The Complete Guide to Zizaiju Hostel, Nantou

Introduction

Nantou County’s Puli Township sits at the geographic heart of Taiwan, a quiet mountain town surrounded by rolling tea hills, gushing waterfalls, and easy access to the island’s most famous alpine destinations. For travelers seeking a homey, hassle-free base to explore central Taiwan, Zizaiju Hostel (自在居旅棧) delivers understated comfort at an unbeatable value, ideal for family getaways, solo hikers, and pet-friendly trips alike.

Hotel Overview

Tucked on a quiet residential street at No. 280, Nanchang Street, Puli Township, Zizaiju Hostel combines laid-back local hospitality with all the practical amenities modern travelers need. All rooms are non-smoking, soundproofed, and fitted with hypoallergenic linens, air conditioning, private en-suite bathrooms with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and either a deep soaking tub or walk-in shower. Family rooms are available for groups of up to five, and every room includes free high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen cable TV, and a private terrace to enjoy cool mountain mornings. Guests can take advantage of free on-site private parking (no advance booking required) and complimentary daily cleaning, plus pet-friendly policies—just notify the staff in advance, as a small extra fee may apply. Extra perks include bike rental for exploring the town, luggage storage for day trips, and 24/7 key access, with fluent English and Mandarin-speaking staff on hand to help with itinerary planning.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable spots are just a short drive or bike ride from the hostel:

• Zhongxing Waterfall: A 15-minute drive from Zizaiju, this 50-meter cascading fall is tucked into a lush forest, with easy hiking trails leading to a viewing platform and a cool natural pool perfect for summer swims. It’s far less crowded than Nantou’s more famous waterfalls, making it ideal for a quiet picnic.
• Puli Brewery Cultural Park: A 10-minute bike ride from the hostel, this historic brewery turned cultural attraction showcases Taiwan’s famous shaoxing wine, with guided tours of the fermentation cellars, tastings, and unique wine-infused snacks like wine sorbet and braised pork.
• Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s most iconic alpine lake is just a 30-minute drive from Puli, far enough to escape the busy waterfront crowds but close enough for a full day of cycling around the lake, visiting the famous Wenwu Temple, or taking a boat to Lalu Island.

Travel Tips

Since Zizaiju is located in a residential neighborhood, book your pet-friendly stay at least one week in advance to confirm availability. While the ground floor offers full accessible access for wheelchairs, upper-floor rooms are only accessible via stairs, so be sure to request a ground-floor room if you have limited mobility. Stock up on snacks at the local night market 5 minutes away by car before heading out on day trips, and ask the front desk for their secret recommendations for local tea farms to visit off the beaten path.