The Complete Guide to Rijingyuan Hotel (日景園), Liouguei, Kaohsiung

Introduction

Tucked into the misty mountain foothills of Kaohsiung’s Liouguei District, Rijingyuan Hotel (日景園) is a quiet retreat for travelers looking to escape the heat and chaos of Kaohsiung’s urban core. Far from the crowded beaches and night markets of southern Taiwan’s coast, this family-run guesthouse centers itself on slow, unplugged mountain living, putting visitors steps from Liouguei’s famous hot springs, forest trails, and aboriginal culture. Whether you’re here for a weekend of hiking or a relaxing wellness escape, Rijingyuan offers a genuine, low-key base for exploring one of Kaohsiung’s most underrated natural getaways.

Hotel Overview

Rijingyuan is located at No. 37-1, Guangming Street, Liouguei District, Kaohsiung, a short 10-minute drive from Liouguei’s main hot spring area. Run by a local Chinese-speaking team, the property prioritizes comfort and quiet over flashy amenities. All guest rooms are fitted with air conditioning and designated non-smoking, ensuring a cool, comfortable rest after a day of exploring outdoors. The star outdoor feature is the property’s sprawling flower garden, perfect for morning tea or evening stargazing away from city light pollution. Practical amenities cater to independent travelers: free private parking is available on-site, but guests must reserve a spot in advance. For those arriving without a car, the hotel offers paid shuttle services, including paid airport transfers to and from Kaohsiung International Airport. Note that the property does not provide internet access — a deliberate choice that encourages guests to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the mountain surroundings.

Nearby Local Attractions

Three standout attractions are all within a 20-minute drive of Rijingyuan:

• Liouguei Hot Spring: Just 10 minutes from the hotel, this is southern Taiwan’s most beloved mountain hot spring destination. The alkaline, crystal-clear waters are said to ease muscle aches and improve skin health, with both public pools and private rental tubs to suit every traveler.
• Maolin National Scenic Area: A 18-minute drive away, this protected mountain park is home to cascading waterfalls, ancient banyan forests, and the Rukai Aboriginal community. Don’t miss the annual purple butterfly migration, where millions of butterflies overwinter in the park’s warm valleys between November and March.
• Duona Suspension Bridge: This 232-meter pedestrian bridge stretches across a deep green river gorge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain slopes. A short walk from the bridge leads to the iconic Duona Stone Steps, a historic aboriginal trading path carved into the mountainside.

Travel Tips

Since the hotel does not offer internet, download offline maps and any travel guides before you arrive from Kaohsiung City. The drive from central Kaohsiung takes roughly 1.5 hours, so set out early to avoid mountain traffic on weekends. If you don’t have a car, book the hotel’s paid shuttle in advance to avoid waiting for limited local public transport. Remember that only Mandarin Chinese is spoken at the property, so have a translation app downloaded if you don’t speak the language. Pack layers: mountain temperatures are 5-10°C cooler than central Kaohsiung year-round, and evenings can get chilly even in summer. Finally, don’t leave Liouguei without trying local wild vegetable dishes and preserved plum treats from nearby street markets — they’re the perfect souvenir of your mountain escape.