Travel Guide: Lai Kunyang’s Home, Chiayi County

Introduction

Tucked into the mist-shrouded hills of Meishan Township, Lai Kunyang’s Home (賴坤陽的家) is more than just a place to lay your head after exploring Alishan’s lesser-touristed northern reaches. This family-run homestead blends warm Taiwanese hospitality with unobstructed mountain views, making it the perfect base for travelers craving quiet, nature-focused getaways away from Alishan’s crowded main trails. Whether you’re a solo hiker, a couple seeking a romantic escape, or a family looking for a slow weekend in the mountains, this charming property delivers a authentic rural Taiwan experience.

Hotel Overview

Lai Kunyang’s Home is located at No. 22-1, Xinxingliao, Ruifeng Village, Meishan Township, Chiayi County. The property offers a range of comfortable accommodation, including spacious family rooms and soundproofed smoke-free guest rooms, all fitted with hardwood floors, tea and coffee-making facilities, electric kettles, and private ensuite bathrooms stocked with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and slippers. Most rooms open onto private balconies with sweeping mountain views, while common areas feature free WiFi, a sun terrace, garden, outdoor seating, and barbecue grills for guest use. On-site amenities include free private parking that requires no advance booking, a paid luggage storage service, paid shuttle transfers, and a friendly tour desk to help you plan your adventures. Breakfast here earns rave reviews from past guests, with fresh local ingredients turning a simple morning meal into a highlight of your stay. For active guests, the property organizes guided local culture walks and hiking tours, and features a recreational lounge, indoor play area for kids, and off-site billiards.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable attractions sit within a 20-minute drive of the homestead. First, Ruifeng Sunrise Viewing Platform, just 10 minutes away, offers unobstructed views of golden dawn breaking over layered mountain ridges, far less crowded than the popular sunrise spots in central Alishan. Second, the 1.8-kilometer Taihe Ancient Trail, a 15-minute drive away, winds through old-growth cypress forests and past abandoned tea plantations, with gentle elevation gains suitable for casual hikers. Third, the iconic Mei Shan 36 Highlands, 20 minutes from the hotel, is a scenic mountain road that loops through rolling tea fields, with numerous pull-offs perfect for picnics and photography.

Travel Tips

The property only accommodates Chinese-speaking guests at this time, so non-Chinese speakers may wish to bring a translation app to help with check-in and queries. All upper floors are only accessible via stairs, so the property is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments. Book at least two weeks in advance during peak hiking season (October to November) and cherry blossom season (March to April), as rooms fill quickly. Bring layers of clothing, even in summer: mountain temperatures drop 5-8°C after sunset, so a light jacket is essential for evening barbecues on the terrace. Don’t leave without trying the homemade winter melon tea and local preserved plums the host family offers to guests.