The "northernmost homestay" in

Reported and photographed by Chen Tzu-yin / Matsu

▲ The northernmost homestay in the Republic of China is located in Zhongliu Village, Dongyin Township, Matsu, featuring a lively and colorful exterior.

The “Dongyin Cape Homestay,” situated in Zhongliu Village, Dongyin Township, Matsu, is actually located on “Xiyin Island.” “When my friends and family on Dongyin and Xiyin heard I was opening a homestay on Xiyin Island, they all asked if I’d lost my mind?” said Liu Ya-pei, the homestay owner. With only three households on Xiyin Island compared to Dongyin, the place is sparsely populated — so it’s no wonder her decision raised eyebrows. But anyone who meets Liu Ya-pei will understand that her passion and straightforwardness are more than enough reason to open this homestay. Her warmth makes Xiyin Island feel lively despite its small population. Originally, the rooms were only open to military personnel, but in February this year, they were officially opened to tourists, giving visitors to Matsu the chance to stay at the “northernmost homestay in the Republic of China.” Liu Ya-pei said, “Every time I pointed toward my place from Dongyin Island, tourists couldn’t tell which one it was, so I decided to paint the exterior the brightest color possible — that way, it’d be unmistakable!” And so, she painted the homestay a vibrant orange-yellow. All the interior and exterior designs were conceived and discussed by her and her husband. The room furnishings and decorations were specially purchased from shops on Taiwan proper and transported back via plane and boat. Opening a homestay on Xiyin Island was no easy feat. “Others have ‘Cape No. 7,’ we have ‘Cape No. 137’!” That’s how the Dongyin Cape Homestay got its name.

▲ The homestay features iron-and-wood stairs leading from the second floor to the first, offering scenic views along the way.


▲ A view of Crocodile Island from outside the room. (Crocodile Island resembles a crocodile lying on the sea surface, hence its name.)





▲ To the right of the homestay lies the road to the “northernmost frontier of the nation.” (The northernmost frontier of the nation is the northernmost point of the Republic of China — Beigu Reef, developed as one of Matsu’s scenic spots in 2006, marked by a “Northernmost Frontier of the Nation” stone stele. It’s a must-visit spot in Dongyin Township.)

 
▲ The outdoor space of the rooms, surrounded by mountain and sea views, feels like a world apart.


▲ The blue-themed rooms feature a lively ocean vibe, with gray bathrooms and blocky exterior walls that combine modern aesthetics with a touch of local Min-style retro charm.

▲ The left and right photos: Orange and pink-themed rooms exude a sweet, romantic, girly style.

▲ There’s also a yellow-themed room, complemented by wall art, adding a playful touch.

▲ Each room has a pair of couple bears on the bed to accompany guests for a good night’s sleep.

“Hi everyone, I’m Pei Pei (Bunny), your buddy to the end of the trip!” That’s what Liu Ya-pei said when we first met her. She seemed like a battery always fully charged, always wearing a big smile on her face, sharing stories about her life growing up in Matsu like an older sister next door, happily recounting every bit of it. In her eyes, Matsu is more wonderful and surprising than anyone else could imagine.

 


Liu Ya-pei carefully decorates each room. Aside from different main color schemes, every room has unique decorations, and every corner reflects her heartfelt care in treating guests like family.

“Dongyin Cape Homestay” has two floors, currently offering six rooms, with three more under construction and expected to be completed by May. If you have the chance to visit Matsu, the “northernmost homestay in the Republic of China” offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle — truly worth experiencing.

▲ Left: Liu Ya-pei, with a sunny smile, grew up in Matsu, loves the land, and personally built the first homestay on Xiyin Island. Right: Liu Ya-pei’s home is right next to the homestay, also painted in a bright orange color.