By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Like Tamsui Breeze and Taichung Bird Days, Chiayi Inn is part of the Chien Yeh Cultural Tourism group of boutique business hotels. Drawing on elements such as cherry blossoms, sacred trees, and tea-covered mountains, Chiayi Inn strives to connect culture, landscapes, memories, and local character. Though the limitations of repurposing old buildings are many, Chiayi Inn pursues environmental innovation. By using local elements and unleashing new creativity, it doesn’t aim to please everyone—but hopes to spark public discussion. Making a living in Chiayi isn’t easy, so Chiayi Inn does its best to engage outstanding local talent. These various principles, _?濉⒉恍浮⒋煺邸⒎词∮胩致郏?are held steadfastly. We hope to offer travelers a unique perspective on the city.

Introduction to Chiayi Inn’s design philosophy:

Spatial Design

Cherry blossoms are the gaze upon Alishan; birds carry the whispers of the seasons; tea reveals the mountain’s secrets; art is the city’s breath; this forestry city wears a wooden smile.

A few diagonal lines cut across the floor, breaking the originally dull flatness. Various wooden elements with distinct expressions interweave to form the space: large breathing side walls, a hinoki reception desk mimicking a sacred tree, and a step-like layered floor.

A minimalist cherry blossom motif behind the reception desk appears both solid and ethereal, shifting in and out of view, hidden at the back of the lobby, waiting with consistent sincerity and joy.

High-color furniture pieces act as natural oddities, while sculptures by Teacher Xiao Binghuang resemble forest sprites. Everyday street scenes from Chiayi, black-and-white prints, wildflowers, tea aromas, clean wood, grass, and trees all blend into a serene scene.

Exterior Design

The original structure of Chiayi Inn was a historical scene sealed in the hearts of Chiayi residents for many years—the once-beloved Yimei Opera House of the older generation had been dormant for ages. Giving new life to the old building involved not only refreshing its exterior and integrating repurposed functions but also connecting with contemporary local elements of Chiayi to trigger emotional resonance and dialogue. The cherry blossoms of Alishan and the ripples along the Willow Waterfront are our elements for engaging with the environment, constructing a spatial memory unique to Chiayi. On the silver walls, punching techniques are used like brushstrokes to depict the brilliant fall of cherry petals. The four curved lines of the façade are inspired by water ripples, cascading upward layer by layer. Under sunlight, the varying angles create different shimmering hues, making the Yoshino cherry blossoms appear even more three-dimensional and vivid.

Room Design

Simple spatial aesthetics are part of everyday life, just as a traveler seeks simple joys. The rooms at the hotel avoid excessive ornamental decoration. White wall tones paired with black-and-white photos depicting Chiayi’s cultural scenery offer appropriate minimalism, combined with warm-toned wooden furniture. Through simple arrangements, a comfortable and relaxed home-like atmosphere is created, allowing passing travelers to feel a “home” vibe while searching for memories. In the bathrooms, large glass panels create a bright, open visual effect, bringing people closer to the space, merging the bathroom with the room. This not only enlarges the sense of space but also breaks the stereotype of traditional business hotel rooms being cramped. The minimalist design style resonates more deeply with travelers.