Hualien Homestay Paints Life Dreams with Stones – Hundreds of Them Hold Travelers’ Memories

▲ The colorful painting room at House of Stones in Hualien. (Photo / Screenshot from the House of Stones in Hualien Facebook page)

ReporterYan Xintong/ Comprehensive Report

The “House of Stones” homestay is located in Ji’an Township, Hualien, blessed with a unique geographical setting surrounded by the abundant stones, waves, and sea breezes of the East Coast. The owner, Ms. Liu, says that Hualien is“the hometown of stones”, and a special feature of staying here is that guests can paint on stones – also a hallmark of the “House of Stones.” Whether expressing their current mood or dreams, each painted stone tells a unique story.
▲ Exterior of House of Stones in Hualien, featuring a large grassy courtyard outside and a happy farm at the back. (Photo / Screenshot from the House of Stones in Hualien Facebook page)

Ms. Liu recalls: “After purchasing this land back then, I built the homestay according to my childhood dream. Originally, I had wanted to make it an investment property but couldn’t sell it, so I decided to turn it into a homestay. At first, only my son-in-law came by daily, but he was very introverted and didn’t feel comfortable chatting with others, so he quietly started painting stones. At first, only he was painting, and he created many beautiful pieces, which inspired me to let guests paint stones as well, offering them the experience of Hualien as the hometown of stones. It gives off more of a homely feel, hence the name ‘House of Stones.’” Asked if there were any challenges in running the business, Ms. Liu said: “My husband was initially opposed because the land is so large, and he worried we wouldn’t have enough guests.”

▲ House of Stones in Hualien (Photo / Screenshot from the House of Stones in Hualien Facebook page)

The homestay is filled with stones of all sizes, placed throughout the property – there are at least a hundred of them. Speaking of the stones, each has a story. Ms. Liu said: “A long time ago, a guest painted a stone but forgot to take it with them. Then, in 2007, they returned and specifically came back to look for that same stone.” Perhaps they were just fated to meet again – they recognized it immediately as the one they had painted.

As for the paint used on the stones, Ms. Liu explained: “Children use regular watercolor, but those who are more skilled use advertising paint, which lasts longer and has better effects.” The exterior walls of the homestay are also painted, and the rooms inside offer whimsical illustrations as well as painted-room options. The painted room is a six-person unit, designed by Ms. Liu for the convenience of travelers carrying luggage or traveling with elderly and children.

▲ The painted room at House of Stones in Hualien (Photo / Screenshot from the House of Stones in Hualien Facebook page)

The homestay features a wall decorated with painted stones. In addition to the stones, there are various ecological ponds. Ms. Liu excitedly shares: “Listen！ What’s that sound? Cicadas！ And at night, there are frogs too！” During the interview, she enthusiastically talked about the homestay’s happy farm and natural ecosystem. For example, on the day of the interview, she and Singaporean guests discovered a red-wattled lapwing by a ditch. To save the bird, they took it home and cared for it in an incubator until the next day when they released it back into the wild.

▲ A six-person room at House of Stones in Hualien (Photo / Screenshot from the House of Stones in Hualien Facebook page)

▲ Painted room types at House of Stones in Hualien: left is the six-person room, right is the four-person room. (Photo / Screenshot from the House of Stones in Hualien Facebook page)

Ms. Liu also mentioned that guests can consult her for local travel itineraries. She added that she personally experiences them before recommending them to guests, only suggesting the fun ones. Enjoy nature, experience the ecosystem, and paint stones – it’s also a great choice for families traveling together.

House of Stones in Hualien
Address: No. 26, Lane 251, Section 1, Nanbin Road, Ji’an Township, Hualien County
Phone: 0933485552