80-year-old house turned into a backpacker inn – Yuli Backpackers Inn was also a filming location for "Eternal Summer"

▲Our Old House Café (Photo / Screenshot from Our Old House’s official Facebook page)

ReporterYan Xintong/ Interview & Report

“Our Old House” is an 80-year-old building situated near Yuli Railway Station in Hualien. It provides dining and lodging services and operates both as a café and a backpacker inn.It was also a filming location for the movie “Eternal Summer,” where it served as the home of Kang Zhengxing, portrayed by actor Kai Ko..

Shen Jiaming, who takes on multiple roles including managing the place, is a native of Yuli, Hualien. Having graduated from Yuli Elementary School, Yuli Junior High, and Yuli Senior High, he has deep ties to the town. Our Old House creates an atmosphere that draws many travelers seeking a hidden paradise.

▲Our Old House Café (Photo / Screenshot from Our Old House’s official Facebook page)

Our Old House retains its original architectural structure and color scheme, primarily functioning as a café. It utilizes an OUR Japanese-style shared room to provide two guest rooms for backpacker lodging. The courtyard features a bar that serves coffee, tea, cocktails, and soft drinks for an additional fee, and the open-air courtyard is perfect for stargazing at night. Shen Jiaming said, “We kept the original building design – the construction methods are not up for debate. My own design contribution is the handmade bar in the courtyard. It’s a space where travelers from around the world can meet, share knowledge, exchange ideas, and engage in dialogue.”

Shen Jiaming has very clear personal ideals: “My family, the land I’m familiar with – it’s all here. This hometown land has nurtured us, and people live here. But in reality, they can’t truly live here. Human nature has been manipulated by money; people trample on integrity for profit and lose their moral compass.This is an era of losing control, and establishing and staying true to oneself means reclaiming the right to autonomy.”

A visitor named Mr. Huang who has stayed here said: “This place is really unique. The owner is young. I came here for drinks back then, and at night it turns into a little pub. It’s a great spot, and they even offer work-for-stay opportunities.”

Our Old House Café
Address: No. 62, Heping Road, Yuli Township, Hualien County
Phone: 0919-289-979
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ourhousecaffee
Room Types: our dormitory-style shared room (our-cafe in-store) (for other rooms, please check the Facebook page / official website)
Price: NT$400 per person (NT$500 per person during peak holiday periods)