Travel Guide: 日出有大美 雲起茶館 (Richou You Damei Yunqi Teahouse), Chiayi County

Nestled in the mist-shrouded highlands of Alishan, 日出有大美 雲起茶館 (Sunrise Great Beauty, Cloud-Rise Teahouse) is one of Alishan’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away in the Indigenous Lyao village (Le Ye Cun), this intimate mountain retreat blends warm Indigenous hospitality, sweeping highland views, and cozy, unpretentious comfort for travelers looking to escape the crowds of the main Alishan scenic area. Whether you’re chasing iconic Alishan sunrises or seeking a quiet weekend surrounded by tea fields and cloud forests, this homestyle teahouse hotel delivers an unforgettable Taiwanese mountain experience.

Hotel Overview

Located at No. 70-5, Leye Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi County, 日出有大美 雲起茶館 caters to every traveler’s needs with thoughtful, well-priced amenities. All rooms are non-smoking, soundproofed, and fitted with heating and air conditioning to adapt to Alishan’s cool, shifting weather, plus free Wi-Fi and complimentary on-site private parking that requires no advance booking. Every room includes coffee and tea-making facilities, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private or shared bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a bathtub, plus balconies or terraces that open to unobstructed mountain or garden views. Common spaces include a sprawling outdoor garden and seating area, daily housekeeping, a safety deposit box, and hypoallergenic rooms for sensitive guests. The multilingual staff speaks both English and Mandarin, making it accessible for international travelers.

Nearby Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions sit within a 20-minute drive of the hotel:

• Zbenyu Coffee Planting Area: A 10-minute drive away, this Indigenous-owned coffee farm grows award-winning Arabica coffee in Alishan’s cool, fertile highlands. Join a guided tasting to sample nutty, fruity brews while walking terraced fields ringed by cloud forest.
• Dapu Giant Tree Trail: A 15-minute drive from the hotel, this easy 2km loop trail winds past ancient 1,000-year-old cypress trees, with misty viewpoints over the Zengwen Reservoir. It’s far less crowded than the popular trails in central Alishan, making it perfect for casual hikers.
• Fenqihu Old Street: A 20-minute drive away, this charming historic railway town is famous for its beloved railway bento, handmade wood crafts, and preserved Japanese-era streetfronts. Wander the cobblestone lanes, snack on local treats, and catch a scenic forest railway ride if you have time.

Travel Tips

Alishan’s highland weather can shift quickly, so pack warm layers even in summer – temperatures often drop below 20°C at night. If you plan to watch the famous Alishan sunrise from Zhushan, leave the hotel 45 minutes early to account for winding mountain roads and parking at the scenic area. Note that the hotel’s upper floors are only accessible via stairs, so travelers with limited mobility should request a first-floor room when booking. Don’t leave without trying the house-brewed local Alishan high-mountain tea at the on-site teahouse at sunrise – it’s the experience the property was named for.