The design inspiration all comes from Argentina. A seventh-grader bravely opens a backpacker hostel.

▲24-hour access control measures are in place, making it not only strict but also safe and worry-free. (Photo / Provided by Hualien Aires Capsule Backpackers)

ReporterYan Xintong／Comprehensive Report

The owner, Eden, is a seventh-grader who loves everything about Hualien. Knowing that many foreign guests visit Hualien, he decided to promote the beauty of the area: “I can’t travel to many countries myself, so I wanted to open a backpacker hostel where I can meet friends from all over the world, exchange ideas, and hear their stories.”

It turns out Eden’s parents have been doing business in Argentina for many years, so he has had quite a bit of exposure to the country. The vibrant and lively color scheme inside the hostel was inspired by materials Eden encountered in Argentina, which later became the creative inspiration for the hostel’s design. Eden said: “To make the hostel’s style stand out, I incorporated ideas from Argentine elements, and even the name is named after Argentina’s capital city.”

▲The interior space, decorated in harmonious tones, has a lounge on the first floor where backpackers can chat and get to know each other. (Photo / Provided by Hualien Aires Capsule Backpackers)

▲The table was handcrafted by Eden, made by painting wooden boards, all inspired by memories from Argentina. (Photo / Provided by Hualien Aires Capsule Backpackers)

Eden said: “Hualien has a relaxed pace of life, unlike the hectic pace of Taipei. Running this hostel allows me to meet all kinds of travelers.” The most memorable experience for Eden was: “There was a guest who came to stay for ten days after arguing with his wife. He would get up early every day to read and relax.”

Eden also mentioned that Taiwanese people’s definition of a backpacker hostel is somewhat different from that abroad, as there isn’t usually much of a culture of sharing. However, in recent years, the concept of backpacker hostels in Taiwan has gradually changed. For example, sometimes people meet at the hostel and end up hanging out together—maybe planning to visit Taroko Gorge, renting a car together, and going on a trip. Eden said that to him, a backpacker hostel means: “You’re not alone when you travel here because you’ll have a group of people to explore with.”

▲The wooden flooring is paired with other wooden-designed cabinets, wall tables, bunk beds, and storage lockers, making it suitable for groups of friends traveling together. (Photo / Provided by Hualien Aires Capsule Backpackers)

▲The bed space for one person comes with a thoughtful power outlet. (Photo / Provided by Hualien Aires Capsule Backpackers)

▲Bathroom space with separate wet and dry areas. (Photo / Provided by Hualien Aires Capsule Backpackers)

The hostel offers thoughtful services. Considering that travelers may have transportation concerns, Eden also runs a car and motorcycle rental shop, available for guests who need them. For those interested in river tracing, there are partnerships with licensed professional guides. There are also firefly tours—if you want to see fireflies, you can stay here, and Aires Capsule Backpackers also provides legal vehicle pick-up and drop-off services. Additionally, there is a barbecue area available.

Hualien Aires Capsule Backpackers
Address: No. 123, Guosheng 8th St., Hualien City (about a 10-minute walk from Hualien Railway Station)
Phone: 0975208335
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/aires.hl
Services: Bicycle, scooter, electric scooter, and car rentals; river tracing, rafting, whale watching, paragliding, surfing, firefly tours, barbecues, and other travel activity bookings.
Prices: Bunk bed pricing, NT$500 per bed (except during Chinese New Year or major holidays; booking must be done directly with the hostel); double room / NT$1200 on weekdays.
Room Types: 8-person mixed room, 4-person female-only room, double room.