Home Travel A slow-paced escape combining homestays ...

A slow-paced escape combining homestays and gourmet dining—new weekend getaways in Northern Taiwan

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views
Last updated 2026-09-24 — The rise of boutique hotels and design-driven homestays has boosted domestic travel, and planning short trips centered around homestays has become a new way to spend weekends. When you choose your accommodation as the starting point and set off from there, you can enjoy a romantic evening with the warm hospitality of your hosts...

The rise of boutique hotels and design-driven homestays has boosted domestic travel, and planning short trips centered around homestays has become a new way to spend weekends. When you choose your accommodation as the starting point and set off from there, you can spend a romantic evening under the warm hospitality of your hosts. The next morning, after a delicious, lovingly prepared breakfast, you can explore unique local hidden gems, savor the freshest local cuisine, and shop for the most authentic souvenirs. This way of "experiencing Taiwan" allows you to enjoy the distinct charm of staying outside your usual routine while also taking a deeper dive into the island’s wonders.


A Hokkaido-style wooden cottage homestay

Pingxi, synonymous with sky lanterns, is a famous mountain town. Thanks to the nostalgic charm of the Pingxi Railway, it attracts many visitors on holidays. Located near Jingting Station on the Pingxi Line, the "Hokkaido Homestay" was once the senior management dormitory of the Taiyang Coal Mining Company. Its pure Japanese wooden cottage style gives visitors the illusion of being in Japan as soon as they step into the area. Wooden floors, Japanese sliding doors, and tatami mats offer an authentic Japanese vibe, which attracted idol dramas such as "Roses of Versailles," "Poor Prince," and "The Ultimate Family" to film here.

After booking the Hokkaido Homestay, you can plan dinner on the first day at Jingting’s Red Diamond Miner’s Canteen. The owner’s specially made miner’s bento and the canteen’s recreation of the atmosphere of early mining canteens immerse you in a nostalgic, leisurely mood without you even realizing it. On the second day, you can visit the 80-year-old Jingting Station and admire its well-preserved wooden station building. In the afternoon, head to the Taiwan Coal Mine Museum, which was originally the Xinpingxi Coal Mine, constructed in 1965 but shut down due to coal depletion. Now, it serves as an exhibition hall documenting the history of Taiwan’s coal mining industry. The site includes introductions to the mining culture and history, rides on a small mining train around the premises, firefly ecology tours on spring evenings, and DIY sky lantern activities. This compact, Japanese-inspired Pingxi trip is perfect for busy office workers or families looking to spend a relaxing weekend.

Red Diamond Miner’s Canteen

 
Yilan is also a hotspot for idol drama locations. The "Cavotin Homestay" in Zhenshan Village, Yuanshan Township, was the love token villa given to the female lead by her senior in "Miss No Good," and also served as the dream project for the leads in "Those Were the Days." Walking out of Cavotin, you can stroll slowly along the country roads to take in the pristine beauty of Yilan’s countryside. In the evening, head to Orange Coffee to enjoy local cuisine and gaze at the night view of Yilan City. On the second day, make your way toward Dajiaoxi to reach Wanglongpi, where you can admire the emerald waters and lush mountain backdrop of the lake.

For a light weekend getaway in Northern Taiwan, start by picking a great homestay. Take your time immersing yourself in the homestay environment, blending with nature, enjoying a slow-paced lifestyle, and arranging nearby attractions to explore. If you're still deciding where to go for your weekend break, why not try this new approach? For more Northern Taiwan two-day trip itineraries, visit http://www.tripass.net/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=0&blog=7&post=527.


A Nostalgic Journey through Pingxi Mountain Town


→ Click here: Return to the Attractions Home Page

→ Click here: View More Travel News


 

Read more: Tottori Smile Homestay (Provided by Tripass Attractions Home)

Share

This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-43413

0