Stay in a breathing glass house — 360-degree mountain views surrounded by blue-light fireflies

▲ The entire building is a glass house (Photo / Reposted fromShan Yan Siji Homestay fanpage)

Reported by Yan Xintong / Comprehensive coverage

Shan Yan Siji Homestay is just a 20-minute drive from the Golden Needle Flower Fields of Liushitou Mountain, so nearly all visitors coming to see the golden flowers pass by this homestay. Hidden along a winding mountain road and situated on a mountainside, it overlooks terraced fields and presents expansive views of the Central and Coastal Mountain Ranges. The homestay is a glass house with a full 360-degree mountain view. Owner Liu Fenglian saysShan Yan Siji is a “breathing” house. The glass structure allows for excellent heat dissipation, and every room has a terrace with lush mountain scenery.

▲ Unobstructed view of the terraced fields (Photo / Reposted from Shan Yan Siji Homestay fan page)

The concept for the glass house design was all her husband’s idea. Calling it a “breathing” house isn’t without reason — the surroundings are covered in plants planted by the couple themselves. Sister Liu explains that this used to be the boss’s childhood home, a 30-plus-year-old abandoned house. The owner left home in his teens to make his way in the world, but like many who venture far, he longed to return to his roots. Upon retirement, he wanted to go back to where it all began. Earlier, it seemed the timing wasn’t right; though he had the vision, he couldn’t fulfill the dream.

▲ Currently, betel nut trees are preserved while Douglas firs are planted. Once the young trees take root, the betel nut trees will be removed — a considerate move by Shan Yan Siji to protect local wildlife. (Photo / Reposted from Shan Yan Siji Homestay fan page)

When returning to their hometown to renovate the old house, they also aimed not to disturb the habitats of nearby wildlife. Considering cohabitation with nature and soil conservation, the surrounding mountain views were specially planned. For example, existing betel nut trees nearby were not moved immediately. Instead, over 200 Douglas firs were planted under them, with plans to remove the betel nut trees once the firs are well-established. This approach enhances the landscape while also ensuringthis land hasn’t used pesticides or weed trimmers for over 20 years, relying entirely on manual care.

▲ Every room has a terrace offering breathtaking mountain mist views (Photo / Reposted from Shan Yan Siji Homestay fan page, with permission — please do not repost without authorization)

Sister Liu says that at Shan Yan Siji Homestay, the seasonal changes throughout the year are dramatic, and the scenery varies from morning to night. For instance, on autumn mornings, you might see mist lingering around the mountains. With the crisp, clear autumn air occasionally brushed by mountain breezes and sunny days bathing the area in sunlight, morning mist often drifts in from the east. She especially recommends guests wake up at 5 a.m. to enjoy the mountain view from their room’s terrace. Sipping coffee while watching the dawn break marks a perfect start to the day.

On clear, fine mornings,you can see the play of light and shadow from Liushitou Mountain projected onto the ridgeline of the nearby Coastal Mountain Range, with mountain mist drifting through the valleys. As the light shifts, it’s as if the mountain ridge is outlined in gold. Brilliant golden-orange hues awaken the peaks, so vivid you can even capture the changing light with your phone — all the way until dusk brings ever-changing skies. Comenight, you’re greeted with a sky full of stars, meteors, and the Milky Way. She adds that the location attracts many photography enthusiasts, sometimes seeing groups of photographers setting up tripods just to catch fleeting moments.

▲ Room types at Shan Yan Siji (Photo / Reposted from Shan Yan Siji Homestay fan page, with permission — please do not repost without authorization)

On summer nights with good weather, Shan Yan Siji will turn off all the lights once all guests have arrived. The lights stay off for as long as possible to allow stargazing, firefly viewing, and sightings of rhinoceros beetles in the absence of light pollution. Sister Liu says the Fuli area is relatively unpolluted, making it possible to see clusters of fireflies. Fireflies and dragonflies thrive only in natural, unpolluted environments — the cleaner the area, the more you’ll spot.

Fuli’s fireflies are different from those found near the foothills, in the north, or other regions. Typically, common fireflies emit yellow-green light, butin Fuli, they emit blue light. In other areas, fireflies usually appear in April, May, or June, but in Fuli, they emerge from late July to August, and can even be seen as late as October. At Shan Yan Siji, you can see them right in the yard. She adds that these little creatures seem to coordinate — they come out together when the conditions are right, and not a single one appears when the timing isn’t ideal. During April and May, rhinoceros beetles are also out in droves, with dozens crawling onto the terrace, and occasionally even into rooms, surprising guests.

▲ The first-floor environment is cozy and offers wide mountain views (Photo / Reposted from Shan Yan Siji Homestay fan page, with permission — please do not repost without authorization)

Shan Yan Siji has a total of 8 rooms,Each room offers a mountain view.In particular, there is one room on the first floor specially designated for guests traveling with small pets—only pets under 5 kg, such as small dogs, are allowed.It is quite rare to find a homestay that provides such pet-friendly accommodation.Considering that some travelers may wish to bring their pets along, Sister Liu has specifically prepared this type of room.

▲ Shan Yan Si Ji Room Type (Photo/Reproduced from the Shan Yan Si Ji Homestay official Facebook page, with permission. Please do not reproduce without authorization.)

As for the guests, they come from diverse backgrounds. Sister Liu mentioned that many arrange their own itineraries—some come purely for vacation and relaxation. However, when visiting Hualien, she still recommends renting a vehicle near Yuli Railway Station for easier transportation around the area. Alternatively, guests can request a homestay shuttle service when making a reservation. Given that Shan Yan Si Ji has a large property, visitors are encouraged to explore the nearby areas, such as playing in the water at Jiuan River or walking down to the foot of the mountain, as the entire Futian Road is scenic.

▲ Shan Yan Si Ji Room Type (Photo/Reproduced from the Shan Yan Si Ji Homestay official Facebook page, with permission. Please do not reproduce without authorization.)

Shan Yan Si Ji
Address: No. 88, Futian, Zhutian Village, Fuli Township, Hualien County
Phone: 0989085618 (Sister Liu)
Room Types: Double Room, Triple Room, Quadruple Room
Official Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/SayanSeasons
Official Website:http://www.sayanseasons.com.tw/index.aspx