A real-life Studio Ghibli scene: a ruin attraction that looks like Howl’s Moving Castle

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

In recent years, ruin attractions have sparked a photo-taking craze online, as if every abandoned site and relic across Taiwan has been infused with new life. Deep in the mountains of Hsinchu stands a building that resembles Howl’s Moving Castle—this is the “Li Dong Mountain Villa,” an entrance building for hiking to Li Dongshan Fortress, where visitors can rest. The fortress itself is a structure with dual functions as a command post and artillery battery, exuding a strong sense of ruins and featuring a unique charm.

Li Dong Mountain Villa, brimming with a ruin-like atmosphere, is located at the hiking entrance at an altitude of about 1,913 meters. It was built over 90 years ago by Mr. Zhu Wanhe and originally operated as a homestay—a popular resting spot for hikers. Nowadays, the elderly gentleman has turned it into a simple rest station for hikers to take a break and take photos. Its distinctive exterior has unexpectedly become a popular photo spot for visitors.