Live in a home in the mountains of Taiwan’s Alishan range — stay at Chiayi’s “secret treehouse” to admire rolling sea of clouds and breathe in the slow forest life

▲ This romantic treehouse was personally built by the homestay owner.

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Photography and reporting from Chiayi

The fast pace of city life can often be overwhelming. Take a relaxing holiday in the mountains, and head to a secret treehouse in Chiayi that’s perfect for escaping into nature and unwinding. The nature-loving owner has personally built a hidden treehouse garden called 《Lai Kun-Yang’s Home》. This elevated wooden cabin offers views of the mountain scenery and is surrounded by lush greenery — it’s like living in a home high up in the mountains.

▲ This elevated treehouse feels like a home in the mountains.

▲ The back balcony offers views of mountain mist and sea of clouds.

The homestay owner’s main profession is tea farming, and the homestay is just a hobby. While researching wooden structures and planting flowers and trees, he gradually sketched out the blueprint for this secret treehouse base. There are a total of five elevated treehouses, and the entire homestay can accommodate up to 40 people. This secret garden is filled with rare and peculiar plants. Try a bite of the “tree tomato,” which tastes similar to passion fruit or guava but has the texture of a tomato — truly unique, like stepping into a wordless natural classroom.

▲ The uncommon tree tomatoes here turn red and can be picked right off the plant.

▲ As soon as you open the door, the scent of hinoki fills the air.

To maintain the longevity of the treehouses, each room is built using premium wood, mainly Taiwan cypress and hinoki. Each room is also renovated every two years. The owner mentioned that if cheaper imported southern yellow pine were used, termites would quickly become a problem. As soon as you step into a room, the aroma of wood greets you — it’s super soothing. Each treehouse also comes with its own tea pavilion, giving everyone their own private space to unwind.

▲ Each room has its own dedicated tea pavilion for tea and relaxation.

《Lai Kun-Yang’s Home》
Address: No. 22-1, Xinxingliao, Meishan Township, Chiayi County
Phone: 0937 103 119