Travel Guide: Xing Shang Homestay (星賞民宿), Yilan County

Nestled in the rolling, rice-paddy-dusted countryside of Dongshan Township, Yilan, Xing Shang Homestay captures the quiet, slow-paced magic that draws city-weary travelers to northeastern Taiwan. Far from the crowded coastal tourist hubs of Yilan, this charming family-run retreat puts you at the heart of rural life, with easy access to the region’s best natural and cultural attractions. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway or a laid-back family escape, Xing Shang balances personalized comfort with authentic local experiences.

Hotel Overview

Xing Shang Homestay is located at No. 170, Changchun Road, Dongshan Township, placing you a 10-minute drive from Dongshan River Water Park and half an hour from Yilan City. The homestay offers thoughtful, traveler-focused facilities to make your stay stress-free. Free WiFi is available across the entire property, perfect for sharing photos of Yilan’s sunsets over the paddy fields. Free private parking is available on site near the property on a first-come, first-served basis, making it ideal for visitors road-tripping around Yilan. Multilingual staff speak both Mandarin and English, so international travelers will have no trouble navigating their stay.

For active guests, the homestay arranges on-site horse riding, complimentary bicycle rental to explore the surrounding country lanes, and off-site canoeing on Dongshan River. The food offering is a highlight: fresh, seasonal local fruit is provided daily, and breakfast can be served directly to your room for a lazy, private morning start. Additional convenient services include daily housekeeping and grocery delivery for guests planning a longer stay.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions lie within a 20-minute drive of the homestay:

• Dongshan River Water Park: This sprawling riverside park is Yilan’s most beloved outdoor recreation space, with gentle walking trails, grassy picnic areas, and seasonal water activities. In summer, visitors can wade in the shallow, clear river, while in autumn, the park hosts the iconic Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival.
• Jimmy’s Moon Bus: Located in nearby Luodong, this whimsical art installation inspired by local illustrator Jimmy Liao sits on a hill overlooking the Yilan plains. The vintage blue bus and surrounding star-themed art installations are perfect for photos, especially at sunset when the plains glow golden.
• Luodong Forestry Culture Park: A 15-minute drive from the homestay, this former lumber mill turned cultural park preserves Yilan’s logging history. It features quiet lotus ponds, old factory buildings converted into galleries, and shaded walking trails that feel worlds away from tourist crowds.

Travel Tips

Book your stay at least two weeks in advance, especially during weekends, public holidays, and the Yilan Folklore Festival in July and August, when the homestay fills up quickly. If you plan to try the off-site canoeing, ask the front desk to book your spot a day in advance to avoid sold-out sessions. Bring comfortable walking shoes for cycling the country lanes and exploring the local trails, and pack mosquito repellent for evening walks through the paddy fields. If you’re arriving by public transport, take a 10-minute taxi from Luodong Train Station, which is the closest rail hub to the homestay. For the full experience, request in-room breakfast and wake up to the smell of freshly baked local bread and views of the surrounding countryside.