The Complete Travel Guide to 後營四號 (Houying No. 4), Tainan

Introduction

Tainan, Taiwan’s ancient capital, is best known for its crowded night markets and historic downtown landmarks—but for travelers craving an off-the-beaten-path escape from the city’s buzz, 後營四號 in Xigang District delivers a quiet, authentic rural Tainan experience. This cozy homestay-style accommodation sits in a quiet residential neighborhood, perfect for slow travelers, cyclists, and anyone wanting to connect with the region’s agricultural roots rather than stick to the standard tourist trail.

Hotel Overview

Address: No. 4, Houying, Neighborhood 1, Yingxi Village, Xigang District, Tainan Built into a renovated local village home, 後營四號 balances rustic charm with thoughtful modern comforts. Accommodations range from private family rooms to shared options, all with crisp linens, air conditioning, heating, and electric fans for Taiwan’s variable seasons. The property is entirely non-smoking, with key access and 24/7 security via smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and security cameras in all public areas, giving solo and family travelers peace of mind.

Shared amenities include a fully equipped public kitchen, a common lounge with a desk, and a sun-drenched terrace with outdoor furniture to enjoy morning coffee or evening stargazing. All guests get free Wi-Fi across the property, and free private parking is available nearby with advance booking. On-site amenities include free toiletries, a hairdryer, towels, toilet paper, and clothes racks, while bike rental is available for a small extra fee to explore the surrounding countryside. The multilingual staff speaks both Mandarin and English, and offers tourist assistance, express check-in/out, and paid airport or local shuttle services to make your stay seamless.

Local Attractions

• Xigang Qingan Temple: Just a 10-minute bike ride from 後營四號, this 18th-century temple is home to the famous annual Xigang Niu Zai Jiao (Ox Horn Festival), one of Tainan’s most vibrant traditional folk celebrations. Even outside festival season, the temple’s intricate wood carvings and quiet courtyard offer a deep dive into local religious culture.
• Xigang District Salt Fields: A 15-minute cycle from the homestay takes you to these working heritage salt flats, where you can walk the crystalline pans, learn about traditional salt production, and capture golden-hour photos of the reflective water against the open sky.
• Jingzaijiao Rice Paddy Cycling Path: This flat, well-maintained 8-kilometer trail winds through golden rice paddies and small village lanes, perfect for a slow morning ride. Stop at local fruit stands along the way to sample in-season mangoes and pineapples, Tainan’s iconic sweet treats.

Travel Tips

Book your free private parking spot at least three days in advance, as space is limited. If you plan to explore by bike, reserve your rental when you book your stay to ensure availability. Bring comfortable walking shoes for countryside hikes, as the homestay can also arrange guided off-property hiking tours for active travelers. For evening meals, head 10 minutes by car to central Xigang’s local night market, open on weekends, for cheap, authentic Taiwanese street food that’s far less crowded than Tainan City’s famous tourist markets. If you’re visiting between June and August, don’t forget sun protection and bug spray for your outdoor explorations.