Travel Guide to Fang Ju Backpackers, Fangliao Township, Pingtung County

Introduction

Tucked away in the laid-back coastal township of Fangliao in southern Pingtung, Fang Ju Backpackers is the perfect base for travelers looking to escape the crowds of Kenting and explore authentic Taiwanese coastal life. Far from the flashy resorts of Taiwan’s more popular beach destinations, this welcoming budget hostel blends local charm with the practical comforts backpackers and independent travelers crave, all just a short walk from Fangliao Station and the Taiwan Railways South Link Line. Whether you’re cycling the coast, en route to the outlying islands of Xiaoliuqiu, or slowing down to savor southern Taiwan’s famous street food, Fang Ju delivers a warm, hassle-free stay.

Hotel Overview

Fang Ju Backpackers is located at No. 19, Lane 164, Zhonghua Road, Fangliao Township, a quiet residential lane just a five-minute walk from the main train station. As a budget backpacker property, it offers clean, simply appointed dorm and private rooms with all the essential amenities guests need. All beds come with fresh linens, bedside outlets for charging devices, and hanging racks for luggage. The property has shared clean bathrooms stocked with toilet paper, complimentary slippers, and hair dryers, plus air conditioning and overhead fans in every room to beat southern Taiwan’s humid heat. For safety, the hostel is equipped with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and 24/7 exterior security cameras, and the entire property is strictly non-smoking. Free WiFi is available in all common areas, and the friendly multilingual staff speak both English and Chinese to help with travel planning. Guests can rent bicycles directly from the hostel to explore the surrounding area, though it’s worth noting there is no on-site parking available for cars or scooters.

Local Attractions

First, Fangliao Old Street is just a 10-minute walk from the hostel, a preserved Japanese colonial-era thoroughfare lined with century-old traditional shophouses, casual tea houses, and family-run street food stalls selling local specialties like handmade meatballs, coconut juice, and grilled squid. On weekends, the street hosts small art markets and cultural fairs showcasing local handicrafts. Second, Fangliao Coastal Bike Path starts near the hostel, a 12-kilometer flat, car-free route that winds along the Taiwan Strait, with panoramic ocean views, hidden coves, and stop-off points for fresh seafood at tiny coastal restaurants. It’s perfect for a leisurely half-day ride on the hostel’s rental bikes. Third, Fangkeng Ancient Trail is a 20-minute scooter ride from the hostel, a gentle 3-kilometer hiking trail that climbs through lush subtropical forest to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the South Taiwan coastline. The trail is shaded and uncrowded, ideal for birdwatching and a morning hike before the midday heat.

Travel Tips

Fangliao is a major transit hub for ferries to Xiaoliuqiu Island, so if you’re heading to the island, book a ferry ticket in advance and leave an extra day to explore Fangliao before or after your trip. Since there’s no on-site parking at the hostel, if you’re traveling by scooter or car, there’s a cheap public pay parking lot just two blocks away on Zhonghua Road. For the best street food, visit the night market near Fangliao Station on weekend evenings, where you can try some of southern Taiwan’s best oyster omelets and pineapple cake. Finally, bring layers: even in winter, southern Taiwan is warm, but the air conditioning in common areas can be cool in the evenings.