Travel Guide: Houshan Shiguang (後山拾光), Hualien

Nestled in the sleepy, sun-drenched town of Yuli in southern Hualien County, Houshan Shiguang (後山拾光) is the ideal base for travelers looking to escape the crowds of Taiwan’s popular east coast and slow down to the rhythm of rural Hualien. Tucked away on a quiet residential lane, this cozy family-run guesthouse leans into the “unhurried mountain backside” vibe its name promises, offering clean, comfortable accommodation surrounded by the rolling green mountains and golden rice paddies that define southern Hualien.

Hotel Overview

Houshan Shiguang is located at No. 7, Chengdong 4th Street, Yuli Township, putting you within walking distance of Yuli’s local night market, breakfast shops, and train station. The guesthouse focuses on simple, practical comfort for independent and family travelers alike. All rooms are non-smoking, fitted with air conditioning, crisp linens, en-suite private bathrooms stocked with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and complimentary WiFi. Family rooms are available for groups of up to four, making it a great pick for multi-generational trips. Shared facilities include a common lounge with TV, a fully equipped shared kitchen for self-catering, and a sunlit terrace perfect for sipping morning coffee while watching the mountains change color. Free on-site private parking and garage space is offered to guests, and the friendly staff provide personalized travel advice, private check-in/out, and fast service for arrivals and departures. On-site safety features including smoke detectors, 24/7 security cameras, and key access give guests added peace of mind during their stay.

Nearby Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions lie within a 30-minute drive of the guesthouse:

• Yuli Mountain Hiking Trail: A 2.8-kilometer moderate trail that starts just 10 minutes from Houshan Shiguang, winding through cypress forest to a panoramic summit overlooking the East Rift Valley and the distant Pacific Ocean. It’s particularly spectacular in autumn, when the surrounding maple leaves turn fiery red.
• Chishang Rice Meadow: Just 15 minutes from Yuli, this vast expanse of golden rice paddies is the iconic image of eastern Taiwan. Cycle the flat paths between the fields, stop for a bowl of famous Chishang boxed rice, and watch the sunrise paint the paddies in soft gold.
• Antong Hot Spring: A 25-minute drive into the mountains brings you to this secluded, low-key hot spring area. The warm, mineral-rich waters are perfect for soothing sore muscles after a day of hiking, and the riverside springs offer a tranquil, natural experience far from the commercial hot spring resorts of northern Taiwan.

Travel Tips

Houshan Shiguang’s staff speak only Chinese, so it’s helpful to have a translation app handy if you don’t speak Mandarin. The guesthouse rents out bicycles for free to guests, making it easy to explore Yuli’s local town and nearby river paths without a car. Book at least two weeks in advance during peak season (October to November, when rice harvest season draws crowds) and don’t forget to pack layers – mountain evenings in Hualien can be cool even in summer. If you’re traveling by public transport, the guesthouse is a 15-minute walk from Yuli Train Station on the Taitung line, making it easily accessible without a car.