A glass boat covered in green vines ~ Tai’an Guanzhi

Source / Monocle Editorial Team

Nestled in Jinshui Village, Tai’an Township, nearly 500 meters above sea level, as you step into Tai’an Guanzhi, you’ll be warmly welcomed by an indigenous portrait titled “Harvest on the Head, Gifts in the Hands,” crafted by master woodcarver Wang Shin-yi. Walking along the corridor and entering the hall to the building’s third floor, you can see through the glass windows how the entire structure appears to rise from the grass. The unique hydrophilic facade of Tai’an Guanzhi naturally develops moss in areas that come into contact with moisture. Over time, the entire building will take on the elegant ambiance of a European castle. The ironwood integrated into the architecture itself will gradually fade in color over time—appearing like a wooden fence from the front, a screen wall from the side, and a corridor from within.

Beyond visual appeal, you can also enjoy a rich scent of wood. All the wood carvings, furniture, soap dishes, and water ladles in the venue are made from Taiwan’s native Hinoki cypress. The essence of Hinoki cypress is extracted to create Tai’an Guanzhi’s unique essential oil product “BOIT ONSEN Snow Forest,” used for hot spring bathing and aromatherapy, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the tranquil fragrance of wood.

Tai’an Guanzhi features four pavilion designs, offering accommodation, aromatherapy, and hot springs. Outdoors, terraced mirror pools and open-air hot spring areas are designed using the terrain’s elevation differences, surrounded by rocks, trees, and water curtains to fully integrate the bathing environment into the natural landscape. There are 28 room types available for accommodation. Before entering your room, the thoughtfully designed pathway leads you once again through an outdoor-feel corridor, and as you open the door, a vast expanse of green greets you. The entire building employs dramatic architectural techniques to remind guests of their reverence and attention to nature.

Address: No. 58, Yuandun, Jinshui Village, Tai’an Township, Miaoli County

Phone: 037-941-777

Website: www.papawaqa.com.tw