Travel Guide to Youye De Lin Homestay (幼葉的林民宿), Chiayi County

Introduction

Nestled in the mist-shrouded mountain hills of Meishan Township in Chiayi County, Youye De Lin Homestay (which translates to “Young Leaves Forest Homestay”) is the perfect mountain escape for travelers tired of Taiwan’s crowded lowland cities. Surrounded by towering camphor trees, swirling cloud cover, and the constant hum of forest birds, this cozy family-run homestay delivers the quiet, immersive alpine experience that Chiayi’s Alishan region is famous for—without the crowds and premium price tags of the main tourist areas.

Hotel Overview

Youye De Lin Homestay is located at No. 43, 7th Neighborhood, Ruili Village, Meishan Township, Chiayi County, a quiet mountain village off the main Alishan scenic route. Designed as a restful retreat, the homestay keeps things simple and comfortable, prioritizing clean, cozy spaces over flashy amenities. All guest rooms are strictly non-smoking, and free WiFi is available across the entire property, so you can share your mountain views without losing connectivity. Each room comes with all the essentials: crisp linens, clothing hangers, and a private en-suite bathroom fitted with either a bathtub or rainfall shower, plus complimentary toiletries, towels, toilet paper, and slippers for your comfort. For guests driving up the mountain, the homestay offers free private parking, though you will need to reserve your spot in advance to secure a space. The homestay’s hosts speak Mandarin Chinese and offer warm, personal hospitality that makes visitors feel like part of the family.

Attractions

Three incredible nearby attractions make this homestay an ideal base for exploration:

• Ruili Waterfall: Just a 15-minute drive from the homestay, this 60-meter cascading fall is one of the most photographed spots in the Meishan area. A gentle 20-minute forest trail leads to a viewing platform where you can feel the cool mist on your face and listen to the roar of the water over the rocks.
• Bamboo Mist Trail: A 10-minute drive away, this easy 3-kilometer loop trail winds through dense bamboo groves and old-growth hardwood forest. On cool mornings, the trail is often wrapped in soft mist, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere perfect for leisurely hikes and photography.
• Oolong Tea Plantations of Meishan: The rolling hills surrounding Ruili Village are covered in terraced tea plantations that produce some of Taiwan’s finest high-altitude oolong. Many small family plantations offer free walks and tastings, and you can buy freshly processed tea to take home directly from farmers.

Travel Tips

The mountain roads leading to Ruili Village are winding, so if you’re renting a car, opt for a small, maneuverable vehicle and drive slowly. Remember to book your parking spot at the homestay at least one week in advance, as spaces are limited. Pack layers of clothing: even in summer, mountain temperatures drop 5-10°C after sunset, and winter nights can be quite cool. If you don’t speak Mandarin, use a translation app to communicate with your hosts, and pre-save the homestay’s address and location on Google Maps offline, as cell service can be spotty in the area. Most local restaurants close by 8pm, so plan to eat dinner early or pack snacks for evening munchings. Finally, leave no trace when hiking the local trails—the forest ecosystem here is delicate, so help keep it pristine for future visitors.