A hot spring soak with just a beautiful view through the window is enough to bring satisfaction — a one-night-two-meal hot spring homestay in Yilan

Text and photos / Excerpted from Four Jade Publishing’s "Yilan, A Wonderful Little Trip: Pocket Eats × Hidden Spots × Stylish Stays"

Not located in a standalone building but set within a row of connected residences in Qilidan, Jiaoxi Township, Dayu Hébi is near the famous Xiadi Wetlands in Jiaoxi. The surroundings aren’t lined with concrete buildings but vast farmlands that serve as a winter stopover for migratory birds. The owner, You Wenzhi, is a local from Yilan. A few years ago, he and his wife Xiaoshan returned to their hometown and started dreaming of running a homestay. Drawn to the tranquility and comfort of Japanese-style aesthetics, they designed the homestay with that vibe in mind.

 

Enchanting Hot Spring Stay – Admire Farmlands and Watch Migratory Birds

Their first claim to fame was their first annex homestay — Dayu Buya, a simple single-story house transformed into a Japanese-inspired vacation space through clever design. Its three guest rooms all feature comfortable hot spring soaking tubs, offering guests the high-quality waters of Jiaoxi. Dayu Hébi, the second property built in 2012, was designed by connecting three adjacent single-story homes. It offers more space and even more captivating views, while the original Dayu Buya now caters mainly to guests booking the entire property.

Dayu Hébi stays true to the refined style of Dayu Buya. From the entrance foyer to the host’s cooking bar, and even the large wooden table adorned with iron kettles, the atmosphere feels like being in a Japanese home. With six guest rooms — each uniquely named (Mufeng, Yingfeng, Yunwu, Yunyou, Daofu, Qianfu) — each has its own charm, but all share the common highlight of a comfortable cypress hot spring tub. The hosts have generously used natural wood throughout, with over 90% of the interiors being wooden, creating a refreshing, forest-like ambiance.



Seafood Delights to Savor

Seafood cuisine is the most memorable highlight of Dayu Hébi. Owner You Wenzhi studied marine science and once spent time in Shitiping, going out to sea with fishermen, enriching his knowledge of fresh seafood. While his cooking skills may not rival those of a five-star chef, his dedication and deep understanding of fish and seafood ingredients have earned praise for the delicious daily meals served at the homestay.

Guests are sure to enjoy a local Yilan-style breakfast — a plate of overnight-dried fish, a serving of Sanxing scallion scrambled eggs, along with hot spring vegetables and homemade pickles, all delivering a sense of pure happiness. However, dinner, prepared by the owners, requires reservation. The ever-changing selection of seasonal fish, shrimp, and crabs keeps regular guests coming back. Whether it’s a pan-seared red snapper, a pot of fish soup with wild chives, or the plump shrimp and crabs of autumn, these are unforgettable delights.
Good Food Paired with Fine Wine

Time: 09:00～21:00 (for room reservations)
Fine food deserves fine wine. At Dayu Hébi, alongside seasonal delicacies, the hosts also prepare premium Japanese sake for guests. Whether it’s a crisp daiginjo or a smooth, mellow shochu, you can toast under the moon in summer or warm your stomach in winter. Sharing drinks and conversation with friends — what more could one ask for in life?www.taiori.com