A forest in the city! Enjoy a cup of coffee in the Mud Nest Cave — a hidden new photo spot

▲ The Houshi Settlement creates a green space in the city (Photo / Reporter Peng Huaiyu).

Reporter Peng Huaiyu / Hsinchu Report

Traveling back to prehistoric times and sipping coffee in an organic cave? Just imagining it is such a striking contrast of images. Located in downtown Zhubei, the “Houshi Settlement” features a cave made with mud instead of concrete, bamboo strips instead of steel bars, and natural materials such as glutinous rice, rice bran, and straw — creating this earthy “Mud Nest.” A classic example of green architecture, it’s definitely a major eye-catching highlight.

▲ The “Mud Nest” cave inside the Houshi Settlement is a major eye-catching highlight (Photo / Reporter Peng Huaiyu).

▲ The cave is small and primitive, creating a strong vibe of the fusion between humanity and nature (Photo / Screenshot fromthe Houshi Settlement’s official Facebook page).

Several holes are designed on the top of the large nest to allow air circulation, creating a cool and comfortable space. Another feature is the “window” by the pond — looking out from the cave entrance, you can see the green pond right next to you. While listening to the gentle sound of flowing water, enjoy a cup of coffee — it’s truly relaxing. Taking a moody photo in this small cave is no challenge at all.

▲ The main building inside the Houshi Settlement (Photo / Reporter Peng Huaiyu, same below).

Stepping into the “Houshi Settlement,” you’re completely cut off from the noise of the city. Surrounded by green plants, ponds, and wooden structures, it creates a tranquil space that feels like a forest — like stepping into a green oasis in the city. The site also has two wooden swings. Sitting on them and swaying gently lets you temporarily forget your worries, offering a highly healing experience. The settlement is home to artisans from various fields coexisting and thriving together. It includes an oil workshop, vegetable and fruit workshop, coffee workshop, bakery, fermentation workshop, community kitchen, and metalworking studio — every area is super photogenic and offers modern people ideas for a better life.

▲ There are wooden swings in the settlement, with a green environment full of healing vibes.

Address: No. 95, Section 2, East Guangming 6th Road, Zhubei City, Hsinchu County
Phone: 03-5506289
Admission: Free
Business Hours: 10:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

▲ Entrance of the Houshi Settlement.