The nostalgic and retro vibe of Xia Mu Homestay evokes fond memories for those who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s.

▲ This photo from Xia Mu’s Facebook page is what caught my eye. With two things I can’t resist—“old house” and “Japan”—how could I not be drawn in?

Photos and text byXiao Hu, Dream Eater Web


I often tell people that I’m not passionate about photography, meaning I don’t spend much time learning how to take great photos—I just snap pictures casually, even if they rarely turn out as I envision. But if there’s anything that instantly inspires me to shoot, it might be trains and old houses. That’s how I came across this Tainan homestay called “Xia Mu.”

Initially, before my trip to Tainan, I hadn’t given a thought to where I’d stay that night. It wasn’t until I arrived in Tainan that I asked the well-known travel blogger “Orange Dog” to recommend a simple, affordable homestay near the train station. After all, I just needed a place to shower and sleep—I was fine without a TV or even internet (since I had unlimited 3G). Of course, the expert didn’t recommend “Xia Mu,” which made our chance encounter all the more delightful.

The photo above, taken by stepping back and pressing the shutter, shows what might be better described as an “old apartment” rather than an old house. But I have to admit, that wooden door (reportedly over a hundred years old) and the wooden sign engraved with “Xia Mu” were incredibly charming and perfectly suited my aesthetic. And then there was that “windmill” that looked like it was pinned to a girl’s hair or ear.


Pushing open the front door, the lobby felt like it belonged to an old military dependents’ village uncle’s home, instantly transporting me 30 or 40 years back in time. I absolutely loved it—and took tons of photos.


Sometimes, it’s hard to put into words the beauty of a scene. It’s that deeply heartfelt kind of beauty that’s hard to describe in a single moment. I think Xia Mu gave me that exact feeling. Though I have to admit, staying in such a house for ten days or half a month might drive me a little crazy (laughs).


Some of the paintings and photographs on the walls are works by the owner’s friends. There’s apparently a touching story behind them, and perhaps guests who stay here might get to hear it—especially about the names “Xia Mu” and “Shi San.”

The old items in the house were brought back by the owner from travels around the world. Some are even over a hundred years old. For example, the wooden plaque couplet hanging in the lobby has a lot of charm. Though I, Xiao Hu, who didn’t study much, have no idea what it means, it’s still pleasing to the eye.


They didn’t even spare items from temples or utility poles. Things others might see as trash, the owner treats as “treasures.”


There are many old clocks on the wall, from the 1920s and 1930s, none of which work. When I asked the owner, he said it was intentional—he wants guests to forget about time and fully relax.

Coming to Xia Mu easily makes you feel 20 or 30 years younger, especially if you’re from the 1960s, 1970s, or even the 1950s generation. Every item in the house stirs up a flood of memories—the vegetable cabinet, the probably-unwatchable TV, even the wooden door that creaks when opened or closed.


The kitchen naturally has a refrigerator, but this one is actually the kind you’d see in old convenience stores—a “Black Pine Refrigerator.” It’s pretty cool and creative. Inside, there’s bottled water and some ice cream—though I’m not sure if it’s still edible or who left it there (laughs).


While heading upstairs, I noticed the owner even salvaged an old iron rolling shutter from someone’s front door. It’s hung on the wall and is quite amusing and charming. There’s also an old horizontal iron window added to it, adding to its intriguing look.

In the stairwell, there’s a large wooden cabinet with many compartments. On the shelves are small glass cups, each with a painting by the owner’s good friends. There’s also a business card for “Xia Mu,” giving a strong sense of the friendship between the owner and his now-departed friend.


Upstairs are two wooden window frames, each missing half their glass. They’re mounted on the wall in a geometric, artistic style. Can I say it’s very hipster?


The shared toilet and bathroom upstairs humorously have “KTV” written and drawn on them, making you want to grab a microphone. Then you realize the showerhead is right there (laughs).

As soon as you enter the bathroom, you see a bathtub covered in irregular mosaic tiles, instantly bringing back childhood memories of bath time. Ignoring my larger frame, I squeezed into half a tub of hot water, watching the overflow with sheer delight. I think such simple happiness is especially touching.


Have you ever bathed in a tub like this? If you have, you’ll definitely relate to Xiao Hu. I have so many memories tied to this bathtub. Back in my childhood, not many families had bathtubs. Every winter, we looked forward to the weekly family bath at the nearby public bathhouse.

Those bathhouses had tubs just like this, only much bigger and wider—enough for both my dad and me. That image has always stayed in my mind. Even though I was probably just 3 or 4 years old with few memories, I still remember the bathhouse vividly.


Xia Mu is essentially a renovated old apartment, so the layout has been intentionally preserved by the owner. As a result, the decoration and furnishing have minimal alterations or demolitions. There are two small rooms and one large room. The large one can accommodate four people, while the smaller ones sleep two.

This is the small living area in front of the bed in the large room. You might notice that neither the upstairs lobby nor this small room has a TV. That’s the owner’s principled and thoughtful choice—to help everyone enjoy a tranquil, off-the-grid experience.


The two double rooms below offer different styles but are equally cozy, retaining the charm of an old house. For me, these rooms give off a feeling of being back at my childhood home, and that sense brings extra comfort and relaxation.


The clever and charming move of bringing outdoor iron window frames inside creates the illusion of indoor scenery. A blue sky and white clouds painted on the wall would make it even better. Then, there’s the wooden stool hung on the wall—both a storage shelf and a clothes hanger. It’s playful use of space that I love.

The last room has a bunk bed, which instantly reminds me of the times I slept with my sisters. Everyone fought over the top bunk, and in the end, everyone crowded there, leaving the bottom bunk lonely (laughs). Families with kids would probably love this setup.


Overall, Xia Mu is a simple homestay created from a renovated old apartment. While it may not be the most convenient in terms of daily amenities—like the upstairs toilet that might not work—it’s perfectly fine for a family or group of friends.

What I love most is its nostalgic, old-world charm. I think I’ll want to stay at Xia Mu for a night whenever I visit Tainan alone. It’s like visiting an old friend.


[Xia Mu Homestay]

Address:No. 24, Lane 333, Section 1, Ximen Road, South District, Tainan City
Phone:0929692813
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