A Travel Guide to 東旅背包客 (Donglu Backpacker), Jiaoxi Township

Introduction

Tucked in the heart of Jiaoxi, Yilan’s famous hot spring town, 東旅背包客 (Donglu Backpacker) caters perfectly to budget solo travelers and couples seeking a clean, convenient base to explore Taiwan’s beloved hot spring destination. Far from the crowded resort strip, this adults-only hostel puts you steps from public hot springs, local night markets, and walking trails, all at a price that leaves more room in your budget for local snacks and day trips.

Hotel Overview

Located at No. 5, Gongyuan Road, Jiaoxi Township, Donglu Backpacker keeps things simple and practical for independent travelers. All rooms are non-smoking, with air conditioning, hardwood floors, bedside charging outlets, and sturdy clothing hangers, and free WiFi is available across the entire property. Every en suite shower room comes with fresh toilet paper, a hair dryer, and clean linens, so you don’t need to pack extra basics for your stay.

For guest convenience, the hostel offers luggage storage, lockers for valuables, and a friendly travel information desk to help you plan your Yilan itinerary. Shared amenities include a cozy common lounge with a TV, a range of board games and puzzles for socializing, and 24/7 security via keycard access, smoke detectors, CCTV in public areas, and on-site safes. An elevator serves all upper floors, making access to higher rooms easy for travelers with heavy bags. Do note that the property is adults-only, has no on-site parking, and only Mandarin Chinese is spoken by staff, so having a translation app handy is helpful.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions are all within a 15-minute walk of the hostel:

• Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park: Just two blocks from Donglu Backpacker, this public park offers free outdoor foot baths and low-cost public hot spring pools. Stroll the tree-lined ponds, soak your tired feet after a day of hiking, and try the local specialty of hot spring-boiled eggs cooked in mineral-rich water.
• Jiaoxi Night Market: A 10-minute walk from the hostel, this compact night market serves up Yilan favorites including scallion pancakes, braised pork rice, and milkfish balls. It’s the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs like locally made yilan cake and natural hot spring beauty products.
• Wufengqi Waterfall: A 15-minute drive or 30-minute bike ride from town, this scenic three-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush forest, with easy walking trails leading to viewing platforms. In summer, you can swim in the cool, clear pool at the base of the falls.

Travel Tips

If you’re arriving by train, Donglu Backpacker is a 10-minute walk from Jiaoxi Train Station, so no taxi is needed. If you’re driving, use the paid public parking lot three blocks away on Ren’ai Road, which offers affordable daily rates. Visit between mid-week to get the best room rates, and pack a pair of slip-on shoes for easy removal when entering your room (a common Taiwanese custom). Don’t leave Jiaoxi without trying a bowl of local green onion noodles, available at the small diner just around the corner from the hostel. For budget travelers focused on exploring Jiaoxi’s natural attractions and local culture, Donglu Backpacker is an unbeatable choice.