Travel Guide to Zai Lu Shang (在鷺上), Jiaoxi Township

Nestled in the gentle green hills of Yilan’s Jiaoxi Township, Taiwan’s beloved hot spring destination, Zai Lu Shang (On the Egret) is a quiet boutique retreat that blends laid-back countryside comfort with thoughtful, guest-first design. Tucked away at No. 10, Lane 35, Baiyun 6th Road, this intimate property feels far removed from the busy main thoroughfares of downtown Jiaoxi, while still keeping all the town’s top attractions within a 10-minute drive. It’s ideal for family getaways, couple’s retreats, and slow travelers looking to escape Taipei’s rush for a weekend.

Hotel Overview

Zai Lu Shang caters to every type of traveler with its thoughtful range of facilities. Family rooms and oversized extended beds (over 2 meters long) make it perfect for groups or guests who love extra space, while all rooms are soundproofed, non-smoking, and fitted with air conditioning, heating, free WiFi, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Every private bathroom comes with a deep soaking bathtub (a must after a day of exploring), complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, and soft slippers. For days when you want to linger outdoors, the property boasts a seasonal scenic outdoor pool, sun terrace, barbecue facilities, and outdoor dining areas, plus a shared kitchen with a fridge and electric kettle for self-catering. Practical perks include free pre-bookable private parking with valet service, luggage storage, accessibility features for guests with limited mobility, and a on-site tourism information desk to help plan your itinerary. The property also accommodates special dietary requests on advance notice, and provides fresh fruit for guests.

Top Local Attractions

Three unmissable spots are just a short drive from the hotel:

• Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park: A 10-minute drive away, this public park is centered around free outdoor foot baths, manicured Japanese-style gardens, and a iconic hot spring waterfall. You can soak your feet for hours amid lotus ponds and cherry blossom trees, or grab a bucket of locally made wild yam ice cream from a nearby stall.
• Wufengqi Waterfall: Located 15 minutes from the hotel, this three-tiered cascading waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical forest. A well-paved walking trail leads to viewing platforms, and in summer, visitors can wade in the cool, clear pools at the base. The area is also famous for its street food stalls selling Yilan’s signature scallion pancakes.
• Jimmy’s Moon Bus: A 12-minute drive into central Jiaoxi, this whimsical public art installation by beloved illustrator Jimmy Liao sits along a former railway line turned pedestrian path. It’s a magical spot for photos, with colorful storybook-themed installations that appeal to both adults and children.

Travel Tips

Zai Lu Shang is a Chinese-speaking property, so it’s helpful to have a translation app handy if you don’t speak Mandarin. The outdoor pool is only open seasonally (typically May through September), so confirm opening dates if a swim is part of your plan. Since parking requires advance booking, be sure to reserve your spot when you confirm your accommodation. Jiaoxi is an hour’s train ride from Taipei Main Station, and the hotel offers a shuttle service to and from Jiaoxi Station upon request. For the best experience, visit in autumn, when temperatures are mild, the hills around the property are lush, and crowds are thinner than during summer or hot spring winter peak season.