A Museum-Like Gem: Taitung’s Cat Sky “Hanshe” Offers Night Views and 5,000 Antiques

▲ The exterior of Hanshe in Taitung exudes a strong retro vibe.

Reported and photographed by Peng Huaiyu / Taitung

As night falls and the city lights begin to twinkle, Taitung offers a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Sipping a good cup of tea at a teahouse is truly one of life’s great pleasures.The “Hanshe” teahouse, situated on the mountainside of Sige Mountain in Taitung, opened in 1991 (the 80th year of the Republic of China) and is the first teahouse in Taitung. It’s perfect for enjoying night views and chatting with friends.Owner Zeng Hongxian shared that after visiting Cat Sky (Maokong) for tea, he realized that the scenery back home was even more breathtaking. Encouraged by friends, he built this unique “Hanshe Teahouse” brick by brick.

▲ From afar, Hanshe Teahouse offers a view of Taitung City’s night scenery that bears a striking resemblance to Cat Sky.

▲ One of Zeng Hongxian’s treasures, a yellow wax stone, is of considerable value.

Situated on the mountainside of Sige Mountain, in addition to offering a stunning view of Taitung City’s night scenery,the biggest highlight of Hanshe is Zeng Hongxian’s collection of antiques — from matchboxes to giant statues and yellow wax stones, totaling over 5,000 pieces.Zeng Hongxian jokes that because he loves collecting old things, he has quietly accumulated so many over the past few decades, and all of these antiques are his precious treasures. He proudly adds,that when actress Yang Guimei filmed “Under the Moonlight, I Remember,” she borrowed over 200 items from him. After the film’s success, Yang won the Best Actress award, and he felt honored to have contributed.

▲ Upon entering Hanshe Teahouse, you’ll spot a vintage Vespa motorcycle.

Wooden items can be found throughout the shop. Zeng Hongxian explains that most of them are driftwood from Typhoon Morakot. It took three years to craft them into tables and chairs. These aged woods date back between 800 to 1,500 years. Among them,the largest is a dugout canoe made from a single log — so big it takes three people to hug it.Taitung locals have long been engaged in farming. Practical household utensils and various rural antiques offer a nostalgic look back at the bittersweet days of agricultural life.

▲ The dugout canoe made from a single log is so large it requires three adults to encircle it.

The entire restaurant is steeped in an antique charm, as if transporting visitors back to their grandmother’s era. Elders can relive childhood memories, while younger generations can learn about the farming culture of the past. Starting as a tea-focused establishment, Hanshe serves only premium spring and winter competition-grade teas, and its dishes are mainly traditional home-style recipes. It’s a treasure-hunting journey that immerses you in rich nostalgia and warm hospitality.

▲ Countless stacked bowls and dishes form a scenic display all on their own.

▲ The interior of Hanshe Teahouse is filled with numerous antiques, and taking the time to appreciate them is well worth it.

▲ The meals at Hanshe Teahouse are mainly low-salt, healthy traditional-style set meals.

Hanshe Teahouse in Taitung
Address: No. 9, Lane 1, No. 29, Dingyanwan, Binglang Village, Beitun Township, Taitung County　
Phone: 089-229977　
Business Hours: 4:00 PM to 3:00 AM