Travel Guide to Ruili Resort Ouxiangyuan Hotel, Chiayi County

Introduction

Nestled in the mist-cloaked mountains of Chiayi’s Meishan Township, Ruili Resort Ouxiangyuan Hotel is a quiet escape for travelers craving mountain air, local Alishan-region hospitality, and a break from crowded tourist hotspots. Tucked away in the small village of Youyelin, this low-key mountain resort sits at the heart of Ruili’s famous tea-growing and hiking territory, making it an ideal base for exploring central Taiwan’s underrated alpine landscapes.

Hotel Overview

Ruili Resort Ouxiangyuan Hotel is located at No. 103, Youyelin, Meishan Township, putting you just a 45-minute drive from Alishan National Scenic Area and steps from local hiking trails. All guest rooms are non-smoking, fitted with crisp linens, a clothes rack, seating area, flat-screen TV, and electric fan, with unobstructed mountain views from most windows. En-suite bathrooms come stocked with free toiletries, a hairdryer, towels, and slippers for guest comfort. Free Wi-Fi is available across the entire property, and complimentary private parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis with no pre-booking required. For travelers arriving by air, paid airport shuttle service can be arranged in advance, and the on-site restaurant serves hearty local Taiwanese and Alishan-inspired cuisine made with fresh mountain produce. The hotel also has paid conference and banquet facilities for small events, and staff speak fluent Chinese to assist with local itinerary planning. A landscaped garden surrounds the property, perfect for morning coffee or evening stargazing away from city light pollution.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable attractions sit within a 30-minute drive of the hotel:

• Ruili Waterfall: A 10-minute drive from the hotel, this 60-meter cascading waterfall is surrounded by dense cypress forest, with wooden walking trails leading to multiple viewing platforms. The cool mist from the falls offers a refreshing break on warm summer days, and the area is famous for its wild cherry blossom blooms in late winter.
• Oolong Tea Plantations of Meishan: Meishan is one of Chiayi’s top tea-growing regions, and rolling terraced plantations stretch for miles just 15 minutes from the hotel. Many small local plantations offer free walking access and tea tasting, where you can sample award-winning high-mountain oolong straight from the source.
• Tengjhih National Forest Recreation Area: Located 25 minutes from the hotel, this protected forest is home to ancient cedar trees, rare Taiwan wildlife, and a network of moderate hiking trails. It’s far less crowded than the main Alishan recreation area, making it perfect for birdwatching and quiet nature walks.

Travel Tips

The mountain climate in this area is 5–10°C cooler than Chiayi’s lowlands, so pack layers even in summer, and bring a rain jacket—afternoon mist and light showers are common year-round. If you don’t have a car, arrange the hotel’s paid shuttle service in advance, as public transport to Youyelin is infrequent. The hotel’s on-site restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner, but it’s a good idea to confirm opening times when you check in, as hours shift during low season. For the best mountain views, book a second-floor room on the garden side of the property to wake up to rolling mist over the peaks.