A countryside firefly-viewing homestay where you sleep in a barn and embrace the mountains and waters—Zhuya Cottage in Miaoli

Text & Photography / MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin Image provided by Qiu Taiwei

Every May, the dreamy sight of nighttime fireflies resembling a sky full of stars makes Miaoli one of the must-visit destinations on travelers' lists, and the uniquely styled homestays here attract even more visitors. Among them, "Zhuya Cottage," which emphasizes typhoon resistance, nostalgia, and rural style, surrounded by lush greenery and offering the chance to see fireflies, attracts many visitors looking to enjoy a rare taste of rural life.

As soon as you enter the park, the dense groves and rows of wooden buildings make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a time tunnel, arriving at some unnamed mountain village. It turns out that the owner, who used to work in landscape design, aimed not to damage the precious mountain scenery or disrupt the local ecosystem. Not only did he use natural materials like wood for construction, but he also incorporated recycled resources. The doors and windows were designed to maximize natural light and ventilation. This approach not only allows you to enjoy the beautiful mountain and water views but also reduces the use of electric lights and air conditioning. The reserved owner, Zhuo Mingbang, smiles and says, “Using natural and recycled materials may not make the houses last a hundred years, but at least these buildings can eventually return to nature.”

If we’re talking about unique homestays, styles like Japanese, British, Mediterranean, or European castles are found all over Taiwan. But when you come to Zhuya Cottage, which emphasizes typhoon resistance, it would be a pity not to experience the suite renovated from an old barn. Upon entering the room, the warm yellow light from the bamboo lampshade in the sleeping area and the indigo-patterned curtains evoke memories of your grandmother’s room, while the rest area offers a view of the water on both sides and rustic wooden windows...

In addition, Zhuya Cottage’s rural style extends to its cuisine. In addition to the year-round semi-self-service “health herbal hotpot,” fresh seasonal vegetables and mushrooms from the garden are available for guests to help themselves. Main dishes such as Chinese toon noodle threads and pearl vegetable rolls are developed based on the concept of “balancing five vegetables, five grains, and five fruits according to the five elements of health,” allowing you to appreciate the charm of the countryside while nourishing your body with fresh seasonal produce, experiencing tranquility and harmony with nature from the inside out.