Nantou Travel Guide: Mayun Day Backpacker Hostel, Jiji

Introduction

Tucked in the leafy, laid-back river town of Jiji in Nantou County, central Taiwan, Mayun Day Backpacker Hostel is a budget-friendly, welcoming base for travelers looking to escape the crowds of Taipei and Taichung and explore one of Taiwan’s most underrated scenic regions. Far from the chain hotels that dominate tourist hubs, this family-run backpacker spot captures the quiet charm of rural Taiwan, catering to solo travelers, hiking groups, and casual road trippers who prioritize comfort, convenience, and local connection over luxury. Whether you’re here to cycle the famous Jiji green tunnel, hike a nearby mountain, or simply slow down and soak up small-town life, this hostel hits the sweet spot between affordability and practicality.

Hotel Overview

Mayun Day Backpacker Hostel is located at No. 20, Lane 529, Jixian Street, Jiji Township, Nantou County 552, a short 10-minute walk from Jiji Railway Station and the town’s main dining and snack street. Designed for budget travelers, the hostel offers clean, simple rooms with all the core amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Complimentary parking is available at a nearby public lot, no reservation required—perfect for anyone road-tripping through Nantou. Free WiFi covers the entire property, so you can easily plan your day’s adventures or share photos of Jiji’s sun-dappled scenery. Shared facilities include a fully equipped guest kitchen where you can prep simple meals or store snacks for day trips, plus common areas with flat-screen TVs for relaxing after a long day of exploring. All rooms come with air conditioning and private balconies, so you can step out and enjoy fresh mountain air in the morning. The property is entirely non-smoking, and staff speak fluent Chinese, making it easy to ask for local recommendations or directions.

Nearby Attractions

Three standout attractions are all within a 15-minute drive of the hostel, making it easy to fill a two- to three-day stay. First, the Jiji Green Tunnel is a 4-kilometer stretch of old camphor and banyan trees that arch over a disused railway line, now converted into a car-free cycling path. Rent a bike near Jiji Station and cruise through dappled sunlight, stopping for photos at the old wooden railway bridges along the way—it’s one of the most photographed cycling routes in Taiwan, and just a 10-minute walk from the hostel. Second, the Checheng Old Street is 5 kilometers away, a well-preserved 19th-century commercial street lined with traditional wooden shophouses selling hand-painted umbrellas, local preserved fruit, and thick peanut ice cream rolls that you can eat while wandering. Third, the iconic Sun Moon Lake is just a 40-minute drive from Jiji, one of Taiwan’s most famous natural landmarks, with hiking trails around the lake, cable car rides, and traditional aboriginal cultural villages to explore.

Travel Tips

If you’re arriving by public transport, take the Jiji line train from Taichung to Jiji Station; the hostel is an easy 10-minute walk from the station. If you’re driving, follow Google Maps directly to the hostel address, then park for free at the nearby public lot—you don’t need to book a spot in advance. Bring comfortable walking shoes for cycling the green tunnel and hiking around Sun Moon Lake, and pack light layers, as Nantou’s mountain climate is cooler than the lowlands, even in summer. Stock up on snacks at Jiji’s local night market (held every Saturday evening, five minutes from the hostel) before heading out for day trips, and don’t leave without trying Jiji’s famous local delicacy