individual air conditioning and heating, and free Wi-Fi across the property. Every room comes with tea and coffee making facilities, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and premium bed linens, while en-suite bathrooms include hot showers, bidets, free toiletries, hairdryers, and slippers for guest comfort.

As a shared homestay, Old Wow features a spacious common kitchen fully equipped with a fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop, coffee machine, and all the cookware you need to prepare local ingredients you pick up at nearby markets. Common areas include a shared living and dining space, a sunlit terrace with outdoor seating, and a collection of board games and puzzles for relaxed evenings. For guests looking to explore the area on two wheels, bike rental is available on-site, and 24/7 security via CCTV, smoke detectors, and key card access keeps stays safe and secure. Note that there is no on-site parking, so guests driving should plan for nearby street parking arrangements.

Nearby Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions sit within a 15-minute drive of the homestay. First, Longtan Lake, a scenic 15-hectare lake ringed by walking trails, is just 10 minutes away. Visitors can rent paddle boats, sample traditional Hakka snacks at the lakeside night market, and visit the historic 18th-century Dragon Temple on the lake’s northern shore. Second, Shimen Reservoir, Taiwan’s first major reservoir, offers sprawling panoramic views, cycling paths along the shore, and seasonal cherry blossom and maple leaf displays that draw visitors year-round. Third, Hakka Cultural Park, located in nearby Zhongli, celebrates Taoyuan’s rich Hakka heritage with traditional architecture, craft workshops, and authentic Hakka cuisine stalls that let you taste local specialties like pork rice cakes and salted preserved vegetables.

Travel Tips

Since the property has no on-site parking, if you’re traveling by scooter or car, confirm nearby street parking spots with the host in advance, or opt for the local bus which stops a 5-minute walk from the homestay. The host speaks only Mandarin, so having a translation app handy is helpful for non-Chinese speakers. The surrounding neighborhood is quiet and residential, so keep noise levels low after 10pm out of respect for local residents. If you plan to cook in the shared kitchen, stop by the Longtan Traditional Market on your way in to pick up fresh local produce and Hakka snacks. Finally, bring comfortable walking shoes to make the most of the nearby hiking and cycling trails around Shimen Reservoir and Longtan Lake.