A space filled with warmth and memories — “Fengjia Homestay, Odin,” tucked away in the bustling city

Text and photos by /Kui Xiao Sun




Ever since I came to Taichung for university, I’ve stayed here — it’s been over ten years now. Compared to my birthplace, Kaohsiung, or Hsinchu where I lived as a child, I’ve grown much fonder of this place. It gives me freedom and comfort.

When friends were coming to Taichung, of course I had to find a place for us to gather. After all, six people wouldn’t fit at my place. As the local guide, I started looking for homestays and instantly fell for this one — an over 60-year-old house offering a private room and living space for the night, perfect for a bigger group.

This place, Odin, was actually featured on the show “Travel King” before. Whether it’s been advertised or not, whether you like it or not really depends on your own vibe. After booking the room, the communication and parking arrangements made me feel how genuinely friendly the homestay owners are. A group of guys run the place together, and their enthusiasm is obvious from the way they greet you. That’s when I started looking forward to what this old house would make me feel.


The old house is located down an alley, so if you’re driving, you can park for free at the nearby Sakura Market Parking Lot. But remember to inform the owner first so they can note down your license plate. It’s about a 5–8 minute walk from the parking lot to the homestay. If you’re riding motorcycles, you can just park right at the entrance. And if you’re staying near Fengjia Night Market, no worries at all — it’s super close.




I arrived first that day, checked in at the house, then went to pick up my friends. At the intersection of Fuxing Road and Henan Road, I turned into the small alley behind — and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. I’d been going to Fengjia Night Market for years without knowing there was such a hidden area, full of old houses where students and elderly residents live. As I got closer to Odin, my joy only grew.

Step by step, approaching it, stepping onto it, quietly yet thrillingly.


The story in the photos is one-sided, but the real story wraps around your eyes, ears, and nose in 360 degrees. I saw the living room with two long sofas that could easily seat more than ten people, heard the quietness — not the noise of Fengjia Night Market — along with the barks of dogs outside. I smelled the comforting scent of plants wafting through the air.

Above, there’s a loft space that both adults and kids would love to explore. The hosts said it’s welcome to climb up for a drink.






Climbing up to this adventurous corner, it felt solid and steady — I didn’t feel scared or in danger at all. Looking around, I suddenly thought this spot was amazing. You can see two rooms (we stayed in the six-person room, the other is a four-person room which wasn’t in use), and with the height of the loft, you can also look down into the living room. It reminded me of “Beyond Beauty — Taiwan from Above,” where sometimes you only see the world clearly when you look at it from high above.






Before it was time to go out, I sat here zoning out. There was even a magazine rack placed at the same height — so thoughtful. This Odin has a strong reading vibe; magazines and books are scattered all around. Looking at our booked six-person room, it had sofas and bunk beds inside, with a simple Nordic IKEA style that I just loved.




The wooden beams and exposed wires in the old house seem like pieces of art. That’s one of my favorite parts. Simple branches and hanging lights add warmth to the room. The yellow lighting is even the same tone I love at home — golden and extra cozy.




The six-person room has IKEA bunk beds, each bed fitting two people. The upper bunks felt a bit wobbly, but we still had a great time staying together that night. Maybe we’d just forgotten too long what it’s like to sleep on an upper bunk.




On the wall, besides Sasha, there were also autographs from Show Lo and Sister Butterfly. I wonder which beds they slept in? XD

In the room, one of the lower bunks was cleverly replaced with a clothes rack. This small space felt even more free and open. At this point, I realized the design styles of the male and female hosts are really different — each with their own charm.






The living room was where we talked, laughed, and ate all night. With a big TV, large sofas, two tables, and two boxes of tissues, it really felt designed for “groups” traveling together. Being able to chat through the night and lounge freely on the sofas with friends — you’ll realize this is one of the happiest moments in life.

As it turned out, I fell for these tissue boxes too — simple and incredibly pretty.







The bathroom is simple, with not too much decoration, but it’s clean. The sink is placed outside, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to wash your hands while showering. Have you noticed this homestay is also a creation of “Kafka on the Mountain”?

Actually, I only realized that later. So, not much has been removed from the house, leaving it filled with charm.




When the lights went out, I noticed each bed had a thoughtful individual reading lamp by the headboard — something few people would notice. You can take a favorite magazine to bed, keep chatting with friends, or gently flip through the pages.

That night, I remember the lively food scene of Fengjia Night Market, but I’ll never forget the moods and stories shared by everyone here. That night in the quiet 60-year-old house, I never expected to find such life right near the city center. The voices of the elderly in the morning made me feel this old house is very much alive.

I think I’ve fallen in love with old houses once again.


Author of this article:[Enjoying life without boredom. Kui Xiao Sun]

[Fengjia Homestay, Odin]

Address:Near Fuxing Road and Henan Road, West District, Taichung City
Contact number:0928－839－228
Consumption information:For five or six people staying on Friday or Saturday: 5400 yuan