A Love Story Between a Taiwanese Guy and a Dongyin Girl — Dongyin Shangri-La Homestay

Text & Photography / Chen Guanxin

Situated on the northernmost island of Taiwan, the homestay "Shangri-La" is just about 50 meters from the 7-11 on Dongyin Island. Its considerate services include not only lodging and meals but also special discounted rates for family members visiting their loved ones serving in the military on Dongyin, making guests feel truly welcomed.

Opened for over two years, Shangri-La may not yet be a household name, but mention "Xiang Ji Hotpot," and both locals and soldiers stationed on Dongyin will certainly know it well. The fragrant hotpot spot has been delighting palates for over twenty years and was once a popular hangout for off-duty soldiers. The story goes that Xiang Ji’s founder, affectionately known as "Xiang Dad," was originally a young man from Changhua. During his military service, he drew lots to be stationed in what the audience would later give a standing ovation for — Kinmen. There, he met "Xiang Mom," a girl from Dongyin, and decided to settle down on the island. Moreover, the second-generation owner of Shangri-La — Qiu Xiaojuan — also met her Taiwanese husband, who was stationed in Dongyin, at Xiang Dad and Xiang Mom’s hotpot shop, thus continuing the heartwarming legacy of love stories between Taiwanese men and Dongyin girls across two generations.

When traveling to Dongyin, the last thing you want is to receive a “Guam” gift from Mother Nature — that is, being stranded on the island due to bad weather and suspended ferry services. To deal with this “the rain keeps the guests, and the heavens leave us no choice but to stay” situation, Qiu Xiaojuan explains that computers and internet access are essential amenities in Dongyin homestays. Additionally, during the annual off-season from October to April, off-duty soldiers become the main guests. To provide these servicemen seeking peace and quiet with a suitable place to relax, computers and internet are the best recreational options. At Shangri-La, computers are not only standard, but some room types even come with two, catering perfectly to guests who wish to play games online together or use them individually.

Another highlight of Shangri-La is its all-in-one service that covers both lodging and dining. Here, Xiang Ji Hotpot serves authentic Matsu-style cuisine, and you can also ask Xiaojuan to take you to the market to buy fresh seafood, which she will then cook for you. In addition, Xiang Ji offers ticket booking for the Taiwan-Matsu ferry, port pick-up and drop-off, scooter rentals, Dongyin travel consultations, and private island tours. Special discounted rates are available for girlfriends or family members visiting their soldier boyfriends or relatives stationed on Dongyin — feel free to call for details.

【Travel Information】

Phone: 0836-76191

Address: No. 128, Lehua Village, Dongyin Township, Lienchiang County

Prices: Twin Suite — NT$1,600 (off-season: Nov–Apr), NT$1,800 (peak season: May–Oct); Japanese-Style Family Suite — NT$2,200 (off-season), NT$2,400 (peak season)

Website: tw.myblog.yahoo.com/mouss0214