Travel Guide: Zai Shui Yi Fang, Yilan County

Introduction

Nestled in the quiet countryside of Dongshan Township, Zai Shui Yi Fang (translated as "By the Water") is a charming boutique homestay that captures the laid-back, lush spirit of Yilan. Far from the crowded tourist hubs of Taipei, this intimate property offers a peaceful escape where rice paddy breezes and mountain views replace city noise, perfect for couples, family getaways, and slow travelers looking to disconnect and recharge.

Hotel Overview

Tucked at No. 12, Lane 8, Alley 277, Yuanshan 1st Road, Dongshan Township—just beside the popular Songshumen Swimming Pool, accessible via the first right turn after entering the Legend Empire development—Zai Shui Yi Fang balances rural warmth with modern comfort. Key facilities include free private parking with an EV charging station (no reservation required), complimentary WiFi in all public areas and select guest rooms, and spacious soundproofed family rooms ideal for groups traveling with children. All accommodations are non-smoking, fitted with air conditioning, tile flooring, and spotless en-suite bathrooms stocked with toilet paper, a hairdryer, slippers, and either a roomy bathtub or walk-in shower (towels and extra linens are available for a small additional fee).

The property features a leafy private garden perfect for morning coffee or evening stargazing, and offers a range of thoughtful services: daily housekeeping, luggage storage, shuttle services, and on-site bicycle rental to explore the surrounding countryside. Staff speak English, Japanese, and Mandarin, making it welcoming for international travelers, and security features including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and key-only access ensure a safe, worry-free stay.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions are all within a 15-minute drive of the homestay:

• Dongshan River Water Park: Taiwan’s first riverside leisure park, offering gentle cycling paths, wetland boardwalks, and seasonal water activities. It’s especially famous for hosting the annual Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folk Game Festival, drawing visitors from across the island with cultural performances and family-friendly activities.
• Meihua Lake: A serene crescent-shaped lake surrounded by rolling hills, popular for casual hiking, kayaking, and cycling around its perimeter. Stop at one of the nearby roadside stalls for freshly made green onion pancakes, a Yilan signature snack.
• Jimmy’s Moon Bus: Located in the nearby Zhangmei Agricultural Transformation Park, this whimsical public art installation based on illustrator Jimmy Liao’s work offers photo opportunities and a quiet, magical space to explore, perfect for art and literature lovers.

Travel Tips

When driving to the homestay, follow the directions to turn into the first alley after entering the Legend Empire development and look for the second-to-last property beside Songshumen Swimming Pool—GPS can sometimes be slightly off in this residential area. If you plan to explore the countryside, take advantage of the homestay’s free bicycle rental to cut through quiet rural lanes that are inaccessible to larger cars. For hikers, the property can arrange guided off-site hiking trips to the nearby mountain trails, where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of Yilan’s coastal plains. Book family rooms well in advance during peak seasons (summer school holidays and Lunar New Year), as they fill up quickly months ahead.